Hardware

Library kiosks bring books, games to seniors in Michigan

Photo: Adobe Stock

June 4, 2024

Self-serve library book kiosks have been installed at the Richardson Community Center and The Avalon, senior living communities in Commerce Township, Michigan. The kiosks, which cost around $30,000 each, operate similar to vending machines, but the books are borrowed from the local library rather than purchased, according to a report from the Oakland Press.

"Our residents can now access all the benefits of the Commerce Township library," Bryan Neal, a representative of The Avalon, told the news outlet. "For many seniors who are no longer driving, these simple destinations are no longer simple. Our residents are thrilled to have an extension of the library."

To use the kiosk, patrons scan their library card which will unlock the kiosk door. Once the patron closes the door, the items they selected are checked out to their library card. Patrons can also check out a small selection of audiobooks and tablets, which are preloaded with puzzles, word games, number challenges and more, according to the news outlet.