Deb Malewski
Contributing Writer
(Photo by Deb Malewski – The library staff pictured left to right: Bryonna Barton, Director; Jeremy Leik, Technology Coordinator; Emmy Datema, Youth Services Librarian; Teresa Baldwin, Assistant Director; Raynah Kidder, Outreach Coordinator Librarian.)
The Eaton Rapids Area District Library has taken a major step toward accessibility with the installation of a new exterior “locker,” made possible through a $20,000 grant from the American Library Association’s Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities program. A ribbon cutting was held on August 26 to celebrate the addition.
This secure, 24/7 pickup system allows patrons to retrieve library materials any time of day or night. It is especially valuable for immunocompromised or at-risk individuals and provides a safe, convenient, and contactless way for anyone to access library resources outside of regular business hours.
Located in the alley behind the library, the weather-safe locker was installed with the help of local businesses. It is designed to withstand flooding up to three feet deep and built with future growth in mind. The unit currently contains 17 compartments but can be expanded as demand increases. For many residents, it will fill the gap when the library is closed, including summer Saturdays.
Patrons can request a wide range of items for locker pickup, including books and many items from the popular “Library of Things” collection. Exceptions include Wi-Fi hotspots, which require connectivity, and items too large or too fragile to fit in the locker.
Library Director Bryonna Barton explained that the project was guided by community input. When earlier plans to expand the library did not move forward, staff sought other ways to serve the public. A community survey revealed strong support for a 24/7 pickup system, making the locker a clear choice.
There are several ways to arrange a locker pickup.
Online: Visit eradl.org, log in to the catalog, select your item, click reserve, and choose ERADL-Lockers as your pickup location.
By phone: Call 517-663-0950 and speak with library staff.
Through the Librista app: Reserve items directly from your device.
Reserved items remain in the locker for up to one week. Materials are typically available by the end of the day the request is made, or often sooner. Once opened, a locker remains accessible for one hour.
“We are so happy to be accessible to people 24/7,” said Jan Denton, President of the Friends of the Library. “It is like having a second library.”
The Eaton Rapids District Library has embraced the theme One Community, One Library to reflect its commitment to serving not only the City of Eaton Rapids, but also the neighboring townships of Hamlin and Eaton Rapids that make up the library district.
“We are committed to making the library more inclusive and accessible for everyone in our community,” Barton added. Library staff are also researching ways to maximize their current space, which may include adding self-checkout stations and replacing desktop computers with laptops that will not require large desks.
The library is located at 220 South Main Street. Summer hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m.–7 p.m. The rest of the year the library is open Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 10a.m.-7p.m. and Saturday 10a.m.-3p.m.
