Library in Kalamazoo a Base for Calls to Soldiers

Lynn Blumenstein -- Library Journal, 08/09/2007

Call your soldier… from the library. The Kalamazoo Public Library (KPL), MI, is teaming up with TDS Metrocom, a telephone, Internet, and satellite television provider, and the Freedom Calls Foundation to serve as a permanent host location for Operation Freedom Calls. The free service offers a video and audio connection with soldiers serving in Iraq.

TDS, which supplies the broadband connection and equipment, handles the appointments to connect to military personnel in three camps and one airbase. Communications are conducted via microphone and TV monitor located in a KPL conference room. KPL has committed to opening the library building at any time, even in the middle of the night, whenever a soldier is available.