Library trustees present health and wellness plan; director said state grant would fund 30 accessible laptops

Jen, the library director, presented a new health and wellness plan at the Dec. 9 meeting and said it positions the library to pursue grants that expand access to health information and digital services. "It is focusing our story in the way that we were hoping," she said, calling the plan a tool to make the library more competitive for funding.

The director said the library applied for a state grant that requires a minimum award of 30 devices. "That grant application basically wrote itself," she said, describing the requested package: 30 laptops, vertical mice for patrons with dexterity issues, accessibility software such as JAWS for low-vision users and TD Snap for people with language or communication needs, standard security tools (Deep Freeze and antivirus), Office, and a charging cart that houses and charges all devices. She also said the devices would include a three-year warranty.

Why it matters: Trustees noted the plan's emphasis on the overlap between digital literacy and health literacy, including the role of childcare and social isolation in limiting access. The director said positioning the library around those needs helps with grant applications and with cross-department collaboration in town government.

Practical aims and use cases: The director said the laptops would support digital-literacy classes, job-search help, telehealth access and proctored exams. She described a circulation model in which laptops could be used in place (for example, in the children's room so caregivers can supervise children while using a device) or circulated to patrons, noting that the grant required devices that patrons can borrow. "With laptops, I can take them into the meeting room and teach digital skills," she said, adding that the library anticipates offering smaller classes rather than sessions for large groups.

Funding and timing: The director said the application arrived at a fortuitous time, landing just as the health and wellness plan was finalized. Trustees and staff thanked consultant Maura for guiding the process; a trustee clarified that consultant work was funded with ARPA, not town operating funds. The director said the grant decision was expected in December.

Next steps: If the grant is awarded, the library would need to identify power outlets and handling procedures for charging and circulation, finalize software licensing, and integrate the devices into programming. Trustees asked staff to return with implementation details if the award is announced.

Attribution: Quotes and details in this article are drawn from the Dec. 9 trustees meeting director's report and Q&A as recorded by the meeting transcript. The director who presented the plan is identified in the transcript as Jen (library director); trustees who commented included the chair, Michelle Riehill, and others who praised the plan.