By Ivy Corder
The Jasper County Library, part of the Azalea Regional Library System, recently installed a Sunbolt Velocity Solar Workstation. Jasper County Library patrons can now plug in and power up outside at our brand-new Sunbolt Velocity Solar Workstation! This ADA-accessible beauty boasts Wi-Fi, LED lighting, and USB charging outlets—perfect for outdoor studying, Zoom calls, or just soaking up the sunshine while staying connected.
The idea for the solar workstation was born from a need to expand our services beyond the library's walls, especially given that Jasper County is a rural area with limited internet coverage. We saw a growing trend of patrons needing to access our Wi-Fi outside of business hours, so we wanted to enhance our outdoor spaces by providing a dedicated spot for reliable, free digital connectivity. The Digital Connectivity Grant from Georgia Public Library Service was the perfect catalyst. It allowed us to directly address a clear patron need for reliable, outdoor Wi-Fi and charging, which is particularly vital here where many people rely on the library's internet even when the building is closed.
There weren't any major challenges to get the workstations, but the process did require careful planning. The most important step was site preparation, which had several key considerations. We had to select a location that was flat and accessible for ADA compliance while also getting enough direct sunlight to power the workstation. This meant pouring a new concrete pad—which needed to be at least 10 feet by 10 feet—in the perfect spot. Our IT and Facilities teams worked together to ensure all these requirements were met efficiently and successfully. Huge shoutout to Steven Daniel, IT Manager, and Clay Smith, Facilities Manager, for installing this solar-powered superstar!
The timeline for the project was fairly quick and efficient. From the time we placed the order to the unit’s arrival, it took about eight weeks. The workstation was shipped fully assembled, which made the final installation a breeze. It took our team of just two people less than a day to uncrate the unit and set it in place, following the provided instructions. The entire process, from ordering to a fully functional workstation, was very streamlined.
Since its installation, the solar workstation has been a tremendous success! We see it used constantly throughout the day by a variety of patrons. People use it to charge devices while reading, for impromptu work or study sessions, and even for video calls. While it's particularly popular during nice weather, we anticipate even greater use as the weather cools and it becomes the perfect outdoor spot for the community to connect.
To learn more about the Jasper County Library, go to https://www.azalealibraries.org/ja-county-library-
