PHOTO PROVIDED: After-hours lockers are pictured at Bellefonte Library. This system will also be installed at Centre Hall and Holt Memorial libraries.

BELLEFONTE — Can’t make it to the library when it’s open? Between work and school schedules, sometimes it’s difficult to do something as simple as pick up the books you want (or need) from the library. Luckily, you can now pick up your desired books even when the library is closed with the Centre County Library & Historical Museum’s new pickup lockers!

These lockers are now available at Bellefonte Library, Centre Hall Area Branch Library, and Holt Memorial Library. To use them, simply request the books you want to read, and when you are notified that they have arrived, call your library. The books will be checked out to your account and stored securely in a locker outside the library for you to pick up within the next two days. No hassle.

Public libraries offering pickup lockers as a service in Centre County is a wonderful step into the future. The idea has already been implemented in various library systems across the United States and in Pennsylvania to make libraries even more useful to citizens. The ability to pick up books after hours greatly expands each library patron’s access to the large collection of items shared in public libraries. Now it’s time for Centre County residents to get a taste of this improved access!

The installation of the book pickup lockers was made possible by a generous donation from the Downtown State College Rotary Club. For more information on using the lockers with your library card – or to apply for a free library card – visit www.centrecountylibrary.org.