Libraries Transforming Communities
Our library was honored to receive a Libraries Transforming Communities Grant from the American Library Association, which has enabled us to better serve the needs of our community.
Over the past year, we engaged in conversations with community members whose needs were not being fully met by our existing services. Their feedback directly informed how we allocated the grant funds.
One significant improvement addressed accessibility at our parking lot entrance. Community members with mobility challenges shared that the previous door was difficult to open and lacked an automatic option. The newly installed door now includes a push-button opener, making access to the building easier and more welcoming for all. We have already received positive feedback about this upgrade.
We also identified a need for enhanced services for individuals with limited vision. While we previously maintained a small large print collection, it was not sufficient to meet growing demand. Grant funds allowed us to expand this collection, increasing access to reading materials for patrons who rely on larger text.
In addition, we added new Playaway audiobooks to our collection at the request of a patron who shared that, due to vision loss, Playaways are one of the few forms of independent entertainment available to him. Playaways are self-contained audiobook devices that are simple to operate and do not require CDs or digital downloads, making them especially accessible for individuals with visual impairments.
We invite you to visit the library to see these improvements and explore our expanded large print and Playaway collections. If you or a family member have accessibility needs, please let us know — we are always eager to listen and continue improving our services for the entire community.
