LAFAYETTE, Ind.— The Tippecanoe County Public library is making it easier for area residents to access all their library has to offer, day or night, rain or shine.

The downtown library unveiled a new 24-hour library on Wednesday, resembling a large ATM, filled with books, audiobooks and movies all located in the partially renovated Red Crown Mini Museum located at 605 South St.

County librarian Jos Holman said the idea and need behind a public offering like the 24-hour library is a reflection of the community.

"As we talk about a community of this nature, of where we live and breathe and play, this is a 24/7 community," he said. "Things are going on all the time in terms of shift work for various manufacturers and students, and fitting the library into your daily life isn't the same in terms of 9 to 5 hours."

Holman said the mechanical library is a first of its kind, as well as a first in the state. The 24-hour library is one of two featured east of the Mississippi River, while there are less than 20 mechanical units this large in all of the United States, Holman said.

Manufactured by EnvisionWare, Inc. in Duluth, Georgia, the fully-automated, free-standing stainless steel unit measures about 13 feet wide, 5 and a half feet deep, and 8 feet tall, according to a news release. It holds approximately 340 items on glass-enclosed shelves.

The machine works as a self-check out as well as a book return. Users will scan their library cards, select an item from the 24-hour library's current inventory, the item will drop into a bin to be then taken out and enjoyed, Holman said. Titles that can be found range from popular, newer items to some of the classics, all that can even be explored ahead of time through the Tippecanoe County Public Library's website.

Holman said housing the 24-hour library in the old gas station is great opportunity for the TCPL to work as good stewards of the property.

"It isn't as aesthetically pleasing as we plan to have it, but we have ideas," he said. "This Standard Oil station is only one of a small few left in the country, and we plan to place some items of the time period as well as perhaps some replicas."

Contact reporter Jillian Ellison at 765-420-5228 or at jeellison@gannett.com.

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