Patrons at the Clearwater Public Library have a new option when borrowing books and other materials, a self checkout station.

 

Last winter Clearwater Librarian Cyrene Bastian was approached by Patron Services Supervisor Ryan McCormick and asked if she would be interested in having a self checkout station installed. She agreed.

 

Although the Clearwater Friends of the Library purchased and installed the wiring that was needed for the station, installation was delayed due to the fire that occurred at the main St. Cloud Library in August, as nothing was allowed to leave the building. 

 

The self checkout station was finally installed Nov. 2. Within the first week, 60 different patrons had checked out nearly 150 items. 

 

“Customers have been very pleased to see the self checkout option,” said Bastian. “It’s been well received.”

 

She explained there are often times when only one staff person is behind the desk and there’s a lineup of patrons waiting. If someone is just checking items out and doesn’t need assistance the self checkout is a perfect fit for them.

 

The new service also gives staff members more time to assist patrons are looking for help.

 

Library patrons Megan Larson and her daughters, Susie, Maria and Sophie, like using the new service.

 

“You don’t have to wait in line if there are other people so it’s faster,” said Susie Larson.

 

Maria Larson added, “It’s fun to use!”

 

The self checkout station is equipped with a secure credit card reader, so patrons are now able to use a credit card to pay their fines. It also has an offline mode so checkouts can continue in case of a network outage.

 

The station is easy to use. Customers scan their library card, enter their four digit pin number, and scan their items. They can then choose to print their receipt, have it sent to their email, or completely forgo it. 

 

Staff members are available to answer any questions or walk users through the steps.

 

Eleven of the 32 libraries in the Great River Regional Library system currently have self checkout stations; Clearwater is one of the few branches only open 20 hours a week to offer the service.