Aurora Public Library District

Nov 25, 2024

Improving Library Accessibility

Aurora Public Library District

Amount Awarded: $25,000| Completed July 2024

The Aurora Public Library District’s first pickup locker project, funded in part by Will County’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, is now complete and open to the public. The pickup locker officially opened in July 2024 with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony where the community celebrated the library’s milestone with several Aurora City Council members and Will County elected officials. The pickup locker is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is located in the heart of Aurora’s Southeast community at Lakewood Valley Clubhouse (2529 Dickens Dr, Aurora, IL 60503). It provides free Wi-Fi, a small browsable collection with popular items, and a new location to pick up library requests.

Having the funds to make the pickup locker a reality will impact the entire Aurora community for many years to come. Library customers who live on the southeast side of Aurora and who do not have a branch in close proximity to them can now pick up and return library materials close to home. Neurodiverse individuals or individuals with limited mobility who want to avoid coming into a bustling library may now browse popular items and have access to the entire collection while conveniently picking up near them. Busy caregivers and late-night workers can now pick up their items outside normal library hours. Students or individuals who work remotely can now use free, high-speed library Wi&#8209Fi 24/7.

In addition, with renovations starting in winter 2024 at the Eola Road Branch, the library can continue to provide service to customers through the pickup locker.

The pickup locker has signage and user prompts in multiple languages. It features 12 spaces for resident access and five spaces for browsable materials.

Shortly after installation, the pickup locker is already proving to be a popular addition. In the first two weeks of operation, it was used by 23 unique customers to pick up 87 items and used by another 15 unique customers to return 65 library items.

“The funding from the American Rescue Plan Act made it possible for us to bring library services closer to people’s homes in an affordable, user-friendly way. The outdoor location and 24/7 operation allow people to use it at whatever time is best for them. It is already popular and being used every day, which demonstrates the value of this service to busy families and individuals.”

Heather Sturm | Director of Neighborhood Services