As a part of Durango Public Library’s transition to a new server system, the library has released a mobile app.
The server the library had been using was outdated, and Durango City Council approved funding for a system change in 2019. Even though the change was planned before the pandemic, the increased accessibility of the transition has come at an opportune time because the library has been closed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The library started working on the transition in January. The final transition was made April 30, but the app was only recently released. The app performs many of the same functions as the library’s website. Customers are able to place books on hold, browse and renew items.
Library Director Sandy Irwin said family members’ accounts can be linked through the app.
“So, if I’m a parent and have kids, I can link those accounts there,” Irwin said.
The library has also eliminated late fees as part of the changes instituted with the transition to a new system. The elimination of late fees is part of the library’s inclusion efforts.
“If you’re looking at something that keeps people from using libraries, it’s late fees,” Irwin said. “So, we eliminated those.”
In the old system, a customer was charged 10 cents for each day a book had not been returned after the due date. In the new system, customers will have three weeks after a book is due before they are charged the cost of the book. If the customer returns the book, even after those three weeks, the charge will be dropped. Customers will be able to see if they have any fines on the app.
Customers can find the app by searching “Durango Public Library” in the Google Play or iOS App Store.
While the library is still closed to in-person customers, the app can assist in requesting books for curbside pickup.
However, Irwin said the library expects to issue a news release Thursday announcing a limited reopening.
“We miss seeing people,” Irwin said.
smarvin@durangoherald.com
