Just after noon one cloudy Sunday, Burnsville resident Fay Li found herself in a study room at the Burnhaven library studying for an exam to become a registered nurse.
The library, however, wouldn’t open for another hour. Li got access to the library as part of initiatives by two south metro libraries, called Extended Access, to allow patrons access to facilities during hours when the building is officially closed and when staff isn’t present.
Fourteen such libraries in Dakota and Scott County are accessible to patrons with pre-registration, with the Galaxie library in Apple Valley and the Savage library being accessible as of this month. One more library branch each in Dakota and Scott County will be accessible after-hours later this summer.
In Scott County…
Scott County Libraries launched extended access at the Jordan library in September 2021, making it accessible to those with a registered library card from the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Since its launch, the branch has seen 11,619 extended-hours visitors. The Scott County library system has 1,370 registered users as of June 25.
In Dakota County…
Meanwhile, Dakota County Libraries launched extended access at the Farmington library early last year, making it accessible to users from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. County spokesperson Mary Beth Schubert said it started with Farmington because the branch had limited hours and “the need for more access was greatest there.” Since its launch, 2,737 people have registered to access libraries countywide after hours.
Some costs…
The initiative costs Scott County $20,000 per branch annually, which includes software, security measures such as cameras, and staff time. For Dakota County, it spent $275,000 for security cameras, speakers for automated announcements, building modifications, and software adjustments, and plans to spend $150,000 annually on energy costs and utilities for all 10 locations.
“Ongoing software costs and staff time to support the process are needed whether we offer this service or not,” Dakota County spokesperson Mary Beth Schubert added.
How can you access it?
Securing access to a Dakota or Scott County library is relatively simple. A person first needs to have a library card from a Minnesota regional library system, which includes any library in the Twin Cities. They then need to register the library card in-person at a library associated with the system you wish to use after hours. They will also need to bring a state-issued identification card so library staff can verify the person’s identity.
After a library card is registered with their system, a person will need to review a video about the service, as well as complete an access form. The access form for Dakota County libraries can be completed online, while the access form for Scott County must be completed in-person.