ROGERS -- A paint error led to a delay in installing a kiosk that would allow Rogers Public Library patrons to pick up books while at the Rogers Activity Center.
The kiosk should have been installed and operational by now, but when the kiosk arrived it was painted bright white rather than steel gray, according to library officials.
"White is not the color you want in front of a recreation center where hundreds of children pass by every day," said Wendy Jones, director of operations for the center.
"It wouldn't be any time before the kiosk was covered with handprints and dirt. This building was a gift from the Walton Family Foundation, and we want to keep the building looking nice," Jones said.
"We don't have any white on the Activity Center. The kiosk would have stood out like a sore thumb," said Coleta Paris, center director.
The kiosk is being repainted steel gray, Jones said.
"A more neutral color will show less wear and be cleaner looking," Jones said.
Robert Finch, assistant library director, said he wasn't very involved in the kiosk project.
"I was copied on all the emails, but I wasn't really involved with the project. Judy (Casey) handled the project. I do know there was a fuss over the white color," Finch said. Casey, the library director, was on vacation and couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday.
Finch didn't know when the kiosk would be returned to the city. He suggested John Henry, library systems manager, might know.
Henry said the kiosk was delivered to Rogers but returned to holdIT, the company that makes the kiosk. However, he had no idea when the kiosk was returned or when it might be sent back to the city.
The idea behind the kiosk is to make it easier for library patrons to check out books or other material without having to drive to the library at 711 S. Dixieland Road, Finch said.
A person can call or go online to request a book or other material. It would then be delivered to the kiosk at the Activity Center, 315 W. Olive St. The patron would be notified when the material is put into a locked drawer of the kiosk. The patron scans his or her library card at the kiosk and the door opens, Finch said.
A book-return box has been installed at the Activity Center.
The color of the kiosk may have been a problem, but having a library presence at the Activity Center is a good idea, Jones said.
"We're excited about having the kiosk at the center. It will be easier for residents and nonresidents with library cards to get material from the library on this side of town. It might also encourage children to read more," Jones said.
NW News on 12/24/2014