San Leandro Public Library Introduces New RFID Technology

The San Leandro Public Library is excited to announce it has completed installation of its new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system which involved tagging more than 290,000 books, DVDs, CDs, and other items. RFID systems are widely used at libraries across the country, and will drastically speed up the checkout and check-in processes, adding additional service options for our valued patrons.

What kind of changes will patrons see when they visit a San Leandro Public Library branch? All four library branches will now have self-checkout machines for patrons to use! The self-checkout machines offer 35 language options, and patrons can use either a physical library card or our San Leandro Public Library mobile app to check out library items. For returns, our Main and Manor Branch libraries will have RFID enabled bookdrop slots where items will be removed from the patron’s library account instantly upon return, 24/7!

Library Director, Brian Simons says, “The addition of RFID technology provides significant advantages for both library operations and patron convenience. San Leandro is a deeply diverse community and to help make the library more accessible to all, this system provides services in 35 languages, so patrons can have an easy to use, checkout experience in the language they feel most comfortable in. Additionally, RFID allows the library to look at future services and how we might be able to rethink how things are done, so we can focus our staff resources on impactful outcomes for the community.”

We continue to slowly progress toward reopening all San Leandro Public Library locations back to full hours. Until then, please visit the Main or Manor Branch libraries during our limited in-person service hours to try out our new RFID system for yourself. Staff are there to assist you.