Digital Access at the Doorstep: The Park Plaza Cooperative

Libraries Without Borders sought to replicate its digital inclusion strategy in underserved rural and suburban manufactured-housing communities. The project began in Minnesota, with a town hall-style meeting where residents of the Park Plaza Cooperative Community in Fridley shared their vision for a future partnership between the local library and the community. The need for such a partnership is high. In fact, Park Plaza is home to some of the most economically disadvantaged families in the region: 44 percent live below 185 percent of the federal poverty line, and 40 percent of Park Plaza residents cannot afford Internet access or the technology needed to go online. The consequent lack of access to digital and educational resources became clear during the town hall, with residents prioritizing future programming related to technology, financial literacy, homework help, and legal support. In the long term, this program seeks to address these diverse needs by working with local Internet service providers to explore affordable options for Park Plaza and lay the groundwork for broadband expansion. 

[Adam Echelman (he/his) currently serves as the Executive Director for Libraries Without Borders]