"TK Mini" The First Book Loan Kiosk by TK Park
TK Park is taking a step forward in expanding the space for learning and actively promoting reading in society. The goal is to make books easily accessible to the public. TK Park has introduced the first automated book loan kiosk in Thailand, known as "TK Mini," as a pioneering effort to encourage learning anytime and anywhere. It provides convenience to people of all age groups, both existing and new members. TK Park aims to extend the base of readers through these automated kiosks, starting with the launch on the 1st floor of the Siamscape building.
Mr. Kittirattana Pitipanich, Director-General of Thailand Knowledge Park in reference to the launch of the TK Mini book loan kiosk, stated, "This is in line with TK Park's core mission to establish a learning ecosystem, expand the learning space, and make books easily accessible to the public. It's a proactive approach to reach new target groups. Beyond those who used our services on the 8th floor of TK Park, both existing and new members can now encounter TK Park in their daily lives more easily. This is made possible because the first service kiosk is located in the heart of the city on the ground floor of the Siamscape building, which serves as an office building and a number of leading educational institutions. It attracts a diverse crowd, including children, youth, parents, and working adults. Therefore, a large number of people pass through this area daily, and when they see the book loan kiosk, it may encourage them to try the service and transform into new readers."
Furthermore, it offers another advantage by allowing the observation of the reading habits of people in this area through the use of the automated book loan kiosk. Since its trial launch at the end of September, it has received positive feedback from TK Park members and gained interest from the target audience in the Siam Square area. Those interested in using the TK Mini kiosk can simply become members by signing up through the MyTK app or by reading the registration information here. After following the steps, they can immediately access the service.
The TK Mini book loan kiosk can hold up to 320 books initially, including non-fiction and fiction books. These are mainly books that are currently popular. The team will study the reading habits of users and diversify the books according to their preferences. To use the kiosk, users start by touching the screen, logging in as a member, selecting the books they want to borrow by category (up to 10 books), and when the transaction is complete, they receive the books at the pickup point. Each borrowing period is 14 days, with the option to renew up to two times unless the books are overdue or reserved. Readers can conveniently return books at the TK Mini book return slot.
The TK Mini kiosk in the Siamscape building is a prototype for future automated book rental kiosks. It follows the concept of "Mini Library, Big Possibilities" to make reading and learning more convenient for people, providing easy access for borrowing and returning books. It features a smart search system, making it user-friendly, much like the TK Read digital library app. There are plans to expand the TK Mini kiosks to serve the public across the country. TK Park welcomes collaboration from government and private organizations, educational institutions, shopping centers, and public spaces. Those interested in supporting reading and learning through the TK Mini kiosk service can contact the organization. The books within the kiosk can be modified according to the interests, context, and user behavior in a specific area," concluded Kittirattana.
The TK Mini book loan kiosk is located on the ground floor of the Siamscape building and operates according to the building's opening hours, from 08:00 to 22:00 daily. More information can be found here.
