Newest Library In Carver Co. Brings Technology To The Forefront

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – When was the last time you were at your local library? Have you thought that getting a library card isn't worth the hassle of going in?

Well, this may make you change your mind about getting that library card.

While many see libraries as not keeping up with the digital devices times, one library is doing exactly that.

WCCO This Morning's Ali Lucia toured Victoria's 4,300 square foot digital library.

Heidi Hoks oversees all 10 libraries in Carver County. While in between a workshop for her Carver County staff, the Library Director gave Lucia a tour of the newest building to hit Victoria.

Inside a technology bar, laptops and e-readers available for checkout. It even has an open table style set-up similar to what you would see in an Apple store.

And gone are those overdue library book fees.

"The only thing that's different, with an e-book, no fine, it automatically gets returned to the library on your iPad," Hoks, Library Director of Carver County Libraries, said.

What's not to like about that?

The e-books are available just like regular hard cover books for a three week checkout. From teen central to a kid's corner, this library has it all on a much smaller scale.

"[The carpet pattern] is sort of pixilated pattern that is made of up five different colors. It has kind of a tech look to it," Jessie Bauldry, the intern architect, said.

Bauldry helped incorporate that tech feel all the way down to the floor.

While technology may be one touch or swipe away from our finger tips, the lead architect at LEO A DALY, the company who took on this project, said we all still need the ability to engage face to face.

"A digital in-person library recognizes that humans learn through discussion, through dialogue, through discovery, in conversation through each other. The technology is just a tool to allow them to gain the resources that they need, but it's the interaction that sort of evolves human thought and human creativity," Cindy McCleary, Lead Architect at LEO A DALY, said.

With that in mind, Hoks reiterated that all good literature, especially for children, is based on cadence. Which is why having the hard books will always be a timeless piece.

"In order for children to learn how to read they need that static surface," Hoks said.

For more information on Carver County libraries, visit them online. All public libraries in Minnesota can be found here.