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G2S Project Code: 2021-IL-87890
State: Illinois
Fiscal Year: 2021
Grantee
STERLING PUBLIC LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Jennifer Slaney
Director Phone: 815-625-1370
Director Email: jennifer.slaney@sterlingpubliclibrary.org
General Information
Title: MATCH: Transformers
State Project Code: MATCH: 22-5089-RTR
Start Date: 10/01/2021
End Date: 09/30/2022
Abstract: Through Transformers, the Sterling Public Library focused on pandemic recovery and created a safe space for patrons.  With the safety of staff and patrons an ongoing concern, the library transformed its spaces indoors and out with a movable divider wall and smart lockers to allow patrons to access materials after hours. Portable air purifiers transformed the quality of the library air in the community and study rooms used by tutors and small groups.  Two charging stations allowed patrons to safely charge their devices while an electronic cutting machine and laminator supported patrons use of the library’s maker space area. Restoration of library services required adherence to guidelines regarding social distancing, and this project prioritized health and safety while taking progressive steps to restore library services.

State Goal: Goal 1: Access to Information and Ideas.
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$0.00
$25,000.00
$0.00
$25,000.00
Intent(s)
Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.
Library Infrastructure & Capacity
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Keeping the Community Safe
Narrative: In order to address the needs of patrons who were unable to come into the library due to health reasons, the library purchased a 17-door locker system.  These lockers were placed outside of the building to allow patrons to request library material then pick it up either during library hours or when the library was closed.  Many patrons expressed that they really wished the library could be open more hours, but due to COVID the library restricted their hours like most businesses in the community. 

A movable wall was used in the community room to divide the room in half.  Over the years, the library has received regular requests for tutoring space, and this was a viable solution to allow concurrent tutoring while social distancing.  In addition, HEPA air filtering devices were purchased for the community room and the study room.

The library purchased two charging stations for patrons to use in the library to charge their devices.  This was an added service not only during the current health crisis but during the project, pockets of our service area lost power for several days.  The charging stations allowed those patrons without power in their homes to charge their devices at the library. 

Patrons were isolated at home during the pandemic and were looking for creative ways to deal with their mental health issues.  The library expanded the makerspace area with the purchase of an electronic cutting machine and a laminating machine.  While this was also available to the public, the staff laminated signs so they could be continually cleaned to help stop the spread of germs in the library.  

The library also replaced two 5-year-old public Internet computers for patrons to keep in touch with loved ones, search for jobs, or locate information.

Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Procurement
Mode:
Format:


Quantity
Number of equipment acquired: 1
Number of acquired equipment used: 1
Number of hardware items acquired: 4
Number of acquired hardware items used: 4
Number of software items acquired: 0
Number of acquired software items used: 0
Number of materials/supplies acquired: 5
Number of acquired materials/supplies used: 5


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: STERLING PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 102 WEST THIRD STREET
City: STERLING
State: IL
Zip: 61081
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
The lockers allowed patrons to be safe and more flexible when picking up their items from the library. Purchase of the movable wall doubled the number of tutors and small group meetings conducted in the library.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
This project improved the capacity of library to offer clean, safe spaces so patrons could be welcomed back into the building.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
As a municipal library, having support from the city’s administration was vital to our success.
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: lockers, charging stations, movable wall