Oklahoma Broadband Office Announces Nation’s First Statewide Initiative to Expand Access to Essential Services Through Public Libraries

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) announced a new $14.5 million initiative to expand access to healthcare, workforce services, and digital skills training through Oklahoma's public libraries. The program will make up to 175 community access portals available to libraries across the state, creating new opportunities for Oklahomans to access essential services closer to home.

Through this initiative, libraries will be transformed into community access points where residents can participate in virtual primary care appointments, complete telehealth consultations, attend remote job interviews, receive workforce development services, and build digital literacy skills in a secure, private environment.

The program’s scale is a national first, with over 75 rural libraries and regional library systems expressing interest in an initial survey from the Oklahoma Broadband Office.

"Broadband is about far more than internet access," said Mike Sanders, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Broadband Office. "It is about connecting Oklahomans to opportunities that improve quality of life. By partnering with libraries across the state, we are leveraging these trusted community spaces where residents can access healthcare, pursue employment opportunities, and develop the digital skills needed in today's economy." 

Libraries have long served as pillars of their local community, providing internet access, educational resources, and public services. This program builds on this foundation by delivering practical services that directly benefit residents, particularly those living in rural and underserved communities.

Starting today, libraries can request community access portals by submitting an order form using the following link:

This program is made possible through the ARPA Capital Projects Fund.

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For more information contact:

Nick Camper, Director of GIS & Data

Nicholas.camper@broadband.ok.gov

405-522-6756