fbpx
The Leader in Library Vending Machines & Outreach Lending Kiosks For Every Library
(866) 883-0300

Latest News

Stay up to date on industry related topics and our company news

smart lockers for libraries

5 Ways Smart Lockers Expand Access in Underserved Communities

Libraries have always been champions of access, but traditional brick-and-mortar branches can’t always meet the needs of every community. Enter smart lockers—an innovative way to bring library resources directly to the people who need them most. Whether placed in schools, transit hubs, rural areas, or community centers, smart lockers seamlessly integrate with your library’s ILS and make materials available around the clock.

Here are five powerful ways smart lockers expand access in underserved communities:

1. 24/7 Convenience for Patrons

Not everyone can visit during library hours. Smart lockers give community members access to holds and returns at any time of day—perfect for parents juggling busy schedules, commuters, and shift workers.

2. Reaching Rural and Remote Areas

For patrons who live miles away from the nearest library branch, smart lockers become a lifeline. Placing lockers in small-town centers, schools, or local stores ensures every resident has equal access to books, technology, and other resources.

3. Supporting Equity in Education

Underserved students often lack access to critical resources like laptops, Wi-Fi hotspots, or even grade-level books at home. Smart lockers enable libraries to distribute these items securely and efficiently, ensuring every student can succeed.

4. Expanding the “Library of Things”

Beyond books and DVDs, many libraries now lend items such as STEM kits, tablets, sewing machines, or musical instruments. Smart lockers make it easy to manage this growing collection and allow patrons to pick up unique materials safely and conveniently.

5. Strengthening Community Partnerships

Libraries that install lockers in schools, community centers, senior housing complexes, or transit hubs demonstrate a commitment to partnership and equity. These collaborations extend the library’s presence far beyond its walls, building trust and visibility in the community.

Final Thoughts

Smart lockers are more than a technology upgrade—they’re a community outreach solution. By providing secure, convenient, and equitable access, libraries can expand their reach, support lifelong learning, and ensure no one is left behind.

At International Library Services (ILS), we help libraries design and install smart locker systems that integrate seamlessly with your ILS and serve your patrons wherever they are.

👉 Ready to bring smart lockers to your community? Contact us to explore how we can help.

How to Fund a Library Vending Machine with Grants

Expanding access to library materials doesn’t always require expanding your building—or your budget. Library vending machines, like the AutoLend™, LL6 Book Vending Machine, Smart Lockers, and MediaLend™, allow libraries to extend their reach into schools, community centers, transit hubs, and underserved neighborhoods. But many libraries face the same question: How do we fund it?

The good news: grant opportunities can make your library vending machine project possible. Whether you’re a public library, academic institution, or school district, there are multiple grant pathways available to help bring innovative outreach technology to your community.

1. Federal and State Library Grants

  • Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS): The IMLS administers the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants through state library agencies. These funds are designed to support innovative technology, outreach, and equitable access—perfect for a library vending machine project.
  • State Library Agencies: Most states have their own grant programs, often focused on literacy, technology access, or rural outreach. Be sure to check your state library’s website for current opportunities.

2. Community Development and Education Grants

  • Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): Administered by HUD, these can sometimes be used for projects that support underserved neighborhoods, including technology access and literacy initiatives.
  • Department of Education Grants: Especially relevant for school libraries, these grants may support literacy, after-school programs, or technology upgrades.

3. Local and Regional Foundations

Many local community foundations, Rotary clubs, and regional philanthropic groups fund projects that improve access to education and technology. Library vending machines align perfectly with these missions because they expand resources to people who may not otherwise reach a traditional library branch.

4. Technology and Innovation Grants

Because library vending machines combine literacy with technology, they often qualify for innovation or digital inclusion funding:

  • Broadband and digital equity grants can support machines that provide Wi-Fi hotspots or digital downloads.
  • STEM/STEAM-focused foundations may also see value in kiosks that distribute laptops, tablets, or STEM kits.

5. Tips for Writing a Strong Grant Proposal

  • Frame the impact: Show how the vending machine will expand access for underserved patrons, such as rural residents, commuters, or students.
  • Provide data: Include circulation stats, community demographics, or stories that demonstrate need.
  • Highlight partnerships: If your machine will be placed in a school, community center, or transit hub, emphasize collaboration.
  • Focus on sustainability: Detail how ongoing support and maintenance will be funded, often through your library’s operating budget or a Friends of the Library group.

6. Success Stories

Libraries across the country have successfully funded vending machines through grants. For example:

  • A rural library used LSTA funds to place an AutoLend™ in a grocery store, giving families 24/7 access to books and DVDs.
  • A school district secured literacy grants to install Smart Lockers for students to borrow laptops and hotspots.
  • Urban libraries tapped community foundation dollars to place LL6 vending machines in transit hubs.

Final Thoughts

Grant funding is one of the most effective ways to launch a library vending machine program without straining your existing budget. By tapping into state, federal, and local funding sources—and by writing a compelling, impact-focused proposal—you can bring library services closer to the people who need them most.

At International Library Services (ILS), we’ve been helping libraries expand access for over 40 years. If you’re considering applying for grants to fund an AutoLend™, LL6, MediaLend™, or Smart Locker, our team can provide guidance and supporting materials to strengthen your application.

👉 Ready to explore your options? Contact us today to learn more about funding opportunities and how a library vending machine can transform access in your community.

AutoLend Library Book Vending Machine by ILS

Making the Most of Limited Library Resources

Public libraries face uncertainty over funding, particularly from the Institute of Museum and Library Services amid debates on budget priorities in 2025. Library vending machines offer a solution by providing 24/7 access to resources, reducing operational costs, and supporting community engagement, helping libraries adapt to financial challenges effectively.

Altadena AutoLend by ILS survives wildfires and helps Altadena in the aftermath of disaster 1

Supporting Libraries Through Disaster Recovery: Altadena On The Rise

International Library Services Inc. supports Altadena’s recovery from the Eaton Fire, ensuring access to resources through AutoLend kiosks that remained undamaged. The kiosks are now operational, including a relocated one at Loma Alta Park, which is being transformed into a community hub with enhanced services and facilities, showcasing community resilience. Click to KEEP READING…

transform material access in your library with outreach lending kiosks by ILSinc

How to Transform Material Access in Your Library

Libraries must adapt to modern demands for accessibility and convenience. Challenges like limited hours and geographic barriers hinder access. Smart automation solutions, such as self-service kiosks and lockers, enable 24/7 access to materials, enhancing engagement and circulation. Libraries can assess community needs and implement tailored solutions for improved resource accessibility.

Printed books are a must with younger generations

Top Ways for Libraries to Better Reach GenZers and Millennials

A recent ALA survey indicates that individuals under 40 prefer print books over digital, valuing the tactile experience and enhanced comprehension. Despite a tendency towards rural living, convenience is vital for these generations. Libraries must adapt by offering 24/7 access and utilizing social media to engage younger patrons effectively.

ILSinc AutoLend library at prime pizza

What Do Self-Service Library Kiosks Have To Offer?

The Altadena Library District has installed book vending machines outside Prime Pizza and the Main Library to enhance community outreach and accessibility. These self-service kiosks allow patrons to borrow and return items 24/7, cater to busy lifestyles, reduce staffing costs, and support underserved areas, ultimately increasing library resource circulation.

school library

Back-to-School for Libraries: How to Support Schools

As fall approaches, public libraries are encouraged to support local schools through collaboration. Suggestions include setting up library tables at school events, offering read-aloud programs, coordinating on assigned reading, and utilizing AutoLend Libraries to bring resources directly to students. These initiatives aim to enhance educational resources and strengthen community ties.