An innovative new book collection hub in Stirling is providing a new way for bibliophiles to get their fix.

The 24/7 Hammersley Book Nook service features 39 outdoor lockers equipped with a special software, allowing library members can now select the Nook as their collection location for items they have checked out through the online catalogue, and pick up items by scanning their library card.

Items can then be returned through one of the built-in return chutes.

City of Stirling mayor Mark Irwin says the Book Nook will improve community access to library services.

“This is, dare I say it, a novel idea and a great way to use technology to reach more members of our community,” he says.

“It gives locals convenient access to our online library catalogue, with its books, magazines, DVDs and more.”

City of Stirling librarian Rachel Jackson says Stirling library members check out more than 140,000 books each year and the service provides another option for them to collect their item.

Ms Jackson says libraries provide much needed services to the community and help combat social isolation.

“Books are just the tip of the iceberg for us, we provide a lot of services such as digital literacy and computer classes, early education literacy services with rhyme time and story time, but we’re also a place where people can just meet,” she says.

“Social isolation is such a problem at the moment libraries are a place where people can just meet other people and hang out.”

City of Stirling librarians have been helping assist library members with using the new system since its launch.

“As part of the launch we’ve had staff out here for two weeks just to talk to the community and show them how to use the lockers but also to engage with them and talk about the services we offer,” Ms Jackson says.

City of Stirling administrative support officer Jessica Chisholm says libraries provide a place for people to connect.

“Libraries keep people connected, it is a free service and that is the best thing about it because everyone has access to it,” she says.

“At the library, not only do we have books, we have audio and e-books, we have a library of things, you can come in and take cake pens, even take an electric guitar home, you can borrow anything and people don’t know about this.

“There’s all sorts of stuff happening and people need to know about it.”