Library Book Drop Opens in Currier House

In a joint project to collect library books for return, a new book drop was opened in Currier House by Harvard College, the Harvard College Library, the Harvard Library system, and Harvard Mail Services.

As of Oct. 31, students have been able to drop library materials into a bin located in the foyer of Currier’s main entrance—a popular spot where students wait to catch the Quad shuttle.

A new library book return was installed in the lobby of Currier House. By Jessica M. Wang

“The new book drop will allow students living at the Quad a convenient location to return books near their residences,” Associate Director for Access Services for FAS Libraries Joshua A. Parker wrote in an email.

The project took approximately two months to implement, according to Interim Associate University Librarian for Research and Education Kenneth J. Peterson. Harvard University Mail Services couriers will collect the materials from the bin every weekday, according to Peterson. The couriers will then deliver them to a library on the same day for check-in. These materials can also be returned to any circulating library across campus.

“Book returns are a regular service in library operations and installed in many locations. We are pleased to add this service to the Quad and look forward to evaluating this service in the future,” Peterson wrote in an emailed statement.

Though the book drop may prove useful, especially for students doing research or writing senior theses, several students were not immediately aware of the book drop's installation.

Brianna K. Bolon ’19 was not initially aware of the new service, but upon discovering it, she said the book drop would “definitely help.”

“I saw it walking by yesterday, but I didn’t really know what it was about. It sounds cool. I would definitely use it if I needed to,” Bolon said.