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G2S Project Code: 2021-IL-87701
State: Illinois
Fiscal Year: 2021
Grantee
WALNUT PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT

Project Director
Director Name: Jaclyn Trujilo
Director Phone: 815-379-2159
Director Email: director.wpld@yahoo.com
General Information
Title: ARPA-Open for Business: Transforming Library Spaces
State Project Code: ARPA-22-5041-RTR
Start Date: 10/01/2021
End Date: 09/30/2022
Abstract: Through Open for Business: Transforming Library Spaces, the Walnut Public Library District modified spaces in response to and recovery from the pandemic.  This project focused on restoration of the library’s capacity to operate and created clean, safe spaces in the library for patrons after reopening.  The library operated at limited capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic and was closed entirely for several weeks.  The safety of staff and patrons was an ongoing concern.  Restoration of in-person programs and services required adherence to guidelines regarding social distancing, mask-wearing, proper sanitation, and disinfecting common and high-traffic areas.  To this end, the library purchased easy-to-clean, movable furniture and mobile charging stations that provided flexibility for patrons to socially distance.

State Goal: Goal 1: Access to Information and Ideas.
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$25,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$25,000.00
Intent(s)
Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.
Library Infrastructure & Capacity
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Providing a Safe Library
Narrative: Walnut Public Library identified ways to have resources accessible to the community after the initial COVID-19 pandemic with the goal to keep the doors open while providing a safe environment and services to the community. The 1960's style cloth chairs were out-of-date and left staff with limited ways to offer enhanced health safety protocols and social distancing measures to meet our community's needs. Space was needed for students to complete their GED coursework, for remote learning, and children and adults using the library’s resources. Functional, easy to clean/disinfect tables and desks were purchased that were moved for individual use and staggered in areas around the library and then pieced back together into full tables for collaborative work.  The library also purchased mobile charging stations that provided flexibility for patrons to socially distance and stay connected to their devices while utilizing the space.  Dry Erase partitions allowed for separation of spaces which accommodated individual and collaborative work, and a laminator allowed staff to prepare laminated, reusable items for programming that were sanitized after use.
Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Procurement
Mode:
Format:


Quantity
Number of equipment acquired: 0
Number of acquired equipment used: 0
Number of hardware items acquired: 0
Number of acquired hardware items used: 0
Number of software items acquired: 0
Number of acquired software items used: 0
Number of materials/supplies acquired: 70
Number of acquired materials/supplies used: 70


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: WALNUT PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 101 HEATON STREET
City: WALNUT
State: IL
Zip: 61376
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Activities improved the capacity of library to create clean, safe spaces and fully reopen and welcome patrons back into the building.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Social distancing was easily attainable with partitions, battery packs and interchangeable seating options. These options allowed groups to safely meet in person and created for more space between individuals. The partitions divided groups or individuals who need a work space.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
This project made a huge impact in our community and continues to give the library the flexibility to modify our space to comply with pandemic guidance and requirements.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: furniture, COVID, recovery