New '24/7 Library' Offers Flexibility For Green Hill Patrons No Matter What Time Of Day

PALOS HILLS, IL — Green Hills Public Library will celebrate the arrival of its new 24-hour library with ribbon cutting on Sept. 13. The innovative addition brings increased convenience to the community by allowing patrons to check out and return materials, and/or pick up holds—day or night.

Located just outside the main entrance, the 24-Hour library operates similarly to an ATM. Library cardholders can scan their card and browse a curated selection of currently trending books and movies, fan favorites, and seasonal items, available to patrons around the clock. Materials are updated regularly to keep the selection fresh and relevant.

Library director, Jane Jenkins, spearheaded the project after seeing the 24-Hour Library at an American Library Association conference a few years ago. She said that adding the innovative vending machine aligns with Green Hills’ mission of increasing access for patrons, no matter what time of day.

“I knew immediately this was something I wanted to provide for our community,” Jenkins said in a news release. “We want to give patrons greater flexibility in their Library experience. Whether you are working late hours, juggling family responsibilities, or just prefer to browse outside our regular hours, the 24-Hour Library is a great option.”

To celebrate the launch, the library will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 at 10331 S. Interlochen Drive, Palos Hills. The event will include a demonstration of how the 24-Hour Library works, and light refreshments will be provided.