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G2S Project Code: 2022-NE-91849
State: Nebraska
Fiscal Year: 2022
Grantee
NORTH PLATTE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Sara Aden
Director Phone: 308-535-8036
Director Email: adensj@northplattene.gov
General Information
Title: Library Improvement Grant: North Platte PL
State Project Code:
Start Date: 10/01/2021
End Date: 09/30/2023
Abstract: From sub-recipient: We purchased and installed a Kingsley 70 C-Series Blue Supermax Versa Dual Drop with Vinyl logo to implement a 24 hour drive-thru outdoor materials return for the Library. We purchased a double bin supermax book return capable of handling a combined bin capacity of 760 standard size books or 1,900 media cases, which we determined would be large enough to handle holiday closures for about four (4) days. We purchased a second set of push cart bins and a rain cover to facilitate materials handling to and from the book return into the library. We added magnetic return flaps since our return faces west to help keep weather from entering the return. The option for Wi-Fi notification by email was added to all four bins in case of overflow. We also installed two bollards to assist in protecting the book return from accidental damage due to vehicles pulling up too close. We implemented policies about emptying the return morning and evening. We conducted training with staff about the procedures to retrieve and then re-lock the return as well as basic policy and procedural troubleshooting in case of questions from the general public.
State Goal: Sustainability of Library Programs and Services
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$7,673.00
$0.00
$7,742.00
$15,415.00
Intent(s)
Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.
Buildings & Facilities
Systems & Technologies
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Library Improvement Grant: North Platte PL
Narrative: Library purchased a double bin supermax book return.
Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Procurement
Mode:
Format:


Quantity
Number of equipment acquired: 1
Number of acquired equipment used: 1
Number of hardware items acquired: 0
Number of acquired hardware items used: 0
Number of software items acquired: 0
Number of acquired software items used: 0
Number of materials/supplies acquired: 0
Number of acquired materials/supplies used: 0


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: NORTH PLATTE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 120 WEST 4TH STREET
City: NORTH PLATTE
State: NE
Zip: 69101
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
From sub-recipient: We expected this solution to allow us to regain entry space in the library foyer that was taken up by a walk up book drop that became our makeshift DIY 24x7 book drop during COVID-19. The project provides convenience for secure materials return before, during, and after operational hours including weekends and holidays. It also permits our staff to now enjoy holidays without having an additional duty of emptying the bin on days we are closed.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
From sub-recipient: Prior to COVID, the library only offered a walk-up book drop during closed hours. During COVID, we then cordoned off half of the entry foyer to accommodate a continued 24x7 book return via the walk-up bin albeit unsecured by most standards. This bin needed to be emptied hourly. Post COVID, our customers and staff appreciated the convenience of 24x7 material return and at customer demand, we kept it going despite it being difficult to pass traffic in both directions through the foyer. After completing this project, our customers are able to pass in the foyer without feeling cramped, drop off materials without worrying about theft, and it is much safer than the privacy screen we had in place that would fall over if the wind blew hard when the door opened. And finally, we also now have the added benefit that rotating staff are able to fully enjoy holidays and weekends without running to work to empty the library bin. This mental break is vitally important and nearly priceless for our staff. As far as future planning, this project should have probably happened years ago, but the real push for it was seen during the pandemic when we were limiting traffic and patrons just wanted to return items. As a piece of equipment, when it wears out, we will need to eventually plan for its replacement. It came with a 2 year warranty on components; structural failure and rust through warranty for life through Kingsley.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
From sub-recipient: We initially paid for the return with gifts and donations funds. When the grant check arrived, we worked with our City financial department to return the grant money to our gifts and donations line. Our match was unbudgeted, but we were able to pursue it because we had good tracking of our gifts and donations. Add-on items add up fast - not really a significant lesson, but a fact of life. We originally thought we could get a single supermax bin but after running statistics, it was determined we would need two bins to handle long holiday closures and give us room to grow a bit - know your numbers. Don't underestimate what other City Departments can do for you. The return and bollard installation was completed by our Public Service Department. And when the rain gutter above one of the bin doors had shifted during shipping and became unattached, we found marine grade adhesive tape through our building inspector, and building maintenance personnel re-attached it just before our first snow fall. When a team works together, great things can happen!
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
No
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: book return