FOLLOWING a successful application to the Bendigo Bank Community Fund, the Mansfield library will soon purchase another self–serve kiosk.

"We are thrilled to be able to provide this sponsorship to support opportunity and innovation at the Mansfield Library," said Ryan Daykin Bendigo Bank Branch Manager.

"We hope that the project will help to improve the efficiency of library administrative process and allow library staff to commit more time to the engagement of visitors and delivery of library programmes and services."

Mayor Cr James Tehan said the grant of $5741 was a demonstration of how volunteer groups and community–minded organisations work together in Mansfield for the benefit of the community.

"On behalf of the council and our library team, I thank the Friends of the Library group for putting in the application – and Bendigo Bank for supporting this initiative," he said.

The grant, which was awarded last week, covers the full cost of purchasing the self–serve station (kiosk) from FE Technologies.

This kiosk will be positioned on the front desk enabling borrowers to check–out their own books, while conversing with library staff.

Cr Tehan said the library is in the process of undergoing a complete refurbishment and at the request of library staff, two self–serve kiosks have been incorporated into the new design.

The existing kiosk is positioned by the front door of the library, suiting borrowers who prefer privacy and/or a fast exit.

The new kiosk will be positioned on the front desk enabling borrowers to check–out their own books, while conversing with library staff.

"The library already has one kiosk where borrowers can check–out the books they want to borrow," said Cr Tehan.

"This second kiosk is in response to library patrons' feedback that many of them prefer to be served rather than use the existing self–serve kiosk because they, or their children, want to interact with our staff or require reader advice, help or information.

"This social connection is a vital part of the service offered by the library.

"The kiosk will give library patrons more options and will also aid the library staff who currently process the majority of check–outs.

"With a visitation rate of one visit to the library every 1.45 minutes (pre COVID), assisting with check–outs takes up a significant amount of staff time."