Area library branches begin offering after-hours access

It takes the concept of a public library to a whole new level: An expanded offering from Siouxland Libraries allows some visitors to browse, borrow and use the library before and after typical business hours.

The library system began its Expanded Access program in 2019 at the branch in Hartford, then added Crooks a year later. As of this month, four more locations have the program: Baltic, Colton, Garretson and Humboldt.

“Expanded Access allows residents to utilize the library beyond traditional staffed hours, offering greater flexibility and convenience to access free Wi-Fi and play areas or pick up holds placed online,” said Alysia Boysen, senior librarian of technology and marketing.

“Customers using Expanded Access enjoy the same benefits as during staffed hours. They can browse the collection, utilize our play spaces, access public computers and find quiet areas for reading or studying.”

Expanded Access gives customers access to library spaces outside business hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Customers must sign up for access at their local branch, be 18 or older and have a library card. They’re then granted an Expanded Access card. All library policies continue to be in place during expanded hours, and the facilities are monitored with security cameras.

So far, more than 615 customers have signed up for the program, which “is not intended to replace staffed hours,” Boysen said. “Instead, it provides additional opportunities for our customers to access the library and its resources on a schedule that better suits their needs.”

The program began because Siouxland Libraries “recognized a need to provide extended access to library resources in our rural communities, particularly for branches with limited staff and operating hours,” she added.

For now, Sioux Falls library users will have to visit a more rural community to take advantage of the program.

“Our current focus is maximizing the program’s impact in rural branches with limited-service hours. So it’s best suited for our rural locations,” Boysen said. “It’s not off the table, but currently we don’t have plans to expand into our Sioux Falls locations.”

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