Oct
05
We want to highlight the amazing work being done in our region by regularly featuring funded projects in our nine states. This week, we’re sharing Challis Public Library’s (Idaho) project led by the now-former library director, Becky Mitchell.
With NNLM Region 4 funding, the Challis Public Library was able to extend hours of operation so patrons could access their recently purchased privacy pod as well as update and expand their healthcare titles. “This project allowed us to reach all ages and walks of life due to the substantial amount of reading materials we were able to add to the collection,” Mitchell said.
The privacy pod necessitated additional business hours so patrons would have more opportunities to access the space for telehealth appointments or other activities where privacy is needed.
Mitchell stated, “One unexpected result was the positive feedback from medical providers traveling through our community, realizing the pod was available and could be used to reach clients within our society they would otherwise not be able to assist.”
For other organizations interested in recreating this project for their users, Mitchell recommends researching the expected production and delivery timelines of the privacy pods as they experienced some delays. Overall, she encourages “libraries or public spaces within the communities to seek funding to include a program such as this. It has brought a significant amount of resources for our community and will have a lasting effect.”
Interested in how your organization can obtain funding to create or expand your outreach programming or technology resources? We are currently accepting applications for Year 4. The deadline to apply is coming up November 10, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. MT. Have questions about the application process? Reach out to your state’s point of contact: