If all goes to plan, this fall people will be able access telehealth services at the James Prendergast Library.

Danielle Bertolini, staff librarian, presented a report last week during the library’s monthly meeting on the telehealth project. She said the concept is still pretty new and library officials are still figuring out all of the details, but by working with the Western New York Library Resources Council the telehealth project could start in September.

Bertolini said the Western New York Library Resources Council received a grant for the project to purchase the necessary equipment. She said a “pod” that is 7 feet wide by 7 feet tall will be installed in the library. She added that the telehealth area will be available for low-income people who don’t own a computer or don’t have access to broadband internet.

“With COVID, telehealth is used more often,” she said.

The library will receive the pod in August, which will include equipment such as lighting, a microphone and a laptop computer.

“This way people can meet with health care providers,” she said.

Bertolini said the telehealth center at the library won’t be a burden on staff. She said library officials will be hiring an intern from Jamestown Community College, who will be trained and will assist people with the telehealth services.

“This is a great opportunity to connect members of the community with health resources,” she said.

Annie Greene, library executive director, said the telehealth project is a pilot program.