With 18,422 active cardholders, Port Moody Public Library knows it's a good friend to local book lovers.
But now it wants to strengthen that connection with a mobile app that allows patrons to stay in touch with PMPL while on the go.
Available for both Android and Apple smart phone users, the mobile app enables patrons to check what they have borrowed, renew items, see if holds are ready for pick-up, cancel or suspend holds, check borrowing history and view the collection.
What's more, the app allows readers to easily check if a particular book is is available in the library collection simply by scanning the book's bar code.
Virginia McCreedy, who is the library's digital and information services coordinator, is a big fan of the app that was put into circulation in December. She's one of about 800 users who downloaded it to their smart phones or tablets and uses it to place books on hold.
She's a voracious reader and loves being on top of the latest bestsellers, and as a result has 74 books on hold, all placed through the digital app.
"We want to respond to what people are looking for," explained McCreedy, who said the mobile app puts patrons in touch with library services without having to go to a computer to check the website. It's easy, and fast, she said, and she hopes more people will sign on.
"We want to make sure we are available for them on the technology they are using."
The PMPL library app is available on Google Play and Apple's App Store.
In an article in Wednesday's Tri-City News about planned changes to Coquitlam Public Library, CPL director Todd Gnissios said the library's new strategic plan proposes to do more with technology, including a mobile app.
