Smart Lockers!

Welcome to “The Drop”.

Have you seen the building on the side of the library? Curious to know what that building is for? You came to the right place.

The Drop

When the pandemic first hit in March of 2020, we had to shut down. But how do we help our community when we are shut down? Many individuals looked to us to continue checking out items. What happened if we had to close again due to the pandemic or even for weather in the future? What about patrons that cannot access the library during open hours but want to pick up their items? That is when the idea hit us. What if we created a building that could be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for patrons to continue accessing our resources but safely. We put together our heads and came up with “The Drop.”

“The Drop” is the bulding that is located in the side yard at the Wilmington Public Library District. It is monitored and weather secured 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It has Smart Lockers inside that allow patrons to pick up their items at anytime. But how does it work?

How does the new building work?

When you visit the library circulation staff should have asked if you wanted to opt into using the lockers. If you are unsure if you are opted in, please call or stop in the library to verify your status.

  • After opting into using the lockers, all you have to do is request items. This includes any items that you normally check out (DVD’s, CD’s, Audiobooks, Hotspots, Books, Magazines etc). Once you request items staff will pick those items off the shelve (when available or after we receive them from other libraries) and will put the items in a locker.
  • Once staff closes the locker door you will receive an email or text message with either a code or a QR code.
    Text when opted in to Smart Lockers
  • Once you receive the code or QR code- visit “The Drop” and walk up to the screen and touch the “patron” button on the screen
    QR Code and Screen reads Patron or Librarian
  • You will scan or enter the 5 digit code and the locker with your items will open. These items will be checked out for you and a receipt will be inside the books.
    This is an image of an open locker inside the smart locker building.
  • Just make sure to grab all your items and shut the locker. It’s that easy!

How cool! Do you have more pictures?

Of course we do. We have created “The Drop” to have a computer and printer for patrons to use at anytime during the day. It also has a board with any information the library has. If you have more information please call the Wilmington Public Library District at 815-476-2834 for more information.