The Kingfisher Memorial Library officially became home to the nation’s first Community Access Portal Program on Thursday, July 30, as state leaders, local officials and community members gathered to celebrate the launch of an innovative initiative designed to bring healthcare, education and workforce services directly to rural Oklahoma communities.
The two private portal pods are the first installed as part of the Oklahoma Broadband Office’s $14.5 million initiative, which will place up to 175 Community Access Portals in libraries across the state. One portal is designed for individual use, while the second is ADA-accessible and can accommodate groups of up to five people.
Following a luncheon provided by The Stack Restaurant in Kingfisher, library staff, state officials and members of the media were given a preview of the new technology before touring the portal pods.
Oklahoma Broadband Office Executive Director Mike Sanders called the project a historic milestone, not only for Kingfisher, but for the entire country.
“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 said broadband is about much 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.”
Residents can use the portals for a 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
- Access to government services
- Meetings with attorneys, financial advisors and other professionals
Kingfisher Memorial Library Director Michael Turner reflected on the library’s growth over the past two decades and said the new portals are a natural extension of the library’s mission to provide equal access to information and services.
Turner explained that libraries have long protected the freedom to learn, explore ideas and access important resources regardless of a person’s background or income. He said the new portals will also provide something equally important: privacy.
“People come here to apply for jobs, access government services and learn new skills,” Turner said. “These portals help preserve privacy while giving people secure access to important services.”
The portal technology was developed by California-based Ready.net. CEO and co-founder Jase Wilson said the goal was to create a space where residents could access professional-quality telehealth appointments, online education and job interviews without leaving their hometown.
Unlike traditional video conferencing, the portals feature 4K video, studio-quality audio, and privacy features including frosted glass walls and soundproofing. Wilson emphasized that no personal information or conversations are stored, allowing users to discuss sensitive matters with confidence.
Wilson described the portals as “infrastructure for dignity,” saying 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.
Sanders said Kingfisher is only the beginning, with libraries in El Reno, Weatherford, Yukon, Clinton, Tahlequah, Muskogee, Stilwell, Muldrow and many other communities scheduled to receive portals in the coming months.
Following remarks from state and local leaders, officials gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opening the Community Access Portals to the public.
Photos by AAK Amy Townsend and Jack Quirk
Watch the complete ceremony at AllAboutKingfisher.com.
