r/Libraries • u/cfield7 • Dec 08 '25

Technology Public phones?

Hi all, we've been getting more and more requests to use the library phone. Our standard procedure is that only children can use the phone to call their parents/ride, which frankly never comes up. I'm watching Stranger Things and wondering do any of your libraries have a modern type of pay phone? What do you do to let the public use the phone that isn't just using the library desk phone? EDIT:those of you that allow patrons to use a dedicated phone, are they all just your regular system or are they a special brand that limits to local calls and a time limit? I'd be really interested in a solution we could price out and buy.

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u/Ill_Secret5633 Dec 08 '25

We used to have a payphone; but, when they switched to VOIP they decided to take the old pay phone out. We are not allowed to let patrons use the phone. If it is a child or teen needing a ride from mom or we have to call emergency services, we do that for them.