Photo courtesy of King County Library System.
A Growing Community in Need of Access to Books
As a one car family and at home with 2 small children, one is often looking for ways to keep them entertained. In the mid 2000's, my oldest child was at the early reader stage and went through books quickly. Public transportation was limited to two runs a day and without a car, reaching the nearest library was not feasible. I knew of many other families in our community in a similar situation so I sent an email to the local King County Library (KCLS) in 2006 to request a library presence in Redmond Ridge.
Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels
Initial Research / Serendipity
My initial email was greeted with a friendly reply but stated there were no plans at this time for expansion in Redmond Ridge however things can change and to keep in touch. About 15 months later, I wrote again but this time in the capacity of a newly elected member of the Board of Directors of the Redmond Ridge Residential Owners Association (RRROA).
As luck would have it, at the time of my second email, King County Library (KCLS) began researching the idea of having a secured, unstaffed library branch. A new concept for KCLS and not widely used, if at all, in the US at that time. They were inspired by results from European libraries that installed unmanned book kiosks in areas that were too small for a full service branch but needed a means of book access for local patrons. They requested more information about Redmond Ridge and I began gathering demographics, mapping out existing locations, and conducting interviews.
The Problem:
Unable to qualify for a full service branch, local residents were in need of a means to pick up library materials and return them in a convenient manner (not limited by branch hours/locations).
Photo by Pixabay
Background
Redmond Ridge (RR) in the mid 2000's was an area that was growing fast, with new families and homes being added daily.
As a result of the population increase, Rosa Parks Elementary, was built (est. 2006) to cope with the influx of younger residents and take some of the strain off the existing nearby schools which were filled beyond capacity. Promoted as a "walking school", families were encourage to walk their children to school rather than contribute to the traffic within RR.
In addition to the growth of young families to the area, Redmond RIdge also saw an increase in senior residents with additional homes/apartments added to Trilogy (an active 55+ community).
Demographics/Traffic Considerations
▪ Redmond Ridge consists of 3 areas which were being developed: Redmond Ridge, Redmond Ridge East and Trilogy (over 55, Senior Active Living).
▪ By 2013, when all 3 developments were complete, there was a total of 4,500 homes and a population of 18,800
▪ Traffic is problematic on Redmond Ridge with only two main roads off the hill to reach downtown. Often takes 20-25 minutes with light traffic to reach the Redmond main branch.
How Might We create a convenient and secure way for busy library patrons to pick up and drop off materials?
Interviews with Community Residents
▪ I met with 30 residents from Redmond Ridge, Redmond Ridge East and Trilogy and inquired about their thoughts/concerns about having a small branch nearby for holds pickup/return.
▪ 90% were in favor, 5% liked the idea but was worried the Library Express would mean an increase in HOA dues if it was built and 5% had no preference.
Potential Sites for the Library Express
I thought of two areas that might work for the Library Express in terms of size, location and parking. Key factors were space that could be modified and more importantly, little to no cost to rent. However, neither The Marketplace or QFC was interested in the Library Express project.
In the meantime, I wrote a letter to the Director of KCLS and presented my initial research findings which included: demographics, potential site locations (blue dot on map below), letters of support from school principals and Board members from Trilogy and RRROA, indications of growth in population, and informal survey of RR residents who desired a drop off/retrieval location.
I mapped out all KCLS locations and then added the blue dot to indicate ideal location for a Redmond Ridge branch
Meeting with Stakeholders
KCLS invited me to attend one of their Board meeting where I learned more about the potential concept of the Express in terms of designs and usage. The self standing kiosk idea that worked in Europe would not be large enough for our growing community yet the spaces available for rent were too expensive.
Donated Space in a Community Owned Building
While waiting for a meeting to begin in the RRROA building, I noticed there was a large, unused area that was occupied by outdated sales materials and display items (i.e., leftovers from when the building was used as the Sales Office for the developer). The area was approximately 300 square feet, positioned in the front of the building and had the potential of exterior door entry access with building modifications. I posed the idea to the other Board members: if KCLS was willing to pay for the renovation of space in exchange for reduced rent, would the Board be open to meet with them and discuss further. They agreed. Both parties met several times over the next six months and plans were soon underway to construct the Library Express.
Proposed Space with Modifications
Aspects of the RRROA Office space that made for an appealing location for the renovation:
▪ Ample parking as the RRROA building is seldom used
▪ Wheelchair ramp already present - would need slight modification to line up with new exterior door
▪ Easy access from main street
▪ Walkable for most of the RR community and schools
▪ Affordable rent
Inspiration for Other Library Systems
The Express has proven to be a successful model for remote areas where a full service branch isn't possible due to space and cost to maintain (like Redmond Ridge). Also a great solution for library systems that are looking for cost effective ways to expand outreach. Since the Redmond Ridge Library Express was built, there have been similar models created following the KCLS example nationwide.
The following year after the creation of the Library Express, King County Library System became the busiest library system in the United States, circulating 22.4 million items with over 50 branches. Gale and Library Journal voted KCLS Library of the Year in 2011. “We’ve watched KCLS lead the way for years in innovative service to their community,” said Francine Fialkoff, editor-in-chief, Library Journal.
Sneak Preview of the Library Express in Redmond Ridge, November 2009. Photo courtesy of King County Library System
Redmond Ridge Library Express - A Visual Tour
1. Exterior view. Three drop off bins leading up to accessible wheelchair ramp. Initially there was one, but there was a problem with overflow and materials being exposed to the elements, so a second was added. Today there are now three - signifying increased use.
2. Secure key pad entry using library card scan or input number. Extended hours of operation compared to staffed branch was a bonus.
3. Interior view. Computer in distance for library searches and placing future holds. Back shelving for pickup materials arranged by patron's last name. Center cart holds an assortment of recommended books by staff.
4. Interior view. Overflow shelving and checkout computer station in distance. Red phone mounted to the wall is a direct line to the Redmond Branch librarian if assistance is needed
5. Check out station. Log in with library Card ID/password. Scan the barcode, proceed to next item or end transaction. Option to print receipt
In 2015, the RR Library Express had higher circulation than 6 other KCLS libraries.
Conclusion
The Library Express has proven to be a valuable asset to the Redmond Ridge community. Patrons continue to use the Express on a regular basis and love the extended hours and ease of access in procuring books and other media. It reduces traffic on the roads and frees up parking space at the other nearby branches which can be overcrowded.
When asked what project I am most proud of - I would say the Library Express. Not only was I able to help bring about a useful, lasting service to my community, but it gave me a glimpse into UX Design/Research (even before I knew what user experience was).
