New soundproof booth provides Eastpointe library privacy

EASTPOINTE — When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in the spring of 2020, many companies went to a work-from-home structure in an effort to avoid the spread of the virus between people.

Even after the pandemic ended, some companies allowed their employees to continue to work from home.

While many people like conducting business from their own home office instead of going to the office, there can be distractions. That is one of the reasons the Eastpointe Memorial Library staff recently purchased and installed a new soundproof office phone booth/office pod.

The pod resembles a telephone booth and seats one person comfortably. Once the clear door is shut, there is an area to set a tablet/computer, a chair on which to sit down and magnets where cellphones or tablets can be hung. There is also a pad of paper for notetaking and a beverage holder.

“It’s soundproof. People are looking for space to do their work. You can conduct a meeting or do whatever you need. People can use their cellphones, and their conversations are private,” Library Director Sue Todd said. “There was a need for people to work quietly. When they need to talk to a client or have a Zoom meeting, they can come here and conduct their business.”

It’s also an ideal spot for home-schooled children to work on their studies.

“As small as it is, it’s very efficient. It feels cozy, not claustrophobic,” Todd said. “The lighting is good.”

The booth is portable and can be moved to another spot in the library, if necessary. Patrons can use the pod on a first-come, first-served basis. The hope is that the soundproof booth will attract patrons and get plenty of use.

“It’s very, very clean and modern. It’s very quiet inside,” Eastpointe Memorial Library Commission member Kevin Murphy said. “If you have to talk to somebody or do some business over the phone, I think it’s a great asset. I’m very optimistic the people of the city are going to like it.”

The booth was made from recycled materials and was purchased for $7,200 from a company called Room, based in New York City. Funding came from the library’s budget.

“The pod was one of the promises we made from (last year’s) millage renewal,” Todd said.

Todd said the plan is to eventually add a soundproof four-person pod where people can get together to conduct in-person business without distracting other patrons.