Mid-Columbia Libraries: Ease and access are key at Mid-Columbia Libraries

Libraries play an essential role in our communities; they are not just places to find quality books, but they are gathering places where ideas are exchanged and where the love of learning takes root in our children. Libraries are places where everyone can enjoy different genres, topics, and authors, all without judgment; we’re excited you want to read, learn and engage your mind!

At Mid-Columbia Libraries (MCL), we believe access and ease are cornerstones to fulfilling our mission to enrich the lives of our residents and communities. In fall 2019, the MCL Board of Trustees took a key step in increasing access for all by eliminating late fines on overdue books and materials and waiving outstanding overdue fines. Nearly 3,000 customer accounts were restored as a result. With this fresh start, which took effect Jan. 1, more people have returned to the library and, we hope, will continue to do so.

We recognize overdue fines create barriers to using the library for many in the community, especially children and families, therefore reducing access to learning opportunities during periods of critical learning and development. Eliminating overdue fines helps ensure all customers — regardless of age, background, or socioeconomic status — have equitable access to MCL’s collections, programs and services.

Staff from across our 12 branches have reported a positive response to the policy change in their communities.

“I’ve had interactions with families that came in expecting to have to pay large fines and expressing gratitude for the zero balances they found. ‘We love our library’ is a sentiment I hear frequently, and this new policy has helped families in my community,” said Basin City Library Supervisor Christina Hart.

In Pasco, Library Supervisor Mona Gonzalez reported, “One customer hadn’t visited the library since 2013, but was now eager to check out items.”

Visit the library in person, or access our collection online 24/7. We have one of the most robust digital collections in the state, and it’s growing! We offer thousands of downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks, in both English and Spanish, plus premium streaming film and video via Kanopy, for free. And, remember, you don’t need an internet connection to read or listen on your phone or device. Don’t have a library card? No problem! Readers living in our service area can quickly gain access to our digital collection using their mobile phone number.

Another way we are improving customer access is with curbside pickup service at various branches. We make it easier than ever to pick up and return your books, movies and other materials without leaving your car. We now offer curbside pickup at our branches in Basin City, Benton City, Kahlotus, Merrill’s Corner, Pasco, Prosser, and West Richland. For information about all our drive-up services, visit midcolumbialibraries.org/curbside-pickup. Our community is growing, and MCL will continue to respond to our customer’s needs, seeking ways to expand access to library collections, programs, and services. Customer satisfaction survey results show our overall average satisfaction rating at 9.18 out of 10. Ninety-four percent of MCL customers believe the help they receive from staff is excellent. Ninety-six percent of MCL customers asserted their life is enhanced by use of their library.

We are an outstanding institution making significant and exceptional contributions to the quality of life of our residents and communities. I invite you to visit your local library today!

This story was originally published April 23, 2020 at 5:01 PM with the headline "Mid-Columbia Libraries: Ease and access are key at Mid-Columbia Libraries."