LA PLATA, Md.- Charles County Public Library is expanding virtual health care access for Southern Maryland residents with new Telehealth Booths at its P.D. Brown Memorial Branch in Waldorf and Potomac Branch in Indian Head.
The booths opened to provide quiet, private, wheelchair-accessible spaces where community members can connect with medical providers online or by phone. Each unit features a secured computer, seating, table and dry-erase board in an ADA-compliant, sound-dampening environment designed to overcome barriers such as transportation issues, lack of reliable internet or privacy concerns at home.
Lloyd Jansen, Deputy Director of Charles County Public Library, said, Libraries continue to evolve to meet the needs of our communities. By offering telehealth booths, we are helping remove barriers to care and providing residents with another way to access important services in a safe and welcoming space.
The initiative addresses real needs across Charles County and neighboring St. Marys and Calvert counties. Many Southern Maryland families face long drives to medical offices or challenges with home-based virtual visits due to shared living spaces or spotty broadband in rural pockets. The library booths offer a free, convenient alternative right in the community.
Reservations for the booths can be made up to seven days in advance through the librarys online meeting room system for sessions up to two hours. There is no cost to use the service. When not booked for telehealth, the spaces support studying, tutoring, small-group discussions and quiet work, with priority always given to health appointments. Users must acknowledge risks and library policies, including that the library does not provide medical services or guarantee HIPAA compliance of external providers.
The booths exteriors celebrate local scenery. The P.D. Brown Memorial Branch wrap highlights Mallows Bay Park, while the Potomac Branch features Smallwood State Park. Images came from a partnership with Charles County Tourism and photographer Jay Flemming. The project received support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Charles County Public Library branches serve a growing population in one of Southern Marylands fastest-developing areas. With housing expansions in Waldorf, La Plata, Indian Head and beyond, convenient health resources help families balance work, school and wellness. The P.D. Brown branch at 50 Village Street in Waldorf and Potomac branch at 3225 Ruth B. Swann Drive draw patrons from across the tri-county region where primary care wait times and travel distances remain common hurdles.
This expansion aligns with broader library trends in Southern Maryland. Nearby St. Marys County libraries have also integrated telehealth support in recent years, reflecting a regional push to blend traditional library roles with modern community health needs. Charles County Public Library continues adapting its five branches and mobile services to function as hubs for education, technology and now direct health access.
Residents can reserve booths at ccplonline.org/telehealth or through the meeting room system. Library hours typically run Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with closures on Sundays and holidays. Officials encourage early booking due to expected demand.
The Telehealth Booths represent an innovative use of public space that strengthens health equity in Southern Maryland. By partnering with tourism for visual appeal and securing grant funding, the library created functional, attractive additions that residents can use confidently. As virtual care becomes standard, these booths position Charles County families for better outcomes without leaving their local communities.
