Closing the Privacy Gap: Libraries as Telehealth Hubs in Wisconsin

Situation

Despite expanded broadband coverage and telehealth options, many Wisconsinites still lack private spaces at home for virtual medical consultations. In rural and small-town settings, common areas may not offer the necessary confidentiality or quiet time required for effective care. This privacy barrier disproportionately affects those with limited housing space, shared living situations, or health concerns best addressed remotely. Libraries—trusted, public, and centrally located—are well-positioned to bridge this gap by offering soundproof, private rooms for telehealth appointments.

Response

A growing number of Wisconsin libraries have begun retrofitting or installing private, sound-controlled ‘telehealth rooms’, often housed within existing study-room infrastructures. These spaces typically include:

• Soundproof booths or enclosed rooms designed for speech privacy
• High-speed Wi-Fi and device support
• ADA-compliant layout for accessibility
• Reservation systems for confidential appointments

Rather than creating entirely new facilities, many libraries are adapting existing spaces and staff expertise to meet emerging community needs. In doing so, libraries are extending their long-standing role as trusted access points for information, technology, and public services.

This initiative follows national trends highlighted in peer-reviewed research showing that library-based telehealth spaces effectively bridge the digital divide, enhance connection, and respect privacy needs—even in broadband-served communities.

While the rollout is emerging, several libraries in Wisconsin are:

• Allocating grant or ARPA funding for room build-outs and connectivity upgrades (e.g., Public Libraries, Community Centers Facilities grants)
• Creating reservation systems and usage protocols
• Training staff to assist patrons with technology setup and telehealth navigation

Connection to Broadband

Libraries have long helped bridge digital access gaps through public internet access, technology assistance, and digital literacy support. Telehealth spaces build on that foundation.

Key connectivity elements include:

• Reliable broadband access
• Public Wi-Fi
• Device support
• Digital navigation assistance
• Private environments for virtual healthcare appointments

This example highlights an important lesson: broadband coverage does not automatically translate into broadband use. Privacy, comfort, accessibility, and technology support can be just as important as internet availability.

Outcomes and Lessons Learned

So far, libraries across the United States report:

• Increased access to virtual care for residents facing privacy and technology barriers
• Increasing usage of telehealth spaces, especially among seniors, renters, and those lacking private home environments
• Improved staff capacity to support digital navigation

Key lessons:

• Infrastructure is more than connectivity. Reliable Wi-Fi needs private physical space to be effective for telehealth.
• Converting an existing study room into a telehealth booth is a low-cost, high-return investment.
• Trust matters. Libraries are viewed as neutral, welcoming spaces—using them for health appointments increases acceptance.
• Partnerships unlock potential. Aligning with healthcare providers, public health, or other community organizations helps integrate care pathways.

Why This Matters for Communities

Many discussions about broadband focus on whether internet service is available. This case highlights a different question:

Can residents actually use that connectivity to improve their lives?

For individuals seeking healthcare services, barriers may include:

• Lack of privacy at home
• Limited technology skills
• Inadequate equipment
• Accessibility challenges
• Transportation limitations

Libraries are uniquely positioned to help address these barriers because they are trusted community institutions with experience supporting public technology access.

For communities, this example demonstrates how existing assets can be adapted to support healthcare access without requiring major new infrastructure investments.

Questions for Discussion

1. What barriers—beyond internet access—do your residents face with telehealth?
2. Which local libraries could pilot or expand private telehealth spaces?
3. How could library-based telehealth rooms connect to local clinics, community health workers, or social service providers?
4. What funding sources could support such infrastructure?
5. What staffing or scheduling practices would help libraries meet demand while preserving other services?

Lessons for Communities

• Broadband access and broadband use are not the same thing.
• Privacy can be a significant barrier to healthcare access.
• Existing community assets may be repurposed to meet emerging needs.
• Trusted institutions often play important roles in technology adoption.
• Small infrastructure investments can produce meaningful community benefits.

Related Resources

• Healthcare in the Digital Age Workshop
• Telehealth.HHS.gov
• Wisconsin Public Library System
• Rural Health Transformation Program
• Additional Broadband & Healthcare Case Studies

Source & Transparency Note

This case study synthesizes findings from the peer-reviewed article “Libraries as Telehealth Hubs” (PMC11839511) and publicly available information on library-based telehealth initiatives, including grant-funded facilities in Wisconsin. Drafting was supported by artificial intelligence tools and refined through human review and editing. This article will be updated once specific Wisconsin Library information has been obtained.