We can all agree that Panama City Beach and Gatlinburg are great vacation destinations, but there comes a point in everyone’s life when it’s time to try something new.

That “something new” is different for everyone, but for some, it might mean traveling abroad.

Unfortunately, if you don’t already have a passport, traveling internationally can feel nearly impossible. Until recently, White House residents also had limited access to passport services.

Residents could expect to drive to Springfield or Hendersonville just to get the passport application process started.

But now, thanks to the efforts of Angela Brady, White House Public Library Director, White House residents can access passport services without the long drive.

Meeting a Need

When asked why the library began offering passport services, Brady simply said, “I knew there was a real need.”

With 37 applications in the first month and 57 in the second, it was clear that Brady was right.

Residents throughout the Sumner and Robertson County communities are looking to get their passports, but doing so can be difficult without convenient passport acceptance locations nearby.

With more places like the White House Public Library offering passport services, international travel becomes much more accessible.

Until more locations open, applicants from surrounding communities are also welcome to visit the White House Public Library to get their paperwork started.

Opening the Door to New Experiences

Brady said that when someone receives their passport for the first time, “they are happy.”

It’s easy to understand why. People want to get out and experience new things, and a passport can open the door to countless possibilities.

Even if international travel isn’t currently on your radar, having a passport can still be useful. A passport is an accepted form of identification and proof of U.S. citizenship, making it a valuable document to have on hand.

What Does Passport Service Include?

So, when we talk about passport services, what do we really mean?

As you may have guessed, getting a passport involves several steps.

The White House Public Library serves as one step in the process, but it can be your first official stop when applying for a passport.

After gathering all the required documents—which can be found at travel.state.gov—passport applicants can set up an appointment with the library.

At the appointment, applicants will meet with a White House Public Library staff member who will review each document and application requirement. Once everything has been reviewed and accepted, the application materials will be sent to the U.S. Department of State for processing.

Applicants can then expect to wait 4 to 6 weeks before receiving their passport, depending on current processing times.

And once you’ve gotten your passport, your travel options can feel limitless.

Maybe Panama City Beach and Gatlinburg will always be favorites. But with a passport in hand, there’s a whole world waiting to be explored.

Editor's Note: This article was part of SPN's collaborative project with White House Area Chamber of Commerce's Live Local magazine publication. Pick up the latest edition at the chamber's offices or other participating businesses around White House.

Cover Photo: courtesy of Gracie Eden

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