Library kiosk set to open Benge

The East Adams Library District (EALD), formally the Ritzville Library District No. 2, is opening a library kiosk for Benge residents, beginning Tuesday, April 17.

EALD will be hosting an informational meeting for Benge residents on April 17 at 7 p.m. at the Benge School.

Over the course of the past few years, EALD has opened libraries in partnership with the Lind and Washtucna school districts in order to expand library services to area residents.

EALD is now providing book pickup and drop off services for residents in the Benge community.

EALD Director Kylie Fullmer said many Benge residents currently have library cards, but making it to the Lind, Ritzville or Washtucna branches on a regular basis can be difficult.

In order to alleviate a portion of the inconvenience, the kiosk will allow families with library cards to check out and return books through the EALD.

Each family or resident who is interested in participating in the service will be assigned a key for a locked box in the kiosk.

On a weekly basis, EALD staff will pick up the returned books from the kiosk.

The services provided will include pick-up, drop-off and requests. Benge residents who would like to request a specific book, movie, audiobook, music CD, magazine, board game or any additional item provided through EALD can check out that item by contacting the library.

Residents can check out items by calling the library at 659-1222, emailing [email protected] or using the library’s online catalog, http://catalog.ritzvillelibrary.com.

When using the online catalog, residents must select Benge as a drop-off location to have their requested item delivered.

Fullmer explained during the Tuesday meeting, library staff will be helping Benge residents learn how to request items, as well as demonstrate how to use the online catalog.

The kiosk will be located next to the mailboxes on Benge-Winona Road.

There are a limited amount of locked boxes available, and keys are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. Keys will be issued until all of the boxes are reserved, and there are currently 14 boxes remaining.

Benge residents can contact Fullmer at 659-1222 or [email protected] if they are interested in participating in the new service.

During the informational meeting, residents can register for a kiosk key, as well as sign up for a library membership. Library cards are free for all residents of Benge and the surrounding area, and registration forms will be available at the event.