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Columbia Heights trustees flag $50,000 for public computer replacements, plan to reduce self-check kiosks
Summary
At its June 3 meeting, the Columbia Heights Public Library Board reviewed draft 2027 budget priorities that include about $50,000 to replace public computers, reducing self-check kiosks from three to two, and rising Anoka County shared-service costs; trustees also discussed makerspace plans and vendor options.
The Columbia Heights Public Library Board on June 3 reviewed draft priorities for the library’s 2027 budget, with Library Director Renee Dougherty saying the proposal currently includes roughly $50,000 for replacing all public computers, funds to replace self-check kiosks and to cover increased Anoka County shared-service and delivery costs.
Why it matters: Replacing aging public computers and updating self-check infrastructure would affect everyday patron access and recurring operating costs. Trustees said they want to balance technology reliability with patron preferences for staff interaction.
Dougherty told trustees that checkouts at CHPL are split about evenly between three self-check kiosks and the service desk, according to an Anoka County Library report. Board discussion identified multiple reasons for declining self-check use: instability of the current units, account-renewal or PIN issues, and some patrons preferring human assistance. The current self-checks were purchased in 2015, and two have had recurring technical problems; one kiosk continues to experience intermittent barcode reader and RFID antenna malfunctions. Dougherty also noted the kiosks run Windows 10, which reached end of support last October, increasing the case for replacement.
Trustees asked staff to evaluate vendor options. The board discussed Bibliotheca — the library’s current vendor, which also supplies the facility’s security gates and desktop RFID integration — and noted that Anoka, Hennepin and Ramsey county libraries use Bibliotheca. Trustees suggested surveying patrons who check out at the desk to learn why they do not use the self-checks and using outreach (social media, video tutorials, signage) to promote self-check usage.
The draft 2027 budget also includes an item to reduce the number of self-check units (from three to two) paired with replacement of older units. Separately, the board discussed a makerspace wish list (3D printers, embroidery machines and other equipment) and potential partnerships with local organizations, including Toaster Innovation Hub at the University of Minnesota, NE Tool Library, Leonardo’s Basement and Creative Cart Mobile Studio; those ideas are on the library’s wishlist and would be weighed against budget realities.
Next steps: Director Dougherty said a proposed 2027 budget will be available for the board’s review at the July meeting so trustees can prioritize requests and refine cost estimates. The board took no formal vote on capital allocations at the June meeting.
