Local libraries launching THE TOP SHELF
Just in time for National Library Week, the First Regional Library system is launching a new service to give library patrons a way to get their hands on the latest and most popular library materials.
Debuting the first week of April 2022, National Library Week, each branch of First Regional Library will introduce an area designated as “The Top Shelf.” These collections will consist of titles that are currently the most in demand with library users.
“We wanted our patrons to have greater access to the hottest new items,” said David Brown, FRL’s Brand & Marketing Strategist. “Sometimes our hold list for popular items can be very long, and some patrons wind up waiting a long time for their name to come up through the hold queue. Our goal is for The Top Shelf to alleviate some of that wait time.”
As these titles are not eligible to be placed on the library’s hold list, a library user just might find a copy of that latest John Grisham or Diana Gabaldon sitting on The Top Shelf, waiting to be checked out. Brown explained that these Top Shelf items will work a bit differently than other library materials.
“Top Shelf items will check out for two weeks, and patrons may borrow two items at a time,” Brown explained. “There are no holds or renewals on these items, so there will be quick turnover on the shelves. We suggest library patrons visit a Top Shelf near them often. You may not find the exact ‘hot’ item you have been waiting on, but there will be other high-demand titles ready to be taken home.”
Brown confirmed that the library will still offer the hold list option on all other library materials, including the new books and bestsellers that aren’t in The Top Shelf collection.
First Regional Library has 14 branches serving DeSoto, Lafayette, Panola, Tate, and Tunica Counties. For locations and more information, visit www.firstregional.org.
