Check out new library

Sarah Rogers is excited about the new library upgrades, which will include a self-checkout area and could also feature a regular coffee service.

Max Fleet BUNCOF

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BUNDABERG Library is about to take a technological leap forward, with upgrades now under way to install self-checkouts.

And for those who like a cuppa while they read, the library is also in talks with a community group about the prospect of operating a regular coffee trolley inside the entrance.

Youth and communities librarian Sue Gammon said the upgrades would cost about $400,000.

"We had the library repainted last August, bought some new furniture and had some old furniture recovered," she said.

"We recarpeted over Christmas and we are getting some graphic vinyl designs to put on the walls."

Ms Gammon said the upgrade was overdue.

"It's been 18 years," she said. "It's a modern-looking building, but the inside was looking a bit tired."

Ms Gammon said the library had put in an order for the self-checkout kiosks.

"It will be like when you go to the airport and you don't want to stand in a queue - you can do it yourself," she said.

"A lot of younger people are used to that as a way of life these days."

But Ms Gammon said people who did not want to use the self-checkouts could still go to counter staff, who would not be cut back in the wake of the new technology being introduced.

"We need every one of our staff members," she said.

"But I hope it will free up some of our staff to do some other stuff."

The prospect of self-checkout technology was generally well received by library patrons yesterday.

Leigh Rich, who was browsing the library's catalogue computer, said she would definitely use it.

"In supermarkets people use them quite well," she said.

Kylie Urquhart also said she would use the new technology.

"It would cut down on queues, and everybody's getting used to it," she said.

Richmond Hannah was a little more cautious.

"It depends how easy it is to use," he said.

WHAT'S IN STORE

• New magazine storage and display cabinets.
• Bathroom being renovated.
• Cable installed so patrons can watch some pay TV channels.
• TVs set to news channel and have no sound but text display.
• New catalogue computers with touchscreen capability.
• Decorative imagery at various points.
• Talks under way to get a coffee shop.
• Computers with games to be installed in kids' area.