Peterborough Town Library has received a $2,500 grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s John and Maud Corser Fund.
The grant helped fund the development of a series of staff trainings to learn how to better serve patrons of all abilities. Library Director Corinne Chronopoulos conducted a survey of library programming and services in 2021 and recognized a need to make the library more-inclusive and welcoming for all.
Chronopoulos met with New Hampshire agencies and leaders who serve people with disabilities to learn more about how the library could improve.
“I originally had wanted to create specialized programs, but after meeting with Lisa Beaudoin at ABLE NH and folks at Monadnock Developmental Services, I learned the best way to serve patrons with disabilities is to apply universal design principles to all our services and programs. Everyone benefits from creating a more inclusive environment. We are so grateful the NH Charitable Foundation helped support this area of staff development,” stated Chronopoulos.
The library has used the grant to host a training for staff led by ABLE NH, dedicated a series of staff meetings to learning about universal design and the history of the American Disabilities Act, purchase sensory kits and products for patrons to request and host a staff book club of the new book “Visual Thinking” by Temple Grandin.
“We have a lot more to learn and think through, but the important thing is we are extending our open arms and ears to the community,” stated Head of Youth Services Lisa Bearce. “If any patron or family needs assistance to access our programs, we hope they will feel most welcome to ask and work with us to create a library experience that works for them. This is especially important for our young patrons to be able to experience children’s programming. All of our program marketing now extends this reminder and we hope it helps us learn more from the community.”
Future plans include the development of a “Library Buddy” program to encourage people who may not feel comfortable visiting the library alone to meet up with a “buddy.” Volunteer library buddies will undergo background checks and then be available to be paired with anyone who wants to schedule a visit to the library and hang out. They may browse for books, play a board game or simply chat in one of the public sitting areas in the library.
For information about the library or this program, visit peterboroughtownlibrary.org, send email to library@peterboroughnh.gov or call 603-924-8040.