In the modern library environment, digital signage plays a crucial role in enhancing user engagement, disseminating information efficiently, and promoting library services. Whether it’s displaying upcoming events, library timings, research announcements, or new arrivals, digital signage offers an interactive and visually appealing medium to communicate with visitors.
While commercial solutions like Screenly and PiSignage provide managed and cloud-hosted signage platforms, libraries seeking an open-source and cost-effective alternative can turn to Anthias, a free and open-source digital signage system developed by Screenly, Inc.
Anthias
Anthias is a lightweight, open-source digital signage solution ideal for institutions like libraries, schools, and community centers that wish to:
- Use FOSS tools without recurring subscription costs.
- Run digital displays on Raspberry Pi or x86-based PCs.
- Manage each display locally rather than through the cloud.
- Have full control over content, privacy, and uptime.
It’s a perfect fit for displaying:
- Library opening hours and holidays.
- Announcements and event schedules.
- Digital posters and video loops.
- Social media feeds or library website snapshots.
- Live dashboards like “Top Borrowed Books” or “New Arrivals.”
System Requirements
Anthias runs on:
- Raspberry Pi (1 to 5), or
- x86_64 PCs (Debian 12 supported).
For library use, even an old desktop can be repurposed as a signage player connected to an HDMI display.
Minimum Setup:
- Debian 12 (Bookworm) — without GUI.
- Internet connection.
- A monitor or smart TV with HDMI input.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Step 1: Install Debian 12 (Minimal)
During Debian setup:
Choose SSH Server and Standard System Utilities only. Skip GUI installation.
Once installation is complete, SSH into your system from another computer.
Step 2: Prepare Debian for Anthias
Log in as your user and update your system:
sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y curl
Enable passwordless sudo to prevent interruptions during installation:
sudo visudo
Add the following line at the end, replacing <username> with your actual username:
<username> ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL
Save and exit (Ctrl + O, Enter, Ctrl + X).
Step 3: Install Anthias
Run the official installation script:
bash <(curl -sL https://install-anthias.srly.io)
You’ll be asked a few configuration questions such as:
- Do you want to continue?
- Should Anthias manage the network for you?
- Which version to install?
- Would you like to perform a full system upgrade?
Respond using arrow keys or typing y/n.
Installation may take 15–60 minutes depending on internet speed.
Step 4: Fix Locale Errors (if any)
If you encounter:
ERROR: Ansible requires the locale encoding to be UTF-8; Detected ISO8859-1.
Run:
sudo locale-gen en_US.UTF-8
sudo dpkg-reconfigure locales
Select only en_US.UTF-8 and then reload:
source /etc/default/locale
or simply reboot.
Check using:
locale
Ensure no warnings appear.
Step 5: Post-Installation Upgrade
If you opted for a full system upgrade during installation, the installer would prompt:
Please reboot and run /home/$USER/screenly/bin/upgrade_containers.sh
Reboot and then run:
/home/$USER/screenly/bin/upgrade_containers.sh
Step 6: Access the Anthias Dashboard
After installation and reboot, Anthias should automatically start the signage interface.
From another computer on the same network, open a browser and enter the device’s IP address (find it using ip a/hostname).
You’ll see the Anthias Web Dashboard, where you can:
- Upload images, videos, or web pages.
- Create and manage playlists.
- Schedule content for display.
