Book Return FAQs

Courtesy of Kingsley Library Equipment

Why does my library need a book return?

With today's busy lifestyles, it is not always possible for patrons to get to a library during open hours or take the time out of their busy schedules to park and come inside. Books, as librarians are very aware, are heavy and sometimes cumbersome, especially if a large quantity of materials needs to be returned. Curbside and building-mounted depositories add another aspect of convenience for your patrons. For the library, materials are returned on time allowing re-circulation faster, thus allowing reduction in the size of collection. A book return will lessen patron congestion at the front circulation desk, which will give the librarians more time to work on their daily routines.

What happens if I need to move my outdoor curbside unit to a different location?

In Kingsley’s case, four bolts attach your Kingsley Outdoor Depository to a concrete pad. You can simply remove and remount the unit in a new location. If the cart access door is now on the wrong side, most new Kingsley units allow the top to be rotated so the door can be on any side in relationship to the depository opening.

My library is small and has a limited budget. Can I afford a depository?

Kingsley has three complete lines of curbside depositories. The Valuestar line is designed to fit the budgets of small libraries. The Valuestar contains many features found in more expensive units, but at a more economical price. Kingsley also has a new line of building mounted depositories (through the wall, or through glass) at lower price points.

What happens if my curbside unit gets damaged?

Choose a model with replaceable components. Tops and cabinets on all new Kingsley curbside depositories can be individually replaced if damaged by vehicles or vandals. There is no longer a need to replace the whole unit.

Can my depository be locked so patrons cannot make deposits?

All Kingsley depositories have locks or locking plates to close off the depository opening.

What about security of my curbside collection?

Kingsley has worked with librarians for over thirty years to provide safe, vandal and weather resistant depositories. All Kingsley curbside depositories have built-in water deterrent systems that divert water and liquids away from the collection area. The special angle of the depository opening and exclusive theft deterrent guards that prevent materials from being removed once inserted. The overall unit is designed to be fire suppressant. Kingsley units are built to be exact specifications, allowing the unit to be almost air-tight. Fires are quickly smothered because of lack of oxygen available to the fire.

Will my curbside unit rust?

Kingsley uses a three stage rust prevention process on every unit. A special coated steel is used, and then formed. The entire unit is then sprayed with a heavy-duty primer inside and out. Finally, a 2Mil thick polyurethane automotive-grade epoxy top coat is applied. Optionally, a clear coat UV protect coat is available to further protect against fading and scratching.

Many of our Stainless Steel models use Type 316L Marine Grade stainless that resists discolorations and staining for many years. This material is used on our premium lines and should be specified for use on coastal areas and where road chemicals might come into contact with the unit.

Type 304 stainless steel is used on some curbside and building mounted units. 304 is the mainstay of stainless steel and has exceptional rust and corrosion resistance.

All curbside units require a certain amount of care and maintenance. Just like an automobile, the units should be washed occasionally. Scratches should be touched up so rust can not form.

My library receives a lot of small materials. Are they going to fall between the float tray and the cart side?

No. Kingsley's design allows the float tray to fit tightly against the cart side, so there is no gap for small materials like DVDs, CDs, and pamphlets to fall through. In the unlikely event where something might fall through, all Kingsley carts have a access opening at the bottom, so there is no need to remove the float tray assembly to fetch them.

What is the difference between "Fire Deterrent" and "Fire Suppressant"?

Kingsley uses the term "Fire Deterrent" to describe units (depositories and chutes) that divert materials away from the collection area (like matches, cigarettes, trash, liquids, etc.). "Fire Suppressant" is used to describe those products (curbside units, carts that have design features that quickly extinguish fires (usually by smothering fires by limiting the amount of air circulation).

Why do I need both a book return and a separate return for electronic media?

Books are heavy. If you try to use a single return for both - videos, DVD, CD, and cassettes are likely to be damaged beyond repair from the heavy books falling onto the electronic media. There are different spring torsions for heavy materials (like books) and light materials (like DVDs, CDs) so that the float tray will lower and rise properly. Using a heavy-weight spring for lightweight materials could cause the cart to function improperly, because the float tray would not lower. On the flip-side, using a lightweight spring for heavy materials would cause the tray to lower too rapidly, and not rise properly.