Unlock Your Next Read

The Burton-Wells Recreation Center, a Beaufort County Parks and Recreation facility at 1 Middleton Recreation Drive, is home to the Beaufort County Library’s first book locker.

This newest “branch” of the library, launched for public use in January 2025, provides an alternate, off-site pickup location for library cardholders to collect their requested materials, such as books and DVDs. The lockers are open 24/7 and are conveniently located at the covered entrance to the Burton Wells Recreation Center.

Similar to popular retail remote lockers, the book locker is easy to use.

Library cardholders can search our online catalog as usual, but should choose BCL-BW-LOC as the pickup location for any items placed on hold. There are 39 lockers of varying sizes to accommodate up to ten items.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated library staff member will assign the locker and load it with your requested items. Once the locker has been set, you will receive a holds notice via email stating that your requested item(s) are ready for pickup.

To retrieve the locker items, just follow the on-screen prompts to scan your library card number.

The appropriate locker will pop open, allowing you to retrieve your items. Be sure to retrieve all contents before closing the locker. There should be a small click to indicate that the locker is secure.

When you're done, simply close the locker and enjoy your library materials!

Next to the book lockers, there is a book return box and free parking at the facility, making this location convenient for those in the surrounding areas.

The lockers were made possible by a Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the South Carolina State Library. Funding for the locker's exterior branding was provided by the Public Library Foundation of Beaufort County.

If you experience any issues retrieving items from the locker, or if you would like assistance, please contact the Library's Technical Services Department at (843)255-6461.