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Welcome to the our new Neighborhood Library Box service – a convenient way for Calcasieu Parish Public Library cardholders to access their library materials anytime!

These community kiosks allow you to browse, check out, and return books and videos anytime—day or night—with your library card and PIN. Don’t have a CPPL card? Check the requirements and visit your local branch for help.

Key Features:

  • Collection/Content: The interactive kiosk offers a selection of books and DVDs/Blurays for both children and adults, featuring a mix of fiction and nonfiction titles.
  • Browse and Check Out: Use the kiosk’s touchscreen to browse and check out items. 
  • Returns: Items can be returned to this kiosk, and items will automatically be processed.
  • Pickup Holds: A kiosk can be chosen as a pickup location for items from other locations. 

IMPORTANT:

  • At this time, items in the Neighborhood Library Boxes are not holdable so that we can make sure they're always stocked. You can still browse ahead of time in our catalog and then use the touchscreen to find the items you want.
  • Library staff only visit the kiosks once a week to pick up returns and drop off holds. You may have to wait several days to pick up a hold.
  • Some books and videos will not be available for return or pickup at the kiosks if they are too big for the slots, Interlibrary Loans, or Talking Books.
  • You can also pick up or return CDs, audiobooks, and magazines.
  • However, special formats such as video games, devices, puzzles, and backpacks will not work with the kiosk.

Refer to the buttons below for specific instructions.

How to Check Out Items?
1. Tap the Browse Collection button.
2. Scan your library card using the physical card or the mobile app's virtual card. You can also select Manual Entry to type it in.
3. Enter your PIN.
4. Browse the kiosk's content then tap on the cover image of the desired item.
5. Tap Borrow Item and follow the on-screen instructions.
6. The door will either open automatically, or you can open it once the kiosk stops making buzzing/clicking sound and the correct slot is in view.
7. Close the door securely.
8. Select "Yes" or "No" to check out additional items.
9. Optional receipt: If you choose the email option, please enter the email address on file with the library to ensure accurate processing of your request.

Video (coming soon)
Change your mind after Checkout?
If you check something out at the box but decide not to keep it for any reason, it will still remain on your account. Simply leaving the item behind or placing it in the return slot without completing the step below will not remove it from your account.

To remove it, you must go to Return Item and check it back in.
How to Return Items?
1.Tap the Return Item button.
2. Select the number of items you are returning.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Scan the item's barcode (library barcode, not the ISBN).
5. The kiosk slider will move to an empty slot and the door will either open automatically, or you can open the door.
6. Place the item in the empty slot.
7. Close the door securely.
8. If returning additional items, scan each item's barcode and place it in an empty slot.
9. Tap the Finish button to complete the return transaction.
NOTE: If no empty slots are available or the machine says it cannot accept the items due to format or size, please return them to a nearby library location.

Video (coming soon)
How to Place Holds?
1. Browse the library's online catalog and select your desired item.
2. Choose the Place Hold option.
3. If not already logged in, enter your library card number and PIN.
4. Select a nearby kiosk as your preferred pickup location.
5. Once you’re notified that your hold is available, visit the chosen kiosk to pick up your item.
Click here for more detailed instructions.
How to Pick Up Holds?
1. Tap the Pickup Hold button.
2. Scan your library card using the physical card or the mobile app's virtual card. You can also select Manual Entry to type it in.
3. Enter your PIN.
4. The number of available holds will appear on the screen. Press Next to begin dispensing.
5.The door may open automatically. If not, open the door once the kiosk stops making a buzzing/clicking sound and your hold is in view.
6. Retrieve hold, then close door.
7. Repeat process for multiple holds.

Note: Holds expire after 7 days.

Video (coming soon)
Need help? Contact Us!
Contact Number: (337) 721-7148
Please note that our phone line is unavailable during weeknights and weekends. Feel free to reach out to us during regular business hours.
FAQ/TIPS
Screen displays "Browse Collection" instead of holds?
If you don’t have any holds available in the pickup box, selecting "Pickup Holds" will redirect you to the "Browse Collection" screen.
When you do have holds ready, a green box will appear on the screen showing the number of items available. Just tap the green box to proceed with pickup.
Available holds not showing - just Browse Collection?
If your holds are marked as “Held” in the box but the machine still redirects you to the "Browse Collection" screen, try this workaround:
Tap "I’m Finished" to return to the home screen.
Tap "Browse Collection" (instead of "Pickup Holds").
Enter your library card number and PIN as usual.
You should then see a green button displaying the number of holds available—tap green button to continue with pickup.


A green vending machine with a transparent book compartment and a sleek, glossy surface stands against a brick wall. White and black text shows the URL, www.calcasieulibrary.org, along with instructions, and clearly labeled buttons on the right for simple operation.

Launch: Fri., May 23rd


Green Neighborhood Library Box
Location: Brookshire Brothers Express
4907 Big Lake Road, Lake Charles, LA 70605


Want to browse before you go? Use these links to our catalog!

BOOKS VIDEOS
Fiction DVDs
Nonfiction Blurays
Children's Children's DVDs
Young Adult Children's Blurays
Large Print


The bright blue vending machine featuring a QR code, touchscreen, and buttons. "BORROW BROWSE PICKUP RETURN" is displayed, with the URL, www.calcasieulibrary.org, at the bottom left.

Launch: Fri., May 23rd

Blue Neighborhood Library Box

Location: Octane/Exxon (Morganfield)
3170 E McNeese St., Lake Charles, LA 70605

Want to browse before you go? Use these links to our catalog!

BOOKS VIDEOS
Fiction DVDs
Nonfiction Blurays
Children's Children's DVDs
Young Adult Children's Blurays
Large Print


An orange vending machine featuring a metallic finish, glass front, and digital interface. "Borrow, Browse, Pickup, Return" and the URL, www.calcasieulibrary.org, is displayed, with the design set against a brick wall.

Launch: Fri., May 16th

Orange Neighborhood Library Box
Location: Carlyss Park
6043 Carlyss Dr., Sulphur, LA 70665

Want to browse before you go? Use these links to our catalog!

BOOKS VIDEOS
Fiction DVDs
Nonfiction Blurays
Children's Children's DVDs
Young Adult Children's Blurays
Large Print