Southern Prairie Library System

PROJECT PURPOSE

These library renovation projects will invest in capital assets designed to directly enable Jackson and Harmon County residents to effectively engage in work, education, and health monitoring activities. The COVID 19 public health emergency exacerbated the need for free public meeting space with reliable, affordable Internet and computer access, along with basic technology and digital skills assistance. To meet these needs, renovation plans were developed for the Altus and Hollis libraries. The renovations will redesign the library spaces, update the electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems, provide additional meeting spaces for community and individual study, incorporate digital technology, create STEAM activity spaces, and increase access to computer stations with reliable Internet. The libraries will be better equipped to serve as community centers that enable the diverse population to find accurate and reliable information, access free broadband networks to achieve education goals, and utilize secure gathering spaces that can meet their needs for work, education, health monitoring and lifelong learning. These renovated libraries can help bridge the digital divide for students, employees and individuals who require assistance with their educational, work-related, and health and wellness monitoring needs.

EVIDENCE

These public library renovation projects are supported by the City of Altus and the City of Hollis as indicated in the attached Letters of Support. There are no interventions proposed in these projects.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The Jackson and Harmon county library service areas are rural and traditionally under-resourced. The diverse population is disproportionately impacted and vulnerable. Averaged demographic statistics reflect 7.9% African American; 3.1% American Indian; 1.7% Asian; 27.6% Hispanic; and 17.9% speaking a language other than English. Additionally, 17.6% don?t have a high school education; only 22% have a college degree; 20.5% live below the poverty level; 27.2% of children live in poverty; 17.7% are over 65 years of age; 12.1% don?t have computers; and 22.3% don?t have Internet. Health challenges are prevalent. The Oklahoma State of the State Health Report, reported a Disease Rate Score of D for Jackson County in high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Diabetes; and a Risk Factor Score of F for physical activity and obesity. Harmon County reported a Disease Score of F and a Risk Score of F for the same conditions. Additionally, 36.5% of adults are sedentary; 38.6% are obese; 16.1% have Diabetes; 14.3% have a disability; and 20.7% don?t have health insurance. The pandemic and protracted effects exacerbated these conditions and this population has experienced poor work, education, and health related outcomes in part due to lack of equitable access to resources and technology.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

The renovation projects will be implemented in phases that will be monitored, controlled, and evaluated according to the compliance and reporting guidance provided by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. We will work with the cities of Altus and Hollis to develop the timelines and implement internal controls for all required financial, performance, and compliance reporting; and utilize the federal grants management expertise of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries to develop and implement metrics for measuring project performance and collecting data for outcomes base evaluation. The first phase is in progress with $103,000 committed to the Altus library renovation.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma