The Kingfisher Memorial Library officially made history on Thursday, July 30, becoming home to the nation’s first Community Access Portal Program. State leaders, local officials and community members gathered to celebrate the launch of an innovative initiative designed to bring healthcare, education, workforce development and other essential services directly to rural Oklahoma.
The two private portal pods installed at the library are the first of up to 175 Community Access Portals that will be placed in libraries across Oklahoma through the Oklahoma Broadband Office’s $14.5 million initiative. One portal is designed for individual use, while the second is ADA-accessible and accommodates groups of up to five people.
Following a luncheon provided by The Stack Restaurant, attendees previewed the new technology before touring the portal pods and learning how they will serve the community.
A Historic First
Oklahoma Broadband Office Executive Director Mike Sanders called the project a milestone not only for Kingfisher, but for the nation.
“Today is not only a special day for Kingfisher and the State of Oklahoma, but for the nation,” Sanders said. “This is the first-ever technology of its kind in the United States, and we’re doing it right here in Kingfisher.”
Sanders emphasized that broadband is about far more than internet access.
“Broadband is more than just connecting to the internet. It’s about connecting people and giving people opportunities,” he said. “These portals will provide rural residents new opportunities to access services without having to travel to Oklahoma City, Tulsa or another metropolitan area.”
Bringing Essential Services Closer to Home
The Community Access Portals provide private, secure spaces where residents can connect with a wide variety of services, including:
- Virtual healthcare and specialist appointments
- Mental health counseling
- Job interviews
- Workforce training and certification courses
- Online college classes
- Digital skills training
- Government services
- Meetings with attorneys, financial advisors and other professionals
The goal is to eliminate many of the barriers rural residents face by reducing travel time while expanding access to services that are often unavailable in smaller communities.
Supporting Privacy and Equal Access
Kingfisher Memorial Library Director Michael Tautkus reflected on the library’s evolution over the past two decades, noting that the new portals are a natural extension of the library’s mission to provide equal access to information and opportunity.
He explained that libraries have always served as places where people can learn, explore ideas and access important resources regardless of their background or income. The new portals, he said, add another critical element: privacy.
“People come here to apply for jobs, access government services and learn new skills,” Tautkus said. “These portals help preserve privacy while giving people secure access to important services.”
Built for Rural Communities
The technology was developed by California-based Ready.net. CEO and co-founder Jase Wilson said the portals were designed to give rural residents access to professional-quality telehealth appointments, online education and job interviews without leaving their hometowns.
Unlike traditional video conferencing, each portal features 4K video, studio-quality audio, soundproofing and frosted glass walls to provide a secure, private environment. Wilson noted that no personal information or conversations are stored, allowing users to discuss sensitive matters with confidence.
He described the portals as “infrastructure for dignity,” explaining that they can help a mother attend a doctor’s appointment during her lunch break, a veteran participate in a job interview or a student complete workforce training without traveling long distances.
The First of Many
Kingfisher is just the beginning. Sanders said libraries in El Reno, Weatherford, Yukon, Clinton, Tahlequah, Muskogee, Stilwell, Muldrow and many other Oklahoma communities are expected to receive Community Access Portals in the coming months.
The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opening the Community Access Portals to the public.
Photos by AAK Amy Townsend and Jack Quirk.
