News

Some communities balk at postal kiosks

August 10, 2003

MARION, Ohio -- Patrons of New Bloomington Post Office like to visit when they come in. The town has had the same postal clerk for 25 years. In many communities, the post office is one of the few neighborhood spots that remain. And to them, automated kiosks are not enticing.

According to a report in the Marion Star, the Internet or a kiosk cannot organize a bake sale or hold a Halloween costume party, just some of the things that staff at the New Bloomington's post office has done.

But a recent report from the President's Commission on the U.S. Postal Service said the agency is struggling to make the service financially sound. In an effort to pare down its $11-billion debt, the commission has suggested making the postal service "smaller and stronger."

Recommendations have included forming an eight-member panel to identify "low-activity" post offices that should be closed or consolidated.

The report, to be studied in Congressional hearings this fall, suggests making it an easier process for the government to close smaller post offices. It also suggests replacing them with automated kiosks that provide postal services or stamp machines placed in supermarkets. See related story, "USPS awards $4.1 million contract for kiosks."