Library curbside pickup getting easier

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Strathmore Municipal Library is offering a new app to make its curbside pick-up services more convenient for patrons and staff alike, while the facility remains closed to the public. 

The library uses “TRACpac,” a mobile application available on both Apple (iOS) and Android devices. allowing users to check out e-books and audiobooks and search for items, among other features.

Now, a new feature of this app makes the curbside pick-up system easier. Patrons are notified when items are ready, then they can click individual items they want using a new button in the app: “click and collect.” 

When they are ready to visit the library, they can select a button in the app that says, “I’m on my way,” which notifies library staff to prepare the order. Once at the library, the app allows them to notify staff they are there and ready for the pick-up, and even includes a spot for a vehicle description so staff know where to deliver the order.

Previously, patrons needed to call the library once they arrived and request their reserved pick-up materials. This could result in some waiting, as library staff would have to collect and check-out materials, explained Rachel Dick Hughes, Strathmore library director.

“If we had somebody coming to pick up 15 or 20 items, we would have to check them out individually once they arrived, which could take some time,” she said.

The app makes the process simpler for the librarians as well, said Dick Hughes. The app gives library staff more notice when people are coming to the library. Staff see when there is someone on the way and can pull the requested items. Once they get the notification the patron has arrived, they check the items out and bring them out to them.

The result is a smoother process for both patrons and library staff. 

“It definitely speeds everything up,” she said. “It makes it a lot easier – it should be quite streamlined for everybody.”