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Making Library Materials Accessible Through Mini-Branches

  • 3 days ago
  • 2 min read
A picture of the mini-branch library at Waltonwood at University, a wood-paneled room with armchairs flanking a fireplace, and a cushioned couch and chair facing it. Books are arranged on built-in shelves on both sides of the room.
The RHPL Mini-Branch at Waltonwood at University

Did you know that RHPL has mini-branches? Mini-branches are small library access points located throughout the RHPL service area. RHPL’s Outreach Services partners with five senior communities to make library materials more accessible. The library’s partners house the mini-branches, while RHPL provides the materials that patrons can check out. The mini-branches’ collections are selected and maintained by Outreach Services, with new books delivered each week.


Each mini-branch is entirely self-serve, as patrons can browse and check out materials themselves. In fact, each mini-branch uses an analog checkout style with cards to be stamped with the return date. Volunteers work on day-to-day maintenance such as greeting patrons, assisting with checkouts, shelving materials, and taking care of the space. These volunteers are residents or members of the senior community in which the mini-branch is housed. This provides a convenient and purposeful opportunity to socialize with neighbors and get moving. 


A picture of the mini-branch library at Avon on the Lake. A set of floor to ceiling shelves are filled with books and are flanked by two leather armchairs. A return box with library information on top is in the foreground of the photo.
The RHPL Mini-branch at Avon on the Lake

Cynthia, Avon Tower’s Lead Volunteer, uses her experience working at her high school library in her mini-branch duties. “Volunteering is wonderful! I love decorating [the mini-branch] for the holidays. I try to make it educational and fun for the library.” Like the other mini-branch volunteers, Cynthia’s hard work, positivity, and love for libraries ensures that library materials are accessible to patrons.


Weekly deliveries to the mini-branches bring more than just new books. Patrons can fill out request cards with library materials they’d like brought to the mini-branch in the weekly delivery. Mini-branch patrons often have library cards with RHPL. If they do not already, they are able to apply through the mini-branch for access to all of the main library’s collections, services, and programs. Program kits are also delivered twice a month. The Spice Club kit brings a different spice and a matching recipe to try. Take & Make kits provide a fun craft or activity to try. Each kit is free to take, and is first-come-first-served.


A picture of the inside cover of an RHPL book from the OPC mini-branch. The label says "Provided as an outreach service by the Rochester Hills Public Library" There are other labels detailing the title of the book and the location of the book, the checkout period, and the fact that there are no overdue fines.
A book from the RHPL Mini-branch at OPC

Patrons may use the mini-branches if they are residents or members of the following communities: Avon on the Lake, Avon Tower, Danish Village, OPC, and Waltonwood University.

Many of the residents at senior communities may have mobility issues or difficulty leaving their homes. With the mini-branches, residents can enjoy library materials from the ease and comfort of their own homes. How do you like to access library materials?


This post was written by Jill Beckwell, Mini-branch Librarian at RHPL.


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