The next time you visit Wilton Library, you’ll be sure to catch a sign of modern times — on the library’s new digital signs. With a generous grant of nearly $16,000 from the Wilton Kiwanis Club, the library has launched new digital signage installation, adding digital monitors throughout the library building that will be used to communicate and connect with the community.
The digital signs will showcase and promote Wilton Library’s extensive array of programs, resources and services, providing real-time, up-to-the-minute information for all library patrons, visitors, program attendees and the entire Wilton community.
“We deeply appreciate the generosity of Wilton Kiwanis Club for funding this important initiative. Truthfully, I have wanted to implement this project for a long time and I am absolutely thrilled that it has finally come to fruition, thanks to the Club’s support,” said Elaine Tai-Lauria, Executive Director of Wilton Library.
“These digital signs are a fresh, engaging, and contemporary way to inform our patrons and visitors of all of the wonderful things that the library has to offer. Being able to promote our excellent programs, resources and services in this way will broaden our reach to a wider audience and therefore augment our ability to efficiently provide information to our community,” said Tai-Lauria.
Kiwanis officials tout the Kiwanis Club as Wilton’s longest established service club, with a legacy of providing service and supporting community organizations since the early 1950s. The club’s fundraising efforts support dozens of community organizations and individuals.
“Most recently, our successful annual fundraising with the Pumpkin Patch and the Citrus Sale has allowed us not only to fulfill many grant requests, but engage in a newer initiative of supporting a yearly signature community building project in town,” said Greg Chann, Wilton Kiwanis Club’s past president, who led the funding effort. “We are most pleased that this year we have been able to fully underwrite Wilton Library’s Digital Signage project.”
At Wilton Kiwanis Club’s invitation, Wilton Library submitted a grant request proposal that outlined the need for digital signage, a budget plan, and implementation timeline. The library emphasized its goal to use digital signage to deliver timely and relevant messaging efficiently and maximize awareness of its offerings through increased visibility. Another goal was to replace paper-based bulletin boards throughout the library and employ an environmentally friendly “greener” solution that minimizes the use of paper for publicity.
The library plans to install five new digital signs in total, to be strategically placed throughout the building. They will be located at the Circulation Desk, in the Children’s Library, in the Teen Services area, near the Adult Reference desk, and by the front entrance. The library was also able to purchase a sixth free-standing mobile monitor, thanks to the Kiwanis grant.
Thomas Kozak, Technology Manager of Wilton Library, is currently working with the library’s Building Operations team to install the monitors.
“One of the things I love about Wilton Library is being able to re-examine how to best serve the community, and find new solutions that take advantage of up-to-date technology. These high-quality displays will really improve the experience of visiting the library — making it easier for patrons to get timely information about library programs, resources, and other news in a visually compelling way,” Kozak said.
He has been working with library Marketing Communications Manager Nuchada Julavits to create content for the launch. The signage platform will really streamline our ability to deliver messaging as well. We are all excited about this project and extremely grateful to Wilton Kiwanis Club for making it possible,” Kozak added.
Editor’s note: A member of the Cannon Grange wrote to take issue with GMW calling the Kiwanis Club of Wilton “the longest established service club in Wilton.” He said that the Grange is, dating back to 1899. The story has been updated to reflect that the Kiwanis officials refer to the club as the “longest established service club.”