Branch Library self-service 'hold lockers' now a pandemic option

Woodstock resident Ned Holbrook is shown picking up a book from one of the 90 self-service hold lockers outdoors off the Woodstock Library parking lot. He entered his library card number on the screen, and his locker door popped open with his book inside.

 Elizabeth Ussher Grofdf

The pandemic has brought many changes into our lives. Fortunately, some of them have been innovative and positive.

To accommodate public health during a time when physical distancing is necessary to stay healthy, Multnomah County Library reported right after the New Year that they have introduced a new and innovative way for patrons to pick up on-hold library items: Self-service lockers for library on-hold pickups have been added outside at two Inner Southeast Portland library branches. The Woodstock and Holgate branches were chosen for the experiment, based on several factors.