JACKSON, Wyo. — The Teton County Library will open its first satellite workspace, the “Library Table”, tomorrow Jan. 10 at the Calico Restaurant in Wilson.
The new pilot program will utilize the restaurant before service, offering a free quiet space to drop in and work, Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9-2 p.m.
A library staff member will be on hand to offer information and assistance. Free wi-fi will be available along with power cords for charging devices.
In Jackson where real estate is nonexistent, how do we create more public spaces?
Leah Shlachter
Leah Shlachter, the Library’s adult program coordinator explained that the idea first came to mind in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I had read an article about entrepreneurs turning restaurants that only open at night, into shared workspaces and it got me thinking about how people use space and what kind of spaces people need,” Shlachter said.
And in a community like Jackson, space is limited. Shlachter explained that she wanted to explore ways to expand the library campus without relying on creating new infrastructure.
“We planned this before the pandemic, before this epidemic of loneliness and now there is even more of a need to kind of be alone together,” Shlachter said. “Now that we are in a different phase of the pandemic, we thought about revisiting the project, and in our community survey, there were a lot of comments that asked for a Wilson presence.”
According to Shlachter, Calico is an enthusiastic partner, and the pilot program, funded by the Teton County Library Foundation will run for six months, through June 2023.
“If it works, we can look to expand the services,” Shlachter said.
Passers by can expect to see a green “Library Table Open” flag waving during operating hours outside the Calico at 2650 Moose Wilson Road, which is adjacent to START Bus stop serviced by the Teton Village South and Local lines.
