ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- On Friday afternoon, the Tompkins County Public Library, the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce, and New York State officials participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate a new method for checking out library books. The Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system uses technology to scan books' barcodes, making checkout easier.

"This system enables faster and easier checkout for our patrons," says Leslie Tabor, Director of the Tompkins County Public Library. "It provides increased accessibility and more options. You can now either go to a staff member if you want to talk to a human, or you're welcome to use Cell Check to pick up your holds and then leave."
 
In simple terms, radio waves is the reason this system can document books coming in and out of the Ithaca Library. New York State Senator of the 52nd District, Lea Webb, says providing funding to support libraries is one of her many goals. Webb's team approved a grant the library received a few months ago.
 
"We know our libraries are pivotal partners in not only building community but also creating a place where people can learn, expanding opportunities for jobs and much more," Webb says.
 
The RFID system for the Tompkins County Public Library has been in the works for around five years. This system is slowly making its way to libraries across the nation. In Tompkins County, Webb says, "It has also been paid for across several budget years. We tend to take bullet aid and other funding from the state and use that toward professional development. So this year the funds that the senator gave to us were used to enhance professional development for our staff."
 
Funding for libraries comes from not only the state but also the county and municipal support.
 
Just four months into her position as Board President of the Tompkins County Public Library, Melissa Sidel told WENY News about the significance of the ribbon cutting.
 
"It's really exciting just watching the patrons enjoy not having to wait in line," Sidel shared. "If they have a bunch of books and they don't want to inconvenience anyone else, they can go right to the self-check. So I really love that part of the proposal."
 
How do you use the RFID system? Step one, grab your library card, scan the barcode on the ID, and wait to be prompted to continue your checkout. After pressing the continue button, scan the barcode on the book's cover and then choose how you want to receive your receipt. Readers have three weeks (21 days) to keep a book before it needs to be returned to the library.
 
The Tompkins County Public Library is located at 101 E. Green St, Ithaca, New York, 14850.