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Atlantic County Library System to switch catalog to KOHA Aspen; branches to close one day for migration
Summary
The Atlantic County Library System told commissioners it will switch to a new public catalog, KOHA Aspen, on Oct. 20 and close library branches on Oct. 18 for final migration; library leaders said the change will save roughly $82,000 a year starting in 2026.
Library leaders told the Board of Commissioners that the Atlantic County Library System will replace its public catalog with a KOHA Aspen system produced by ByWater Solutions and launch the new catalog for the public on Monday, Oct. 20.
Matt Tabello, director of the Atlantic County Library System, said branches will close to the public on Saturday, Oct. 18, so staff can complete the final migration. He said account data will be migrated and patrons will not need new library cards; users who want mobile access will download a new app for KOHA Aspen after Oct. 20.
Tabello said the county library expects recurring annual savings of about $82,000 beginning in 2026 by moving to the new vendor. Assistant Director Aubrey Hires described family account features, the new app’s user interface and the temporary pause on placing holds for new items between Oct. 1 and Oct. 20 to protect the migration.
Commissioners asked practical questions — whether patrons need new cards (they do not) and how the app will be listed — and thanked library staff for the work. Library staff said they will distribute promotional materials and welcome user feedback after launch.
