The Ida Rupp Public Library has been able to serve residents even within the restrictions of a pandemic. To further improve their service, the library has installed new state-of-the-art lockers which provide patrons with 24/7 access to books and other library materials.

Lockers are available at all three locations – the main library, Ida Rupp Public Library in Port Clinton, as well as Erie Islands Library on South Bass Island and Marblehead Peninsula Branch Library in Marblehead.

The leading-edge technology gives patrons another safe way to pick up their holds with minimal contact with others. The lockers replace IRPL’s Grab Bags and No-Contact Hold services, which also offered safe ways to pick up library holds but only during designated library hours.

“Patrons can use them anytime – day or night,” said Director Lindsay Faust. “These lockers were made possible with funds from the CARES Act through the Ohio Office of Budget and Management. We are most grateful.”

To use the lockers, patrons just need a library card and access either to their website or the Ida Rupp app. After finding the items they wish to check out through the IRPL catalog, the patron designates their preferred locker pickup site when placing holds.

After receiving a confirmation that holds are ready, patrons can travel to the library. Scanning one’s library card opens the locker or lockers, in the case of a large quantity of materials. A tutorial can be found on the Ida Rupp Library website at www.idarupp.org/hold-lockers.

“The way our patrons utilize the

library is certainly different these days,” Faust said. “But our patrons enjoy having access to both our digital and physical materials. We will continue to find new and innovative ways to serve our diverse communities.”

The libraries are located in Port Clinton at 310 Madison Street; Marblehead Peninsula Branch at 710 W. Main Street; and Erie Islands Library at 281 Concord in Put-in-Bay. For information contact Janice Beck, 419-732-3212, Ext. 106 or jbeck@seolibraries.org, or visit www.idarupp.org.