Friendswood approves contract to buy automated library kiosk funded by Friends of the Library

The Friendswood City Council on May 14 authorized a contract with International Library Services, Inc. to purchase an ILS AutoLand library kiosk, including software, hardware and maintenance, to expand access to library materials outside regular hours.

City staff said the kiosk will hold up to 400 items, including hardcover and paperback books, DVDs, games and audiobooks. Staff credited the Friends of the Library fundraising efforts, including proceeds from an annual gala, for enabling the purchase; the council approved the contract by motion and second.

Matt Riley, Friendswood’s library director, was acknowledged in the meeting as overseeing library operations; staff said the kiosk will help residents who cannot make it to the library during normal hours access materials. Bharat (staff) summarized the equipment’s capacity and purpose during his presentation to council: “This kiosk will allow, it'll have a capacity up to 400 items, including both hard cover books, soft cover books, DVDs, games, and audio books.”

Councilmembers moved and seconded the purchase authorization; the mayor called for a voice vote and the motion passed. Staff will finalize contracting and implementation details, including installation and maintenance relationships under the contract with International Library Services, Inc.