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New 24/7 library lending machine available in Crestview, expanding book access

New vending-style book service expands library access south of Interstate 10 for Crestview residents.

Ashley Ward

A new 24/7 library lending machine will officially open September 17 at the Crestview Welcome + Adventure Center, expanding book access for south Crestview residents and commuters through a partnership between local government and library organizations.

The grand opening ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. at 5131 South Ferdon Boulevard. The machine operates like a vending machine but provides free book lending and pickup services to library cardholders from Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther, Niceville and Valparaiso.

The lending machine allows patrons to browse available books by scanning their library card from any participating library in the cooperative. Additionally, users can place holds online through their library accounts and select “lockers at the Welcome Center” as their pickup location.

Library staff will deliver requested items to the machine, and patrons receive text or email notifications when their holds are ready for pickup.

“This is a fun and convenient way for us to expand our library services to Okaloosa residents who are not able to make the drive to the north end of Crestview,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “I commend the work and partnership of the City of Crestview, our Public Library Cooperative and our Tourism Department who were able to make this happen.”

The project is a collaboration between the City of Crestview, the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative, Okaloosa County’s Tourist Development Department (Destin-Fort Walton Beach) and the Crestview Library.

Crestview Mayor JB Whitten expressed support for the initiative, calling it a valuable community addition.

“The book lending machine is a great addition to our community,” Whitten said. “This initiative not only expands our library services to south Crestview citizens but also encourages more people to visit and utilize the Welcome + Adventure Center.”

The lending machine project originated as a legacy initiative by former County Commissioner Nathan Boyles, who advocated for better library access to those living south of Interstate 10.

The grand opening will also feature interactive displays at the Welcome + Adventure Center for visitors to explore.

More details about the program are available here.

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