24-Hour Library Book Kiosk Opens in San Diego

The county of San Diego opened a library kiosk in Kearny Mesa on Friday that will dispense hundreds of books and movies to library card- holders.

The "24/7 Library To Go" is the first of its kind on the West Coast and second in the U.S., according to county officials.

"The 24/7 Library To Go is just one new way the library is using state- of-the-art technology to better serve the needs of our community," Library Director Jose Aponte said. "This kiosk provides an extra layer of library service, where customers can find what they want, when they want it."

It will store more than 400 books and DVDs, much like a movie box at grocery stores, and be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The county said patrons can also gain access to the library's catalog and databases, reserve books for pickup at a county library branch or bookmobile, and pay late fees.

The kiosk looks similar to a giant vending machine, measuring 8 feet tall, 13 feet wide and 5 feet deep. It was created by EnvisionWare, manufactured in China and transported by ship before being placed at the County Operations Center.

Supervisors Greg Cox, Ron Roberts and Bill Horn each kicked in equal shares of money from their Neighborhood Reinvestment Programs to fund the $225,000 kiosk, according to the county.

—City News Service