By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Those residing in facilities like homeless shelters or domestic violence shelters now have access to Warsaw Community Public Library’s digital collection.

WCPL’s Board of Trustees approved a new policy for social service agency digital cards during a meeting on Monday, March 14.

“We were trying to figure out a way to make our services available to more people,” said WCPL Assistant Director Joni Brookins about the new cards. “This allows the agency to not have to act as sheriff and keep track of materials. It allows their clientele to be able to take advantage of the digital materials we have. Those materials automatically get returned and there’s no fines or lost charges to pay.”

Brookins said the clientele within the agency who want a card have to bring documentation to the library every three months to prove they are currently being serviced by the agency.

“I think it’s so cool,” said Board Treasurer Ben Rice. “We’re using existing resources, and people that otherwise might not have access to materials now do.”

Brookins said the library’s circulation department is prepared to contact social service agencies within the area about the new policy.

“Some social service agencies had been making requests recently,” said Library Director Ann Zydek about the new cards. “This is a perfect solution.”

Zydek also told the board that WCPL patrons can access the new consortium, Indiana Digital Library. Instructions on accessing the consortium can be found on the library’s website.

The board’s next meeting is at 4 p.m. Monday, April 11.