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Posted on September 06, 2022
There’s a new option for Arlington residents and visitors who need an Internet connection and privacy for virtual meetings. The Arlington Public Library will open The Teleconnect Space at Columbia Pike Library, in partnership with the Arlington County Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development (CPHD) and the Department of Technology Services (DTS).
The Teleconnect Space is a single meeting room at the library branch that is equipped with a wired computer equipped with web access to Zoom, Skype, and other video conferencing software. It also has a ring light to create a professional setting. The space is reserved for virtual meetings for specific purposes, including telehealth meetings, job interviews, social services meetings, health insurance enrollment and college interviews.
This new resource is part of the county’s Digital Capital Initiative to ensure all Arlington residents have affordable, reliable access to high-speed Internet and the technology to fully participate in the community and economy, with an emphasis on connectivity, access, education and training, and sustainability of the program.
“Anyone who needs a free, quiet, private space and who does not have equivalent access at home, or anyone who needs additional technical assistance to begin taking a telehealth class, is invited to use the Teleconnect Space,” said Arlington Public Library Director Diane Kresh. “The library is at the center of the community and we are excited to work with our county partners CPHD and DTS to add this vital service.”
The Arlington Public Library will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of The Teleconnect Space at the Columbia Pike Library on Monday, September 19, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. The event is open to the public and the group Columbia Pike’s Sunshine Gang will provide entertainment.
Teleconnect Space can be booked online for two hours each day, up to twice a week. Anyone unable to make an online reservation can call the Columbia Pike Library at 703-228-5710 for assistance. To make an online reservation, go to library.arlingtonva.us/teleconnect-space.
Potential uses of the space include: a person in a virtual support group meeting, usually meeting from their car for privacy; a person with a large family having a virtual college interview; a job seeker who lives in group housing or with many family members and needs an ongoing interview; an LGBTQIA+ adult who needs a telehealth appointment but does not have a safe private space at home to speak with a healthcare professional; and other possibilities.
The Teleconnect Space has frosted glass covering most of the exterior, and a white noise machine helps ensure sound privacy. Limited staff assistance is available to help with personal devices on public Wi-Fi. The Teleconnect space may not be used for paid work, paid tutoring, business meetings, online class attendance, personal meetings, social events, or by for-profit organizations.
Community and local government partners include Arlington Free Clinic, Arlington Job Center, Arlington Peers Helping Peers in Recovery (APRC), OAR of Arlington, Alexandria and Falls Church, and the Columbia Pike Partnership.
For more information and to schedule a free private appointment, visit library.arlingtonva.us/teleconnect-space/.
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