The book dispenzing box of the Petržalka Library is located next to the Petržalka swimming pool at Tupolevova 7/B. (source: MČ Petržalka)
The Petržalka Library is the first in the Bratislava Self-governing Region to introduce a new service called Knihobox for readers. It works via dispensing boxes from which readers can pick up books beyond opening library hours. Until now, readers could only return books to the library when it was closed, via so-called biblioboxes.
“We are introducing a modern, convenient and accessible way for our readers to pick up books,” said Libuša Jaďuďová, the director of the Petržalka Library, about the advantages of the new service introduced as of February for all nine library branches. “The book dispensing box is a trend in modern librarianship, which the residents of the largest housing estate in Slovakia will surely appreciate.”
In Slovakia, until recently, only libraries in Čadca, Banská Bystrica and Košice offered such a service.
Readers can pick up books beyond library opening hours - in the morning, in the evening or on weekends. The library only handles loans on weekdays, books available within 24 hours of ordering.
“The first three months of operation will be a test for both librarians and library readers, and we would like to achieve the shortest possible waiting time between the ordering and delivery of books to the box,” said Jaďuďová. “For this reason, the service will be free of charge for readers in the pilot phase.”
The Petržalka book box is located at the entrance to the Petržalka swimming pool at Tupolevova 7/B and its operation is very simple - it works on the same principle as other well-known dispensing boxes.
Readers can order books through the library’s online catalogue and finally select the “Deliver to Knihobox” option. Once the order has been processed, the reader will receive both a six-digit PIN and a QR code via email, and after entering or scanning the code into the dispensing box, the order box will open. The order must be picked up within three working days of receiving the email with the access code.
“Borrowings should be possible within 24 hours of ordering the book. The exception for the time being are orders created on Friday after 13:00 - they will be processed only on Monday from 13:00,” said Jaďuďová as cited in the press release.
The book dispensing box is only used for readers to pick up the books they have ordered; the books must be returned either in person at the library branch from which the books were borrowed, or via biblioboxes. These have been serving the readers of the Petržalka Library since 2012. There are currently two available in the district – at the branches on Prokofievova 5 and Vavilovova 24-26.
