WOODVILLE – The Allan Shivers Library and Museum (ASLM) has completed a transformative renovation project funded by a grant from the Texas State library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) and the Broadband Development Office (BDO). The Library Infrastructure Facility Improvement (LIFI) Grant focuses on improving internet, expanding digital services, and creating spaces to enable the library to provide those services.
This project was made possible by grant funding through the U.S. Department of the Treasury to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. TSLAC and the Broadband Development Office (BDO) awarded funds to 37 libraries across the state under the LIFI grant program.
Assistant Director and Head Librarian Carolyn Williams announced the completion of the grant-funded improvements, which significantly improved the library's ability to serve the community with modern technology and versatile learning and meeting spaces.
"This grant represents a major investment in our community's access to information, technology, and educational resources," said Williams. "Stronger stable WiFi and additional rooms for meetings have been a frequent request from our patrons and we’re thrilled to offer these upgraded facilities."
The reimbursement-based grant funded several key upgrades throughout the facility. The library now features four new study rooms and an upgraded internet mesh network. These additions provide quiet, dedicated spaces for students, remote workers, and community members who need focused environments for learning and productivity, and the increased WiFi bandwidth will allow multiple devices online at once.
Study Rooms 1 and 2 are for small groups ranging from six to ten people. Modern smart boards are installed in these rooms to support programming, computer classes, meetings, and interactive learning opportunities for patrons of all ages. These interactive displays enhance the library's capacity to offer technology training, tutoring programs, and community workshops.
Among the most significant additions is Study Room 3, a sound-reduced room specifically designed for telemedicine appointments and Zoom meetings. This specialized space offers privacy and acoustic control, enabling community members to attend virtual medical consultations in a professional, confidential setting—a crucial resource for residents in rural areas or those with limited transportation and stable internet options. With the sound reduction, this room can also be used to create sound recordings for YouTube, personal use, or interviews.
Study Room 4 is a perfect spot for four people to meet for any reason. This room has a basic television to use for presentations or connecting to a laptop.
The four study rooms were created by repurposing existing space within the library. A larger study room was divided into two smaller rooms, and two rooms were created within the foyer of the Bunch Reading Room.
Laptop computers are available for check-out to use in any of the study rooms.
Behind the scenes, the library's WiFi infrastructure received a complete upgrade to a mesh network system, ensuring reliable, high-speed internet access throughout the entire facility. This improvement eliminates connectivity dead zones and supports the growing number of patrons who depend on library internet access for work, education, and essential services.
The library is now better equipped than ever to serve as a hub for learning, technology access, healthcare connectivity, and community engagement. Community members are invited to visit and explore the newly upgraded spaces.
Rooms are available at no cost during library hours; donations are appreciated. Reservations for any of the Study Rooms are encouraged.
This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Texas State Library and Archives Commission (Grant # CPFFN0161). * (2026)
For more information about the library's services and facilities, contact Assistant Director/Head Librarian Carolyn Williams at 409-283-3709
