Connecting communities: George’s library expansion and the digital future

As many as one in four individuals across North Central Washington lacks the access to the skills, devices or connectivity needed to participate in the digital world. The importance of this access cannot be overstated as it increasingly impacts access to education, work, and healthcare. That access is steadily improving for families living in George, Washington thanks to the collective efforts of an impressive array of local community leaders including the North Central Washington Libraries, the Quincy School District, the George City Council, NCW Tech Alliance, the Grant County Public Utility District and Microsoft.  

Last February, NCW Tech Alliance met with NCW Libraries to discuss the need for expanded Wi-Fi and computing access in George. NCW Tech Alliance had been working with the Quincy School District to serve 30 families with a digital skills course and a laptop computer for their homes. Many of these families shared that they still lacked access to connectivity at home and they also wanted a more permanent place to gather and continue learning together. NCW Tech Alliance put the request into a proposal for Community Health Network of Washington to utilize $120,000 for the purchase and installation of equipment needed to upgrade a space in George for the residents to use. The NCW Libraries was willing to explore options for an expanded branch location for George but was going to need to identify a new site.  

The location for the new branch site was quickly identified when the Quincy School District learned about the need. The district was quick to offer an unoccupied, and fully functioning portable classroom space that sat adjacent to George Elementary that could be renovated to serve as a library branch.  

The NCW Libraries team got right to work and met with the Quincy School District and the George City Council to coordinate the needed documentation and agreements for sharing the space. The Grant County PUD jumped in to expedite updates to the building fiber and contracts were set to install new furniture and technology. The team worked quickly and progressed through the renovation in just 2 months. The resulting branch, located near George Elementary School at 403 S. Washington Way opened the first week of July. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and commitment to community betterment. 

In addition to learning spaces for youth and adults, books and library resources, the new branch includes a few features that are designed to function as an anchor for digital access in the community.  

A Digital Literacy Learning Lab is a cornerstone of the new design. With nine public access computers arranged in a flexible classroom setting, it is an ideal space for additional digital literacy classes. This initiative is crucial for a community where digital skills can significantly enhance educational outcomes and job opportunities. 

The Teleservices Booth is another new aspect of the library branch. In partnership with Thriving Together NCW Telehealth spaces will also be piloted this year in 2 other library branches as well. These booths provide a private, acoustically separated space for residents to attend virtual healthcare appointments, job interviews, and other important teleconferencing meetings. This feature is particularly significant in a rural area where access to healthcare can be limited. 

Outdoor spaces were also upgraded with a picnic table and gazebo on the patio allowing residents to use the library’s Wi-Fi even when the building is closed. This extended access is vital in a town where many residents rely on public internet services. 

The expanded access to digital resources is set to have a profound impact on the residents of George. Jose and Araceli Medina of Quincy participated in the digital skills course earlier this year. They brought their two sons to make a special visit to see the new learning spaces (see photos). The family expressed sentiments of gratitude and praise for the community leaders who leaned in to make this possible.  

These community investments foster a culture of continuous learning, improve digital literacy, and enhance the overall quality of life. As the community of George continues to grow, this library will serve as a cornerstone of development and a beacon of potential for other rural areas to follow. At their core, digital equity efforts like this one ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, has access to digital technologies and the skills needed to use them. This concept is more than just providing internet and computers; it’s about ensuring that all members of the community can participate fully in today’s digital world.  

The expansion of the library in George is a shining example of what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared vision. It underscores the importance of digital equity in today’s interconnected world and sets a powerful precedent for other rural communities striving to bridge the digital divide.