A new program will offer free, private rooms at 10 public libraries in Maine for people in rural areas and other underserved communities to access telehealth services. 

Participating libraries are in Isleboro, Caribou, Houlton, Fryeburg, Steuben, South Paris, Jonesport, Pittsfield, Skowhegan and Dover-Foxcroft, the Maine State Library said Wednesday. 

The libraries will offer training for people who are new to using telehealth to get real-time medical care remotely, and will let people book “telehealth rooms” for wellness appointments, mental health counseling and a range of other non-urgent medical needs.

“The library provides a private room equipped with a laptop, camera, computer, mouse, lights, headphones, and other technology relevant to telehealth needs,” the state said in a news release. 

State librarian Jamie Ritter said the program is another way for libraries to promote equitable access to community services. Ritter said telehealth is one of those services, especially in places where people may not have home access to high-speed internet and with increasing demand for virtual care because of the pandemic.

“We strongly believe that where you live should not dictate the quality of your healthcare,” she said in the release. “These libraries are leading the way for establishing libraries as another way Mainers can connect with a healthcare provider."

The state said the telehealth rooms will be available at the participating libraries by next month. The program is funded with federal COVID-19 aid.