Supermarket drop box a first for Kenilworth Library
Library-goers in Kenilworth are invited to test out a new scheme allowing them to return borrowed books, CDs and DVDs to a ‘drop box’ in a local supermarket.
The experiment, a first for both Warwickshire Libraries and Waitrose, starts on Monday February 2. It offers local library customers the convenience of making returns during longer supermarket opening hours, while they shop or when the library is closed.
Divisional Librarian Paul MacDermott explained that returns will be collected on a daily basis, Monday to Friday, with no extra fines incurred for items left at Waitrose on a Friday - but not checked in at the library until Monday.
Customers will be able to put overdue items in the drop box, too, and pay their fines next time they visit the library.“This is about local partners in the community working together in a different way,” said Paul.
“It is an experiment and we will review the take-up at regular intervals, but we hope the scheme will go down well. It is good news for local people because it gives them an extra opportunity to return borrowed items at their convenience, and outside normal library hours.”
Waitrose said: "We were delighted to be invited by Kenilworth library to be involved in the scheme. We’re dedicated to the local community and are hoping that this will not only give current library users more flexibility but also encourage new users to support their local library."
Leaflets promoting the supermarket returns scheme will be distributed in Kenilworth Library and in Waitrose.