Empowering Community Engagement and Streamlined Operations with Omnicharge
DeWitt District Library serves a suburban-rural community of around 21,900 patrons just north of Lansing, Michigan. Operating in a limited-capacity facility, the library faces ongoing challenges in meeting its patrons' demand for accessible charging solutions, both within the library and at external events. Due to the library's aging electrical system, expanding traditional outlets was impractical, particularly as they plan a future move to a new building.
The Challenge
- Limited Power Outlets: With patrons frequently staying for extended periods, demand for device charging led to overcrowded outlets and cables creating tripping hazards.
- Community Outreach Events: At offsite events like farmer's markets and library programming on donated land, lack of power access constrained technology use.
- Inventory Cart Operations: Conducting efficient inventory checks and tracking required powered equipment in locations without reliable outlets.
The Solution
DeWitt District Library integrated an Omni Power Station 20+ 5-bay unit to lend portable power banks for patrons and staff use. This mobile power solution enabled flexible device charging within the library and supported offsite programming, improving service delivery and operational efficiency.
Implementation and Results
1. Enhanced Patron Experience within the Library
- Teen and Adult Use: With Omnicharge power banks, teens and adults can charge their devices at tables rather than clustering around wall outlets. This shift improved library traffic flow, eliminated hazardous cords across walkways, and allowed patrons to work comfortably without leaving their seats.
- Streamlined Lending and Accountability: Power banks are barcoded for two-hour library check-outs, providing seamless tracking without a security system. Patrons can easily recharge phones and laptops on demand, reducing strain on the library's limited outlets.
2. Expanding Community Outreach with Power
- Outdoor Programs and Farmer's Markets: At outdoor events, such as storytime or library card sign-ups, power banks provided essential support, allowing staff to operate laptops and facilitate event sign-ups. The solution also proved ideal for off-grid locations like the library's future site, enabling programming without infrastructure investments.
- Emergency Use Potential: The library foresees additional uses in power outages or emergencies, allowing patrons to charge mobile devices for essential communication.
3. Increased Operational Efficiency with Inventory Carts
- Mobile Inventory Checks: During a recent library inventory, staff equipped with Omnicharge-powered carts completed tasks directly in the stacks. This configuration powered laptops, scanners, and printers, allowing real-time catalog updates without needing fixed power sources. The set-up enabled the team to finish the entire inventory in one day, a process that usually spans a month.
Impact
The Omni Power Station 20+ has transformed power accessibility at DeWitt District Library. Patrons now benefit from safe, convenient charging options, and staff can conduct efficient operations and community outreach programs.
This innovation has enabled DeWitt District Library to meet its mission as a community hub, enhancing its patrons' library experience while optimizing staff workflows.
Looking forward, the library anticipates further use cases, particularly as it transitions to a new facility with increased outreach capabilities.
Future Expansion
The success of the Omnicharge solution has sparked interest in expanding mobile power resources. The library is considering adding higher-capacity units, such as the Omni 40+, to address extended event needs and power outages, and exploring solar-charging options to increase sustainability.
Ready to bring portable power to your library?
Talk to our team about lendable power banks and Power Stations for reading rooms, outreach events and staff operations.
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