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Library details ARPA-funded mobile library project and statewide ebook initiative
Summary
Library staff updated trustees on two ARPA-funded projects: a mobile library vehicle with plans for community outreach and a statewide ebook pilot that may expand access to titles previously unavailable to libraries.
The St. Mary's County Library director updated trustees on two ARPA-funded initiatives that aim to expand services: a mobile library vehicle and an ebook-access grant coordinated through the Maryland State Library.
On the mobile library, the director said the library is working with a consultant, Michael Sandowski, who specializes in outfitting mobile library vehicles. The library has issued a request for proposals for manufacturers and has received one manufacturer response so far. The director said the ARPA vehicle grant originally covered the vehicle only, but the regional program will permit the library to consider hiring staff to operate outreach programs once the vehicle is delivered. He said a full rollout and road service for the vehicle is not expected until at least September or October 2022 because custom builds take time.
The director said trustees should expect to request staffing support during next year’s budget cycle; he plans to brief county commissioners about the mobile library soon and said some commissioners expressed tentative support but asked to see budget details first. Trustees suggested outreach to home-schooling families, daycare centers and other community groups as possible routes for mobile library service.
On the ebook grant, the director said the state is piloting a new reader app developed by Lyricis (SimplyE's new version called Palace) and that the state and local libraries are pressing major vendors to make audiobook and ebook content more widely available to libraries. He said that change could add roughly 10,000 previously restricted audiobook titles to library access and that Maryland’s recent law and multi-state interest may have influenced publishers’ decisions to engage in talks. The director said the state will trial the new app and libraries will work with vendors to expand content.
Trustees did not take a formal vote on either grant update; the briefing was informational. The director said staff will return with formal budget or contract requests for future trustee consideration as projects progress.
Ending: Trustees received project updates and directed staff to continue planning and to brief county officials about the mobile library staffing needs.
