by Kathy Eide Casas

Check it out! The Sierra Vista Library Opens in Clovis

Welcome to the cool comfort of Sierra Vista Mall. Step through the western doors of the mall and you’ll see its new and extraordinary tenant, complete with glistening glass walls, colorful signs and books galore…it’s the Sierra Vista Library!

Located at the northeast corner of Shaw and Clovis Avenues, in Clovis, the busy Sierra Vista Mall was a natural choice for the Fresno County Library to embark on its new remote ‘lending venture’, otherwise known as a library kiosk. With a touch of the screen, library-card holders can have access to 400 books, media items and video games. This seven-ton freestanding vending machine is state of the art, fully automated and simple to use, offering everything that any other branch of the Fresno County library offers.

According to the Library Journal, Fresno County is one of the first systems in use in the country to move outside of traditional branch walls and right into the public mainstream.

Clovis was a natural choice for this first of its kind kiosk. Though one of the fastest growing cities in Fresno County, Clovis only offers one library for the entire city. The Clovis Regional Library, located in the Clovis Civic Center is the second busiest branch in the entire library system. This new Sierra Vista Library presents a common sense and convenient solution to relieve some of the growing pains of the Clovis Library while at the same time, providing convenient easy access for the public.

Jonathan Waltmire, the Marketing and Public Information Coordinator for the Fresno County Library enthusiastically shared the following information, “The Fresno County Libraries are always looking for ways to improve service and improve our ability to provide access to information throughout the county. All of us at the Fresno County Library are excited to be able to offer this kiosk that is brimming with books, DVDS, games and other information. Clovis is an area of huge demand for library use.” Waltmire continued, “This is a great way to bring the library to where people are going to be.”

Clovis resident, Nicolette Moore and her niece were shopping at Kohl’s when they saw the kiosk. Nicolette is an avid user of the Clovis library, but this location offers the convenience of the library within walking distance. “I’m so excited to have this library so close. I’m at Sierra Vista Mall all the time, so this will save me time and ensure I get my walk in a little more often. I especially like that I can order books and pick them up right here.”

The Sierra Vista Library is already proving popular, circulating several hundred checkouts, receiving hundreds of returns, resolving 20 holds, and registering may new patrons during its first month ‘in business.’ DVDs were especially popular, accounting for about 65 % of checkouts, weighted toward adult titles. Adult books accounted for 12.8 % of checkouts; juvenile and young adult books about 10%; video games 6.8%; and “new and now” no-holds, current book titles accounted for five%. There really is something for everyone!

This early success indicates that the emergence of a kiosk such as this could present a viable solution to other libraries that need to grow or would like to enhance their service area without investing in new buildings. Combine that with offering patrons a convenient, self-service option that is open later in the day than most branches, and you have a successful partnership!

Sierra Vista Library Hours are the same as the Mall hours:
?Monday thru Friday – 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday – 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ?
Sunday – 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Stop by and check it out or visit www.fresnolibrary.org to learn more.

Kathy Eide Casas Kathy Eide Casas is a valley native and has been involved in politics, public policy and public relations her entire career. From the U. S. and state capitols to local projects, she has been a guiding force. Most recently, Eide-Casas completed the writing for two U Turns Allowed magazines, benefiting Focus Forward. Additionally, her work has run in several other local publications, including Valley Health Magazine.