Atoka County Library, a branch of the Southern Oklahoma Library System

PROJECT PURPOSE

The Multi-Purpose Community Facility Project invests in capital assets and technology infrastructure designed to directly enable work, education, and health objectives. As the only public library in the entire county of Atoka, the Atoka County Library is one of the few locations in the area with free high-speed Internet (100 Mbs upload and download). It is also the only public space offering Free Wi-Fi, access to copy and fax services and a notary. The lack of free public meeting space with broadband access in Atoka and surrounding areas has been heightened by the COVID-19 public health emergency. The Library building has only one meeting room to accommodate the demands of students, teachers, remote workers and others requesting private space. Because the meeting room is oftentimes unavailable, visitors are forced to use open public spaces on the Library floor to attend virtual classes, take tests, interview for jobs or to conduct personal business.

EVIDENCE

The Atoka County Library is the only public library in the county and serves a population of 13,758 including the communities of Atoka, Stringtown, Caney, Tushka, Lane and ALL residents in this large county. Moreover, there is no regular public transportation available which contributes to an additional hardship for residents of this community. The Library provides Internet access, devices and meeting space to numerous community members who have been historically disadvantaged. Almost 34% of area children are below the poverty level, according to the 2019 Census Reporter. Census numbers show that 15% of Atoka County residents are Native American. Only 65% of students in Oklahoma have full access to broadband and devices for school according to NEA?s Digital Equity research and only 56% of Hispanic students and 46% of Indigenous students in Oklahoma have access to broadband and a device. 50% of residents in SOLS' service area do not have access to a library building and 36% in rural areas lack access to direct broadband service. Atoka County Library provides access to critical resources directly related to 21st century skills.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The ability to engage in work, study and health monitoring and awareness has been greatly impacted by the pandemic, especially to those residing in rural areas of Oklahoma. The lack of free public meeting space with broadband access in Atoka and the surrounding areas has been heightened by the public health emergency as well. Atoka County has only one building and one meeting room to accommodate the demands of students, teachers, remote workers and others requesting private space. The library was forced to seek space outside the facility to host 1,589 attendees for a library early literacy program. Because the meeting room is oftentimes unavailable, visitors are forced to use open public spaces on the Library floor to attend virtual classes, take tests, interview for jobs or to conduct personal business. The Library provides Internet access, devices and meeting space to numerous community members who have been historically disadvantaged. . Almost 34% of area children are below the poverty level, according to the 2019 Census Reporter and 16% of senior citizens are in poverty. The library is their only place to thrive.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Upon completion of the building project, statistics will be collected on library door count, meeting room use, Internet connections and program attendance. Because the libraries? Wi-Fi is available 24/7 these statistics can be gathered even after hours as many people continue to use the Internet from the parking lot when the library is closed. Additionally, digital resource use will be collected and documented monthly. Community surveys will be conducted to get input as well. Data can be collection using the ILS system of the library as well, Sirsi Dynix.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding