PHOTO #1: The Victoria Public Library has received a grant to add on-site lockers where residents will be able to pick up and drop off materials. The lockers will be customized with the library’s logo, the City of Victoria logo and acknowledgement of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services for investing in the project. Photo contributed by Bibliotheca.
The Victoria Public Library has received a grant for improvements that will let residents access library services outside of business hours, including on-site lockers where residents will be able to pick up and drop off materials 24/7.
The project is funded by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (Grant # LS-253655-OLS-23) to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act. (2024)
“Grants such as this one are crucial in helping us move forward with the projects outlined in the library master plan,” said Library Director Jessica Berger. “We are excited to get to work on our short-term goals that will help us meet the needs that residents have indicated to us.”
Late-night reading
PHOTO #2: This image from the Victoria Public Library master plan highlights residents’ favorite trends that were discussed in community focus groups.
During the development of the library master plan, residents expressed interest in expanding the library’s hours. This reflects the difficulty that some residents have with coming to the library before it closes, explained Development and Partnership Coordinator Kayla Massey.
“Our patrons have many different life circumstances that could make it difficult for them to visit us during library hours,” Massey said. “For example, they might work when the library is open, or they might live or work far away from the library. Some of them might be busy picking up children or running other errands.”
The new lockers will let residents access the library’s collection on their own schedules. Residents will be able to request materials through the library catalog at www.victoriatx.gov/library or by calling 361-485-3301 or emailing vpl@victoriatx.gov. A library staff member will then place the materials in one of the lockers for pickup, and residents can then pick up the materials using their library cards.
Using the same grant, the library will install a book drop near the lockers for easy drop-off of materials. Residents can also drop off materials at one of the existing book drops on the Main Street side of the library or at the Dr. Pattie Dodson Public Health Center, 2805 N. Navarro St.
A place to connect
PHOTO #3: This image from the Victoria Public Library master plan highlights new library services that residents would like to see. “Outdoor space” was one of the most popular choices.
The master plan also indicates that residents would like to see improvements to the library’s outdoor space. To help meet this need, the library will add outdoor tables and chairs as part of the same grant.
What’s next
The lockers and furniture are expected to be added in the fall.
To learn more about Victoria Public Library programs and services, visit www.victoriatx.gov/library. To view the library master plan, visit www.victoriatx.gov/librarymasterplan.