TEMISKAMING SHORES — Do you want to shut out the noise, the clamour and the busyness of the world for a private space?
Everyone knows that libraries are supposed to be quiet places but with a busy clientele, foot traffic and discussions, this may not always be the case.
For enhanced privacy and quietness the New Liskeard branch of the Temiskaming Shores Public Library has a newly installed sound-dampened privacy pod available for usage.
“We have had a few people using the pod and someone came into the library and used the pod for the first time and they said they felt such an immediate calm come over them,” said library CEO Rebecca Hunt.
She said she first began seeing the privacy pods about ten years ago at the Toronto reference library and thought it was such a cool idea and she always wanted one for the Temiskaming Shores library.
“It is getting loud in our libraries these days and that’s what we wanted, a quiet space for people to go. We are trying to make this a low-barrier place so people don’t have to book it ahead of time. In the last few days more and more people are using the pod.”
The privacy pod was funded by an $8,535 Health Equity Grant from the Timiskaming Ontario Health Team.
The sound dampening accessible booth easily seats a single user. It’s perfect for meeting online or in person, for taking or giving an online class or taking part in telehealth meetings or for a quiet working space.
The pod features built in ventilation and motion-activated lighting with plug-ins for laptops, phones and other devices.
This project helps the library support the needs of both the local community and visitors, offering new opportunities to connect, learn, and work.
Those interested in using the spaces do not require a library card to book them.
The privacy pod is open during regular library operating hours and can be booked ahead of time if desired.
By Sue Nielsen, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on Jul 16, 2026 at 08:12
Recent Comments