ONSLOW COUNTY -- On March 13, 2017, Onslow County Public Library (OCPL) and Albert J. Ellis Airport hosted a ribbon cutting for a new Digital Library Kiosk. This kiosk is the first of its kind in North Carolina, making Albert J. Ellis Airport the fifth airport in the country to house a kiosk of this design. The technology will offer travelers, and those waiting at the airport, the option to access free digital versions of books, audiobooks, magazines and more. Users with compatible electronic devices such as cellphones, laptops and tablets will be able to download a selection from the library’s digital collection. The materials are offered through the North Carolina Digital Library.
The Digital Library Kiosk was made possible through a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and through the Jacksonville Friends of the Library. The Digital Library Kiosk is located on the second floor of the airport near the terminal exit. The kiosk has a 50-inch touch screen with access to the Onslow County Public Library website among others. Travelers will be able to obtain a three-day pass to check out materials. If a user has an Onslow County Public Library card, they can check out items through the OverDrive library materials app. The kiosk also boasts a photo booth, so be sure to stop by and test out the technology.
Commissioner Buchanan, Vice Chairman Bennett, Airport Director Chris White, Library Director Virginia Sharp-March & Commissioner Price assist with the ribbon cutting.
Deborah Wadleigh with OCPL demonstrates the kiosk.
The kiosk boasts a charging station for various smartphones and tablets.
The 50-inch screen allows users to check out eBooks, audiobooks and enjoy a photo booth.