Library selected to apply for funds to make upgrades

Money could be used to develop spaces for private, virtual meetings

The Forrest City Public Library is one of 10 libraries selected to apply for coronavirus capital project funding.

Library director Arlisa Harris told board members during Monday's meeting that she was told by State Librarian Jennifer Chilcoat that the funding would allow for construction and renovation of the building.

Harris explained the funding is through a partnership with the UAMS Institute for Digital Health and Innovation and provides funding for 10 projects for libraries to develop at least two separate spaces that would allow for private and secure virtual meetings.

"The rooms can be multifunctional, but it needs to be the primary use for the virtual meetings,” said Harris.

Harris said the rooms should allow for virtual meetings, such as telemedicine.

"Would this be to remodel existing rooms or make additions onto the building?" asked board member Judy Sweet, who participated in the meeting via phone call.

"Both," answered Harris. She told the board that she has to submit a preliminary wish list, including cost estimates, by Thursday.

Harris said the money for the spaces has been earmarked for libraries to help meet needs in communities with restricted health services.

"The rooms will have to be sound-proofed, have a dedicated computer to erase personal data after use and things like that," said Harris. "We are thankful to have this opportunity, and these things seem to be really fast moving.”

She told the board that the money could also possibly fund a staff position for someone to oversee the room, but long-term staffing could not be guaranteed.

Harris explained that some of the possible ways the library could use the funding would be for improvements, including turning her current office into the virtual meeting room then also using funds to make her an office, incorporating storage and closet areas into the project, adding safety measures to a stairwell leading to the basement and adding a glass door to the children's room for noise control.

In other business, Harris told board members that 36 children and 25 adults participate in library events held during the recent spring breaks.

"Grandparents were really happy to have somewhere to bring their grandchildren," she said.

Harris also told the board the library’s offer to purchase land

(Continued from Page 1) adjacent to the facility has been accepted and that they are waiting for the property title to be cleared before completing the transaction.

"Everything was sent to the title company for property title search," she said.

On a separate matter, updates to the library's dress code were tabled until the full board could be in attendance.

Harris also told board members the library will be hosting an Easter program on Friday, April 15, with the Easter bunny stopping by for a visit from 2 to 3 p.m.

The event will feature story time, games and an opportunity for parents to take pictures of their children with the Easter bunny.