Roundup: Ride and Read Project Launches as Bibliotech Library in Texas Begins Providing Library Kiosks at Bus Stops

From Texas Public Radio:

Just in time for Bibliotech’s third anniversary, the library has struck a new partnership to expand its reach and provide library materials to a new community of patrons who otherwise might find it hard to go to a library.
VIA [the Greater San Antonio Region bus system] riders will be able to use new Bibliotech kiosks at their bus stations to sign up and get a “virtual” library card, use apps, and borrow books, music, movies, and publications.

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View Video Report from KSAT (San Antonio)
From the Official Launch Announcement:

Once a rider’s selections are downloaded to a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop, the e-books remain available for two weeks before the titles are electronically returned. All registered BiblioTech patrons can use VIA’s free 4G LTE WiFi, available on all buses and at all transit centers, to access BiblioTech’s apps, and browse and download books, movies, music and periodicals.
Through an agreement with VIA approved by Commissioners Court, BiblioTech kiosks and wall-mounted ADA-compliant screens are being installed at VIA’s Downtown Information Center, Centro Plaza, the Ellis Alley Transit Center, the Medical Center Transit Center, the Crossroads Park & Ride and the North Star Transit Center. After each kiosk is installed, BiblioTech and VIA staff will be on hand at each center to assist riders with registration and use of the equipment. BiblioTech also will participate in VIA ridership fairs throughout the year to promote the partnership.

VIA rolled out the new #Bibliotech bus as part of a partnership to encourage passengers to #RideAndRead by using kiosks at 6 transit centers. Sign up and start reading your favorite titles today at VIAinfo.net

A photo posted by VIA Metropolitan Transit (@viatransit) on Sep 21, 2016 at 8:21am PDT

Filed under: Libraries, News, Patrons and Users, Roundup