Tallinn Libraries opened smart mini-libraries
From 1 April, Tallinn Libraries will open mini-libraries in three popular locations, making it quicker and more convenient for Tallinn residents to borrow books. The mini-libraries are the first of their kind in Estonia.
Smart Vending Machines are located in Rocca al Mare and Ülemiste shopping centres and Tondiraba Ice Hall, bringing the joy of reading to the places where people go every day. Each mini-library will have up to 200 carefully selected books, ranging from science fiction and non-fiction to children’s and youth books.
“We want books to reach people even when they don’t have time to come to a library. The mini-libraries make it possible to borrow books wherever people move around on a daily basis – for example, when going to the shop or to the gym,” said Kaie Holm, Director of Tallinn Libraries.
Mini-library in the Ülemiste Centre
Borrowing is quick and easy: just scan your library card, or ID card if you use it as a library card, select the books you want from the shelf and close the locker door – the loan will be processed automatically.
“Borrowing a book doesn’t have to be a separate activity – it can be as natural a part of your day as grabbing a coffee when you’re out on the town,” Holm added.
The deadline for returning a borrowed book is 21 days and information about the borrowing is displayed on the mini-library screen and is also visible on My ESTER. Borrowed books can be returned to the same mini-library from which they were borrowed or to any of our other libraries. The mini-libraries are open during shopping centre and ice rink opening hours.
The acquisition of mini-libraries was supported by the Ministry of Culture through the Public Libraries Accelerator Call for Proposals. The total cost of the mini-libraries was €69 000, of which €33 100 was covered by the grant. The mini-libraries were delivered to Estonia by Lyngsoe Systems. This is a pilot project to assess the use of the mini-libraries and community interest. If the feedback is positive, the project will be extended to other locations.