The Port Townsend Public Library has a new and helpful gadget to show patrons in the new year.

Through an American Rescue Plan Act funding grant from the Washington State Library, two fresh self-checkout machines have been added to the library. The devices were installed Dec. 22 and have been busy at work ever since.

“They’re a wonderful benefit,” said Melody Sky Weaver, library director. “Overall, people are excited to use them.”

The library had a self-checkout machine in the past, but it lacked the features, ease of use, and privacy aspects that the new devices provide.

The novel features coming with the self-checkout include a better scanner, more handicap-accessible features, multilingual options, and much more, said library manager Keith Darrock.

Additionally, the self-checkout is contactless, perfect for countering COVID spread, and has privacy settings to keep patrons’ personal information secure.

Weaver said the check-out system will print receipts that do not contain Bisphenol A, a chemical compound used in plastics.

“It’s the best of both worlds with these options with technology,” she said.

Considering that around 75 percent of the library’s visitors use the self-checkouts, according to library staff, the device will allow for staff members to help patrons with general questions, book recommendations, and more.

“We are a busy library,” Weaver said.

Regardless of whether visitors use the self-checkouts or not, Weaver is excited to provide them as an option.

“It’s important to have as an option for patrons,” she said. “That’s just a win-win.”

To learn more about the library and its programs, visit ptpubliclibrary.org/library.