By Kerlern Rae Tuitt
The Queens Village, South Ozone Park and LeFrak City branches of Queens Library were expected to reopen this Wednesday after a series of upgrades to their check-out systems.
In order to promote faster service, the libraries have upgraded to RFID-powered self-service check-in and -checkout. The self-checkout system allows the library staff the freedom to handle other library tasks like reshelving returned materials instead of handling checkouts.
“Self-service check-in and -checkout is so much faster and easier for customers. No more lines! High-demand books and videos get back on the shelves more quickly so others can enjoy them. And staff have more time to help library users find the information and materials they want and need,” a representative for Queens Library said.
The North Hills branch also closed last week and is expected to reopen Jan. 29. The Whitestone branch, at 151-10 14th Road, is scheduled to close at the end of business Friday and is expected to reopen Feb. 4 once the upgrades are completed.
Other branches that were closed for an extended period of time for lengthier upgrades include the Fresh Meadows branch, expected to reopen at the end of February, and the Queensboro Hill branch, which is expected to reopen in the spring.
