Northland Public Library will be the first public library in Western Pennsylvania to offer remote lending kiosks that will enable patrons to check out or return library materials without setting foot in the library.

Two new automated kiosks will be installed at the Baierl Family YMCA, 2565 Nicholson Road, Franklin Park, and the Ross Township Community Center.  As with the McCandless-based library, the kiosks may be used by residents of Bradford Woods, Franklin Park, and Marshall, McCandless and Ross townships.

Dubbed NOMAD—for Northland Offsite Modern Alternative Dispenser—the kiosks contain children’s and adult books, CDs and DVDs that can be checked out using any library card from Allegheny County. Library patrons also may use the kiosks to return items.

Library officials said the kiosks are the first of their kind in Western Pennsylvania. They said the kiosks will increase service and convenience for library patrons who live within its 60 square-mile service area.

Library regulations governing lending, fines and borrowing periods are the same for patrons who use the kiosks. Both are now operating, but grand openings are planned for 1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 3 at the Ross Township kiosk and for 6:30 p.m. at the Franklin Park kiosk.

Both events are open to the public.