Polk County is making books more accessible by installing Library Lending Vending Machines across popular community spots. These machines are designed to give residents easy access to books at locations like recreation centers and city halls, helping to bridge the gap for those who may not visit the library regularly. Now we want to see these pop up in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
The news was first put on our radar from an ABC Action News Video.
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To use the machines, residents simply scan their library card, select a book by entering its code, and retrieve it. A printed receipt provides the book’s due date, and readers can return their books either at the book drop next to the machine or at the library.
The vending machines currently serve locations such as the Visit Central Florida Welcome Center in Davenport, the Lake Wales and Carver Recreation Centers, Lakeland City Hall, and the Eloise Community Center. A new machine is also planned for the Bradley Community Center. Each person can check out up to 10 items at a time, with a three-week lending period.
By placing these machines in high-traffic areas, Polk County is making reading more convenient and encouraging greater library engagement. The program’s success has sparked hopes for similar initiatives in neighboring counties like Hillsborough.
If you’re looking for more literary adventures, you can shop at these 11 beautiful bookstores across Tampa Bay.
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