Written By: Prince William Public Libraries

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Prince William Public Libraries is researching new ways for you to pick up materials and use our computers, Wi-Fi, and other technology without coming into one of our libraries. We understand that not everyone is able to come into our libraries, due to their locations, hours, or for a variety of other reasons. In an effort to expand library services, we are looking at new ways to bring our libraries to you! We are asking for your input: this brief, eight-question survey should take no longer than three minutes to complete and will provide us with invaluable information in determining additional library services to offer beyond our brick-and-mortar branches.

Some possible expansion ideas include:

A Parked Van or RV: This “mobile” library would travel around Prince William County and the City of Manassas and would park in highly-visible locations, like a grocery store parking lot or outside a shopping center. Every week, the location(s) of the mobile library would be announced on PWPL’s website and social media. The “mobile” library may offer things such as physical books, CDs, and DVDs to check out; computers; and may act as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot for you to connect to from your own device.

Self-Service Holds Pickup Locker: Similar to Amazon lockers that are popping up around Prince William County, these lockers would be available at locations like grocery stores, banks, or convenience stores. You would reserve physical items like books, CDs, and DVDs through our online catalog or by calling one of our libraries, then – instead of going to a library to pick up your hold – you can access one of these lockers with your library card to get your materials. Depending on the location, these lockers would have extended hours, perfect for commuters or convenient when running errands.

Vending Machine: Just like a food vending machine, these vending machines will be stocked with new and popular book, CD, and DVD titles. A previous hold isn’t required: You can check out an item when it’s available in the vending machine and return it to the same spot. Just like the lockers, these vending machines will be available beyond traditional library hours. Are there other ways our libraries can be more available to you? Included in the survey is an “Additional Comments” section. If you have heard of other libraries around the country offering new and innovative ways to access our materials and resources, let us know!