The Chapel Hill Public Library has expanded its access for its customers by installing lockers at University Place mall, which can be accessed any time day or night.

Initially conceived as a way to offset parking shortages at the library’s location off of Estes Drive, the lockers also double as a safe and contact-free way to get library materials during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While the lockers are easy to use, designing and developing this new service was incredibly complex,” said Library Director Susan Brown. “I am so proud of the Library staff and our partners in other Town departments who worked collaboratively to bring the service to our community, especially at this time.”

Using the lockers at University Place will be a familiar process to those who have used the library’s Park & Pick Up service during the pandemic.

Users start by placing holds via the library’s online catalog and selecting “University Place Lockers” as their pick-up location. Once they receive an email that the items are ready to be picked up, users can then go to the University Place mall  at 301 South Estes Drive. The lockers are located on the Harris Teeter side of the mall between Planet Fitness and Alfredo’s Pizza.

At the lockers, users can scan their library card or enter their card number to open their locker. A bin for returning library materials is also located at the site.

The project was funded by multiple partners, with the State Library of North Carolina awarding the Library nearly $100,000 in competitive federal grant funds. The Friends of Chapel Hill Public Library provided additional funding and Ram Realty provided the site for the lockers.

For more information about the new lockers and to search its online catalog, visit the Chapel Hill Public Library’s website.

Featured image via Chapel Hill Public Library

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