Wilson Public 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. The rapid growth of remote work, education, and health monitoring means that Wilson, Oklahoma needs more space and technology capabilities available to allow the community to meet with employers for job interviews, meet with teachers for assessment and testing and meet virtually with health care providers. There is only one private meeting room in this library to accommodate 2,693 library users. Evidence shows the community relies on the library to complete day to day tasks including computer use, education, workforce development and telehealth appointments.

EVIDENCE

The Project will be designed to address a critical need that results from or was impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency. The lack of public meeting space in the community of Wilson has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency. This need has become much greater in recent days. The rapid growth of remote work, education and health monitoring means that the town of Wilson needs more spaces available to the community to meet with employers for job interviews, meet with teachers for assessment and testing and meet virtually with health care providers. The Wilson Public Library building currently occupies 3,600 square feet. Even with closures during the pandemic, the Library is still serving many who rely on a public space with Broadband access. There is only one private meeting room in our library. This means that for those who have a virtual job interview, are taking tests for school or are conducting a virtual medical appointment and come to the Library because they need the Internet access, may have to do so in a public space where anyone else in the room can hear the conversation.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The Project is designed to address a critical need in the community to be served by it. The poverty rate in Wilson, OK is 14%. The community of Wilson has no regular public transportation available which contributes to a hardship. Renovation of the library with meeting room spaces would be of great assistance to this rural community. The greatest technology issue facing school-aged children and families is equitable access to high-speed broadband Internet. Outside technology space would give access to those needing services even when the library is closed. Moreover, outside space could be utilized for classroom settings and programs including health literacy and early literacy. The NEA?s Digital Equity research shows that only 65% of students in Oklahoma have full access to broadband and devices for school. The divide is worse among underserved populations and those living in rural areas of Oklahoma.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

The Southern Oklahoma Library System has several methods in place to measure project performance. To measure project performance, 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.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding