The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County and the Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum are working together to bring laptops and a deposit collection of print material to the Columbia Tusculum, Linwood and East End neighborhoods. A laptop kiosk is now installed at the Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum at 3738 Eastern Ave. A family-friendly ribbon cutting and event at noon Sunday, April 22, marks the opening of this new service .
Library cardholders can check out and return the laptops directly from the dispensing unit with radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. The dispenser securely holds up to 12 laptops at a time that charge when docked in the dispenser. Users may borrow one laptop at a time for four hours with no renewals. Laptops cannot be placed on hold and can only be used within the Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum. The center is providing a public open hours for use of the kiosk and books on Sundays from noon–4 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., or by appointment for clubs, groups or organizations.
A Library Services and Technology Act grant paid for this extension of Library services. “This is a remarkable opportunity for the Library to extend this high-demand service,” said Paula Brehm-Heeger, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer for the Library. “Laptop kiosks are convenient, easy-to-use, and popular with cardholders.” Laptop kiosks are also available now at the Main Library Tech Center and the Walnut Hills Branch Library and are coming soon to the North Central and Pleasant Ridge branch libraries.
The event on April 22 is free and open to the general public. It includes a ribbon-cutting and remarks followed by crafts, snacks and a storytime. Afterward, guests are invited to enjoy a free performance by Playhouse in the Park at 2 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. RSVPs are required for the play admission. Contact events@thecarnegiecenter.org to RSVP.
The Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum was built in 1906 and served as a public library until 1959. In 1993, a group of Columbia Tusculum residents set out to return the building to the community. It is now a community oriented, nonprofit facility. For more information, community members can visit TheCarnegieCenter.org, email events@thecarnegiecenter.org or call 513-473-5745.
For more information about the Library’s laptop dispensers, visit CincinnatiLibrary.org or call 513-369-6900
