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G2S Project Code: 2021-IL-87737
State: Illinois
Fiscal Year: 2021
Grantee
CHILLICOTHE PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT

Project Director
Director Name: Mary Aylmer
Director Phone: 309-274-2719
Director Email: maylmer@chillipld.org
General Information
Title: ARPA-Keeping Our Public Safe & Healthy
State Project Code: ARPA-22-5097-RTR
Start Date: 10/01/2021
End Date: 09/30/2022
Abstract: Through Keeping Our Public Safe and Health, the Chillicothe Public Library District modified services and spaces in response to and recovery from the pandemic.  This project implemented activities proven effective in reducing the risk of COVID-19 spread.  The library contracted with a professional service to utilize CDC-approved COVID mitigation processes to clean the library, deep clean carpets, and sanitize upholstered furniture in public spaces.  Proper sanitization of washable library materials, like children’s toys, became an intentional, daily activity by adding a washer/dryer unit in the library.  The library successfully reduced the risk of COVID and assured that community members stayed safe, healthy, and engaged at the library.

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: Clean and Sanitized
Narrative: Anecdotal evidence indicated that in addition to finding the perfect book, playing with puppets and building blocks were joyful learning experiences for every child visiting a public library. In response to early COVID guidance, the library made the difficult decision to move all play items off the floor.  Once those restrictions were relaxed, the library made children’s toys accessible again.  With increased number of children returning to the library, concern for keeping those items clean and germ free was paramount.

With knowledge provided by the CDC, health departments in both the U.S. and abroad, along with guidance from educational agencies a stackable washer/dryer unit was purchased to keep children’s toys cleaned and disinfected.   Previously, staff took items home to launder, however, research indicated that this procedure presented the potential for COVID contamination and put family members and library staff at risk of exposure.

The library’s main public space contained 3,320 square yards (29,880 sf) of carpeted flooring.  Additionally, 90% of the seating for the public was upholstered and originally purchased in 2004.  The library hired a professional cleaning service to steam clean and disinfect all carpeted floors, and deep clean the upholstered furniture in public areas.  In addition, the company utilized CDC-approved electrostatic technology throughout the library to safely eliminate the COVID virus.

The library was confident that these measures reduced the spread of COVID and increased safety for all who visited and worked at the library.

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: 2
Number of acquired hardware items used: 2
Number of software items acquired: 0
Number of acquired software items used: 0
Number of materials/supplies acquired: 0
Number of acquired materials/supplies used: 0


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: CHILLICOTHE PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 430 NORTH BRADLEY AVENUE
City: CHILLICOTHE
State: IL
Zip: 61523
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
The outcomes of our project were best understood by data compiled from a follow-up Satisfaction Survey, in which over 90% of respondents felt no risk of contracting the COVID virus while using the library. This confidence may correlate to increased frequency of in-library use, as 33.3% of respondents reported using the library on a daily basis.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
The activities were essential for creating a safe environment for the public to return to, and created a plan for moving forward.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Through extensive research on best practices for sanitizing washable items, the library was able to provide evidence to defend the request for a washer/dryer unit to reduce the risk of COVID cross contamination from laundering items off site.
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:
Yes
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: cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing cloth toys