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The Norwalk Public Library has received $21,000 in upgrades.

The Norwalk Public Library has received $21,000 in upgrades.

NORWALK — The main library branch received two significant upgrades using a grant from the Connecticut State Library, increasing access to technology and safe work spaces for residents.

In all, the library received $26,213 in American Rescue Plan Act grant funds, according to the Connecticut State Library. Any unused funds were returned to the State Library.

Of the grant funds, $21,000 was dedicated to personal protective equipment, including an outdoor solar charging station and a soundproof pod for private work and studying located near the library’s café, according to city documents.

During an event Thursday morning at the public library, located at 1 Belden Ave., Mayor Harry Rilling and library officials touted the additions and grant funding.

“We’re here today to announce two exciting initiatives, one being a solar charging station which is located outside where people can come and charge their devices. They can do that while reading or socializing, enjoying the fresh air,” Rilling said. “That’s something we felt would be nice there’s four stations out there. People can come out, plug in and charge their devices for free.”

Residents now utilize the solar charging station by reading while charging their electronic devices outside, according to a city statement.

The soundproof pod will allow residents a safe, private place to conduct work, learn or attend virtual meetings, Rilling said.

“We can utilize the pod behind me for telehealth services, studying, one-on-one tutoring, temporary office space. As we know, people need a place to feel safe when possibly accessing telehealth services which we would obviously want to keep private,” Rilling said. People also need a quiet place they can access the internet; they can study or learn, and we are proud that Norwalk residents now have that service.”

Both the solar charging station and the soundproof pod were installed early this summer, Adult Reference Librarian Luis Ayala said.

“The pod has been a welcome addition to our quiet spaces here at the library. It’s become very popular,” Ayala said. “We got it in early June and by now have had 36 reservations of two hours. The features we were looking for in study pod, were electricals to plug in devices, ability to fit two people comfortably.”

The pod cost $8,500, including installation, and was open for use on June 9, Ayala said. Pods of this kind are designed for library and office spaces.

Reservations to use the pod can be made in-person or by calling the library’s reference desk, Ayala said. The pod can be reserved for up to two hours daily.

To celebrate the addition of the soundproof pod, the library is hosting a pod-naming competition, in which the public can offer name recommendations in a submission box located outside the pod, Ayala said.

Library staff will select five names from the suggestion box and put the final decision up to a public vote in the coming weeks, Ayala said.

The Common Council’s Community Services Committee Chair Dominique Johnson said the new technology is a testament to the services only available at a local library.

“When I think about our library, I think about how it brings advantages to our community members that only a library can give,” Johnson said. “A safe space, a place to learn and grow, a place to find out, and that’s an idea that can help you achieve whatever you want.”

I graduated with my master's in journalism from Columbia University in 2020. I received a bachelor's in journalism and English from the University of Connecticut in 2019. Before working for Hearst Connecticut Media Group I worked at the Journal Inquirer in Manchester, covering the towns of Enfield and Windsor. I have previously worked at the Hartford Courant, the Norwich Bulletin and the Republican-American. I love all things cats and Disney.