The Lawrence Public Library is taking a step toward sustainability with a new solar-powered drop box.

The outdoor box must be powered to regulate the temperature inside.

“Outdoor book drops are susceptible to extremes of heat and cold — both of which we have here in Lawrence — to the point where it actually damages audio-visual materials at the library,” said Bruce Flanders, library director.

The library worked with engineering students at Kansas University to craft the box. The students said they were happy to have a real-world application for what they have been learning in class.

Flanders said they are trying to get the intellectual property rights to the design because other libraries probably will be interested in the box.

The new box is in the parking lot at Checkers food store, 23rd and Louisiana streets. It will be officially unveiled on Friday.