Carver County approves three-year agreement to pilot extended after-hours access at Victoria Library

Carver County commissioners on a unanimous vote approved a three-year professional services agreement with Bibliotheca on a pilot to provide adult patrons after-hours access to the Victoria Library.

The library's presenter, Jody, a library staff member, told the board that eligible users — library card holders ages 18 and up — will complete an application, sign a user agreement and attend a short orientation before receiving an entry code. "Total library access would increase from where we are currently at 40 hours to a hundred and 5 hours per week of access," Jody said, adding that the pilot would include secured entry panels, security cameras and a video server manager.

The pilot is funded for three years through the Charles J. Dahlke grant program the board approved last November, with the county covering hardware and installation costs in year one and lower support and maintenance costs in years two and three. Jody said the vendor recommended for the project is Bibliotheca and its Open+ product; the county noted the vendor has a local warehouse in Lake Elmo. Pending contract approval the project team aims to launch in early September.

Commissioners asked about user safety, capacity and enforcement. Commissioner Lee pressed for details about security procedures and what would happen if patrons remained in the building after the posted hours; Jody said the system will use PA announcements as closing time approaches and that staff or branch management would be alerted if the occupancy sensors indicate activity after hours. "There is a PA system. So, say at a quarter to 10, announcements will start to commence," Jody said.

Commissioner Fahey asked whether the county can terminate the contract early if problems arise; Jody said she would confirm the contract exit provisions. Commissioners noted the Dahlke grant provides a runway to test the service and gather data before the county would consider absorbing costs beyond the three-year grant period.

Board members who spoke in favor framed the pilot as expanding access and modernizing services rather than replacing staff. Commissioner Anderson said the pilot may increase demand for staff time and recommended monitoring how the technology affects staffing and service patterns. Commissioner Uterman moved approval; Commissioner Anderson seconded. The motion passed with all commissioners present saying aye.

If the pilot proceeds as planned, eligible adult patrons will use a library card number and PIN at a secured entry panel to enter during designated nonstaffed hours and access collections, self-checkout, public computers, Wi-Fi and quiet study spaces. The user agreement will include the library conduct policy and restrictions on bringing additional guests during extended access hours.

The board approved the vendor contract and directed staff to return with implementation details, including final security and contract termination language.