April 1, 2015 By Michael Florio
The Steinway Street library, located at 21-45 31st Street, will be closed from April 2nd through April 7th, while self-service book returns are installed.
The book returns, which have been installed in about one-third of the Queens Libraries, are computerized scanners that automatically check a book or video as ‘returned’.
In the past when a library user would return a book or video, it would not be processed as ‘returned’ until a library staff member checked it off as received.
That led, in some cases, to late fees.
However, the self-service book returns will fix this issue.
“This is instantaneous,” said Joanne King, Communications Director with Queens Library.
Customers also receive a receipt once their item is returned.
The self-service book returns also have an automated sorter, which aids the library staff in getting the material back on the shelf faster. Previously, the books had to be sorted manually.
The library will be closed for five days to create the necessary space to install the scanner near the vestibule in the library. The computers will also have to be updated.
The funding for the equipment came from Councilman Costa Constantinides.
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