Jaffrey Public Library has been selected as one of 310 libraries nationwide to participate in round two of “Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities,” an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them better serve people with disabilities.
The competitive award comes with a $20,000 grant that will help the library better meet the needs of members of the community who are blind or who live with low vision or vision loss.
“We are grateful to have been chosen for this incredible opportunity,” stated Library Director Julie Perrin. “Our historic facility has notable challenges for those with a sight disability in that we are lacking appropriate ADA signage with braille throughout our facility, such that we must address this important safety need. Additionally, our low-vision patrons find wayfinding difficult in the library because our signage for three floors is inadequate for them to find their way independently. Many patrons rely on our catalog computer to find items – which is a barrier to access to those who cannot easily read the screen or use a computer, forcing them to ask for help. Appropriate directories, collection signage and wayfinding that adhere to ADA best practices with regards to text choice, size, contrast and placement are needed. This grant will allow us to improve our services to ensure our spaces are truly inclusive and welcoming.”
As part of the grant, library staff will take an online course in how to lead conversations. Staff will then host focused conversations with residents about the use of the grant funds, beyond compliant and inclusive signage, as there will also be funds available for assistive technology such as large-print keyboards and updates to the large-print collection. To take part in the conversation, contact Perrin at jperrin@jaffreypubliclibrary.org or 603-532-7301.