Thursday, April 1, Middle Georgia Regional Library will begin accepting applications for patrons to participate in their new ‘Open Access’ self-service hours, funded by its longtime partner, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

Open Access is a service that grants customers self-service access to the library outside of normal operating hours. The service will be available at MGRL’s headquarters Washington Memorial Library. Registered patrons will have access to the library Monday to Saturday from 8 to 10 am and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Open Access will be managed by technology developed by Norcross-based tech supplier Bibliotheca, which automatically controls and monitors building access and self-service kiosks. Security will be present and visible during the patrons’ visits. This leading-edge technology has been utilized in other countries but is only used at a few libraries in North America.

MGRL director Jennifer Lautenheiser first experienced Open Access during a trip to Denmark sponsored by Knight Foundation. She says, “I’m so excited about Open Access because it increases access to our patrons with more hours and low volume times to better serve families with children who may need a calmer library environment and patrons with health concerns.” Lautzenheiser emphasized the importance of Middle Georgia Regional having the opportunity to use this technology to improve patron’s experiences at their local library with Knight Foundation’s support.

Knight Foundation’s Macon program director, Lynn Murphey, shared she is thrilled to partner with Middle Georgia Regional and support them in offering this unique service. Murphey says, “The Open Access program provides an excellent opportunity to use technology as a means to solve a public need – in this case, expanding the community's access to information available at our incredible local public library. We are thrilled to support MGRL’s progressive leadership as they continue to ensure Macon’s only downtown library is a beloved and unique asset to our region."

Patrons who are 18 years of age or older and hold a library card in good standing are eligible for this service.

For more information about Open Access, contact Washington Memorial Library at 478.744.0800 or visit bibblib.org/library-services/open-access.