Work In Woodstock
Project Overview
Purchase and installation of 2 soundproof office pods for public use. The 2 pods that we would like to install are a single pod for use by one person and a dual pod for use by 2 people. We anticipate that these pods could be used by residents and visitors for conducting phone calls and video meetings as well as for working on work or school related projects as well as for other purposes requiring privacy or to conduct business without disturbing other library patrons.
Another popular use for the pods is for telemedicine. NWPL often provides private space for people to conduct their remote medical appointments. There are many reasons that individuals choose not to do this from their homes, including sensitive conditions that they prefer not to share with household members and lack of consistent internet connection.
Grant Request
$32,000
Total Project Budget
$32,000
Applicant Information
Name of Applicant / Organization / Business
Norman Williams Public Library
Mailing Address
10 The Green, Woodstock, VT 05091
Name of Project Coordinator
Michael Ricci
Contact's Email Address
Exhibit 1- About NWPL
Telephone
8024572295
Organization's Website URL
EIN
03-0179304
Applicatant / Organizational Description
The Norman Williams Public Library seeks to enrich the intellectual, cultural, and civic life of
greater Woodstock by promoting a love of reading and lifelong learning; fostering the free
exchange of ideas; providing a welcoming space for people of all ages and backgrounds; and offering resources for building a more just and humane community.
If you are applying on behalf of an organization, what is your total organizational budget?
$626,467.00
Project Information
Detailed Project Description
The Norman Williams Public Library is open to all, free of charge. Locals and visitors alike often use the library's facility for work and school related projects. The library provided free internet access as well as computers for use within the library. Over the past 2 years the library has purchased new computers, printers and equipment to improve our internet access. These services are greatly appreciated and widely utilized by library patrons.
The current equipment is very useful in conducting individual work. The library also offers meeting space at no charge to individuals and not-for-profit organizations. These spaces work well for groups, but we do not currently have suitable work/meeting spaces for individuals or 2 people to use. In order to better meet the needs of library users, we will need to provide a way for people to conduct their business in private, without disturbing other library patrons.
We do have space in the library to install pre-fabricated, soundproof pods to meet this need. It is our hope that a partnership with the EDC will enable us to provide this service.
* The library will provide the necessary space, internet access, maintenance and cleaning if these spaces as an in-kind contribution. At his time we do not have complete and accurate estimates of the value of this in-kind contribution, and therefore we have not included this in the proposed project budget.
Project Timeline
We anticipate ordering the 2 pods in February of 2023. The anticipated delivery of the pods is June 2023 and installation by July of 2023.
Project Champion
Library Director, Clare McFarland; Director of Adult Services, Kathy Beaird; and Director of Technology Services, Michael Ricci will lead this work. Each of these individuals has a deep understanding of the needs of our community, the important trends in library services nationally and the services most helpful to our community members.
While the 3-person team identified above will work together on this project, Michael Ricci will spearhead the selection, purchase and installation of the pods and necessary additional equipment. Clare McFarland and Kathy Beaird will develop and implement the plan for scheduling and use of the pods as well as community education on the purpose and availability of these services.
Project Budget Narrative
Funds will be spent on purchase and installation of the pods as well as any required infrastructure for their use. The services necessary to use the pods will be provided without charge to users of these services.
Project Budget - Itemized
Income Category
Total
Applicant
EDC
Other
In-Kind
Purchase of 1-person Pod
11,000
11,000
*
Purchase of 2-person Pod
18,450
18,450
*
Installation/Infrastructure
2,550
5,500
*
32,000
32,000
*
Expense Category
Total
Applicant
EDC
Other
In-Kind
Purchase of 1-person Pod
11,000
11,000
*
Purchase of 2-person Pod
18,450
18,450
*
Installation/Infrastructure
2,550
2,550
*
32,000
32,000
*
What will success look like?
Short Term Success: We anticipate that the project will be considered successful if utilization of the pods is as popular as any of our current meeting room schedules. Use for an average of 3 hours per day, for 5 days per week is our goal for the use of these pods, though they may be used significantly more.
Longer Term Success: We anticipate that the project will be considered successful if utilization of the pods enable individuals to see Woodstock as an innovative community willing to invest in creative solutions that encourage and enable remote work. It is our hope that this impression of our community will be an asset in attracting and retaining families to our community.
Community support for this project
This project has the full support of the Norman William Board of Directors and Library leadership and staff. One of the most requested services that the library is not currently able to provide is a private space for 1 or 2 persons to conduct their work.
NWPL will provide press releases to local media outlets indicating this new service that is being made possible by the EDC and the Library. We will publicize the units in newsletter, Facebook posts and communication to local organizations, including not-for-profits and the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce. We will announce the availability of the units, and include testimony from users as well as the many possibilities of uses for patrons.
Community support for this project
Once the pods are installed, the funding for maintenance, upgrades and/or purchase of new equipment will be included in the annual library operating budget.
Exhibit 1- About NWPL
Exhibit 2- Libraries as Economic Engines
Exhibit 3- Executive Summary - Urban Institute Study of Libraries
