What do community members want to check out at the library?
An on-board diagnostic error code reader, according to Keith Freund, the Adult Services librarian at the downtown branch of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.
The OBD error code reader is a device that allows a user to find out why their car’s “check engine light” notification is on. And while it may not be “Pride and Prejudice,” to Freund, it’s the epitome of what the modern library’s services are all about.
“I was thinking about how the purpose of the library has always been to give access to tools for personal enrichment, right?” Freund said. Historically, books have been the standard tool and still are, Freund said, clarifying that people are still checking out tens of thousands of books every year. But now, there are additional opportunities for the library to make knowledge more accessible to the community.
“The mission is still giving people access to better themselves and their lives,” Freund said. “It’s just that the methods and the tools that we use are slowly shifting, and listening to community feedback of what is useful and what they’re looking for, in order to give access to everyone, is sort of a big part of what the library does. So that error code reader box is part of that long tradition.”
The “long tradition” has continued to evolve as library patrons seek to explore a variety of new media accessible through their local branches, like audiobooks, e-books, podcasts, magazines, music and movies. And the ASCPL is making an effort to meet patrons where they are, even at the Akron transit station.
So Signal Akron set out to answer the question: How far can an ASCPL library card go?
Creating something new
At the Main Library, patrons have access to the TechZone, which offers tools for creative projects at little or no cost. The makerspace has a 3D printer, a button and magnet maker, a laminator, a heat press, a sewing machine, a vinyl printer, a laser engraving machine and more. TechZone staff can offer assistance with the equipment.
Patrons can use the equipment for personal projects or for their business. Freund said it’s common for local businesses to use the vinyl printer to create banners, signs and stickers.
“All the area businesses use their library card,” Freund said.
To use the machines, patrons can schedule an appointment by calling (330) 643-9145 or sending an email through the library’s contact form.
All library branches also offer public computers and WiFi access – no reservation required.
Bringing local art to the living room
Through a collaboration with the Akron Art Museum, the Main Library, as well as the North Hill, Odom Boulevard and Ellet branches, offers a collection of artwork that members can check out.
The “Akron Art Library” allows members to borrow an original artwork created by an artist with a local connection. For four weeks, the art gets to be a part of their at-home collection. Some patrons have taken the opportunity to keep a rotating gallery at home, selecting a new piece of art every few weeks, Freund said. Interest in the collection has continued to increase, so the library is looking to expand the program to additional branches.
“The Art Museum is thrilled with the program and really passionate about it, and they keep adding objects to the collection,” Freund said.
The “Akron Art Library” is part of the ASCPL “Library of Things,” which offers a diverse collection of resources including board games and puzzles, mobile hotspots, kitchen tools and cake pans (like this Mickey Mouse one).
The Main Library also offers a seed sharing library, where patrons can take home an assortment of seeds, ranging anywhere from catnip to tomatoes, to plant in their garden. The seed library also helps educate fledgling gardeners with a binder of instructions. Patrons can flip through for when and how to plant the seeds, care for them and harvest the plants.
“The library used to be the people’s university,” Freund said. “So I always think, ‘What are we offering here and how does it sort of make somebody’s life better?’”
Exploring Akron attractions
For patrons looking to spend some time outside of the book stacks, the library offers recreation passes for Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, the Akron Art Museum, the Akron Children’s Museum and the Akron Zoo. Members can check out a family pass that allows them to visit one of the Akron must-sees for free, “just as if you had purchased your own membership,” Freund said.
The passes are available to check out at all library branches. And if the Akron Art Museum passes are already checked out, the museum also offers free admission on Thursdays.
A phone call with a librarian
Freund said that the library is tasked with reaching everyone in the community, not just those who are already engaged. The library’s “Dial-A-Story” program helps community members access the library remotely on a regular basis.
Through “Dial-A-Story,” people can call the library and listen to a pre-recorded short story read by an ASCPL staff member. Anyone looking to “call up” a librarian can dial (234) 274-4400 and listen, with or without a library card.
Listening options are updated monthly and may include stories, poems, riddles and jokes – with options for children and adults.
Fine-free borrowing
On March 1, the 150th anniversary of the library opening to the public, the ASCPL officially went “fine free,” meaning that it will no longer charge overdue fines.
According to a library press release, overdue fines from the last four years have accounted for 0.30% or less of the library’s total revenue.
The statement said, “Eliminating overdue fines enhances access, provides equitable service, increases use, and removes penalties from children and families who can least afford them.”
But a fine-free library does not mean patrons can keep loaned materials forever. The library’s new system will consider materials not returned within 28 days of their due dates “lost,” and a replacement fee will be placed on the patron’s account. If the item is returned, the fee will be cleared.
How to get a library card
Library cards can be picked up at any of the 19 library locations — and they are available to anyone living, working or attending school in Ohio. When applying in person, a photo ID with a current address is required or a photo ID and a piece of mail with a current address.
Library card applications can also be completed online, allowing quick, at-home access to the library’s digital collection.