Madill Library receives grant for 2020 census

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Marshall County residents will now be able to fill out their 2020 census forms online thanks to a grant from the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, along with the Institute of Museum and Library Service.

To assist with reaching the hard-to-count areas, the 15 Oklahoma public libraries received a grant.

Director of the Madill City County Library Shirley Harkins said they used the grant money and set up a census help station. It is accessible to the public to use at any time the library is open for business.

Harkins said they have made it simple for the residents to access the site.

“There are three laptop computers with the Census web site bookmarked available for patrons to do their census,” Harkins said.

Harkins noted that the recent COVID-19 outbreak required them to change tactics, but they figured it out.

“We have partnered with Marshall County Minstrel Alliance and the Johnson-Marshall County Baptist Association to visit all the churches in Marshall County,” Harkins said, “but since the Coronavirus has the world shutdown, we have instead mailed a letter about the importance of a correct count for the county along with the availability of the free help and access to the internet computers at the library to all the churches along with a copy of the census for them to see how simple it is to fill out.”

She said they were planning to go to the Senior Citizens Nutrition Center with the laptops to assist any seniors who might need help filling out the census.

However, now they will just take the information and phone number to the senior citizens and explain the importance of a correct census count.

Harkins said they are reaching out in every way possible to ensure a correct count for this census.

“We are working with the water departments in Madill and Oakland,” she said. “They are putting information in the water bills they are sending out, also the Marshall County Water department is adding the information to their website.”

She addressed the County Commissioners during their meeting, and “encouraged them to speak to their constituents about how important the census is to Oklahoma, so we can get our fair share of the money.”

There is also information posted at the Marshall County Courthouse.

Harkins said she thinks this will help bring awareness to the importance of a correct census count.

“I really think it will help as we are getting the word out to more people,” she said.

“Hard to reach groups often seek free services offered by the churches, therefore we are partnering with local church leaders as trusted members of the community to promote the census.” She said she believes

She said she believes the library’s comfortable environment, mixed with being safe and confidential will help ease the awkwardness of filling out the census.

“This project was supported in whole or in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. Opinions expressed in this publication or presentation do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries or IMLS and no official endorsement by those entities should be inferred.”