The new check out machines have been in the libraries for about three weeks now, and reports from the field are really positive. One customer posted a picture to our Facebook page with the note, “The new system is so easy to use! One brief demo and I’ve been using it myself ever since. Plus, I still get to visit with the librarians. Good work, Spokane Public Library!” We also heard from customers who are enjoying the fact that you can check out a whole stack of items at once. They like how fast it is. When you’ve got errands to run and a toddler in tow, that kind of quick checkout is definitely appreciated.

Another plus of the new system is the self-pay option where you can pay your fines right on the machine. There’s a credit card reader attached to the machine and it’s a breeze to take care of your fines right there. All the machines take credit cards and each branch has one machine with a cash box attached so you can use bills or coins to pay fines. You can also pay fines from afar, whether that’s the comfort of your home or really afar! One family contacted us from their vacation in Hawaii and wanted to pay their fines. We pointed them to our website and the “Pay Fines” tab in our catalog. They were then able to enjoy the rest of their vacation without worrying about library fines (not that you should ever let library fines hinder a Hawaii getaway!).

If you haven’t been in yet to try the new checkout system please stop by. We have library staff standing by the checkout area to guide you through every step of the process. They’re there to answer any questions and help with other library needs. We look forward to seeing you!

Together with KHQ/Q6 and WorkSource Spokane, the Spokane Area Workforce Development Council and Systems Transport are presenting the 2nd Annual KHQ/WorkSource Job Fair on Thursday, May 21, 2015 from 10am – 2pm, at the Spokane Convention Center. The inaugural event in April 2014 was a tremendous success thanks to generous support from dozens of volunteers, community based organizations, and local business, and attracted more than 70 employers and 2,500 jobseekers. This year’s event aims to welcome even more employers and jobseekers from across the Inland Northwest. Many jobs will be available to learn more about and potentially compete for – from transportation to health care; from manufacturing to finance; from utilities to IT and beyond – so be prepared with your résumé in hand and come dressed for success! If you need help with your résumé in advance, stop by either the Downtown or Shadle Library during our WorkSource times. A trained employment specialist is on-hand to help and advise you. Here are the times that you can find WorkSource at the Library:

• Tuesdays – 5 to 8 pm at the Shadle Library
• Wednesdays – 5 to 8 pm at the Downtown Library
• Saturdays – 1 to 6 pm at the Downtown Library

The Job Fair is free to attend for jobseekers; to learn about how to access complimentary parking, click here. Employers can register for the event here.