COMMUNITY

A LIBRARY COMES OF AGE

CARY REGIONAL LIBRARY TAKES A HIGH-TECH TURN

BY THOMAS GUETTLER ⅼ PHOTOS BY JOSH MANNING

Few things represent community as much as the local library. For Cary Regional Library, generations of patrons have checked out reading material, participated in programming services or simply enjoyed a quiet place to read a book. This institution has served as an outstanding example of community.

Small and outdated, the library outgrew its original location. So, in fall 2019, a new facility opened to the public just a short jaunt across the street. The difference was, the new location delivered a vast improvement. “The Cary [Regional] Library was long overdue for a larger facility and the ability to offer more of everything to the citizens of Cary,” says Cary Regional Library Manager Liz Bartlett.

With more than 23,000 square feet of public space—which is more than double the original facility—the new facility offers more flexibility and space for growth. Complete with a dedicated children’s programming room that features greater technology, an adult learning space and, simply, more of everything, Cary Regional Library has positioned itself for a new era of community service. “The public most certainly was appreciating the new offerings, as our growing door count and program statistics attested,” Bartlett says. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wake County shut down all libraries and reassessed operations. The new Cary Regional Library had only been open for a few months when it closed to the public.

AN INTROSPECTIVE PERSPECTIVE

During this crisis, the Wake County Public Libraries system looked inward. Could it operate safely? What kind of services could it contribute for the greater good? How could it emerge better than before? Senior library administrators tackled these questions.

Many library staff members moved into the Wake County Emergency Operations Center to assist with call center operations, helping residents with concerns, answering questions and assisting wherever needed. Cary Regional Library’s information technology staff worked to convert multiple libraries, including the new Cary facility, so they could house contact tracing teams to further serve the community. Many also assisted with county vaccination clinics and adopted new ways of working remotely, collaborating virtually, and working on database and inventory organizing.

These collaborations resulted in the Books on the Go program at Cary Regional Library. Patrons could make remote requests and schedule appointments to pick up their books in a safe, contactless way. More than 8,000 appointments were made each month, according to Bartlett. A NEW HOME

New technology initiatives were also implemented during the height of COVID closures, which modernized library operations. Prior to the pandemic, Cary Regional Library moved into its new facility, which offered greater space and a larger book selection, but still operated on dated technology. The pandemic closures represented an ideal time to update technology, while minimizing impact on operations.

A MODERN REDO

During the pandemic, Cary Regional Library’s staff initiated a project to upgrade its system for computer use and printing services. The library no longer needs

staff-dedicated resources to reserve public computer time, assist with printing services or perform financial transactions. The new system incorporates printing and copying into a self-service kiosk, and as with most retail operations, patrons get what they need quickly and efficiently. With more staffing resources available, additional programming services are being created.

Furthering a more customer-friendly, self-service business model is at the heart of these technology initiatives. Converting the library system’s book inventory and check-in (and out) stations to a radio frequency system identification (commonly referred to as RFID) will further efficient processes for the library staff. On schedule for implementation in early 2022, these faster and more efficient setups at the circulation desks and in workrooms will be able to process materials faster and with greater accuracy.

LOOKING AHEAD

RFID scanning pads no longer need to scan inventory on outdated systems, and can process a group of books at one time. Staff and patrons simply place their books on pads in a single group, and everything gets checked out in one transaction. Kiosks display information for upcoming programs and services, and patrons can access job-seeking programs and events, which also enable patrons to set up alerts for upcoming activities and programs as they check books out.

A newly renovated Bookmobile will also be back out on the road. COVID prevented the rollout of the Bookmobile in 2020, but it will continue its mission to promote early literacy and spreading the love of reading. “Once we’re reopened for programming, our major support within the community will be the cooperative ventures we can start to have with Cary Arts Center, Downtown Park, local schools, and other services and businesses in the area,” Bartlett says. With foresight and vision, the library system emerges stronger than ever.

Cary Regional Library marks a new era in service to the community. A mesh of traditional operations and emerging technology keep up with the technology curve and represents the Cary Regional Library as a coming-of-age system. chorale, there is indeed a payoff for all those hours of singing their hearts out. “It’s something the audience gets one time, but it’s something you’ve been living with for months,” Layton says. “There is still something about putting on your tuxedo and walking on stage with an audience there. You get one shot at it, and then it’s done. There’s an adrenaline rush to that experience. I absolutely love it.”

Difino agrees, even if she is preaching to the choir. “There’s something about being in front of people that makes you want to bring your best to that moment,” she says. “The power of being in sync and producing music in that way is absolutely emotional. You’re immersed in it, you’re surrounded by it, you’re breathing it. That definitely makes it magic.”