Hancock residents gathered to discuss the best ways to increase accessibility at the town library at a Community Conversation on Monday, June 8.
“We had several residents with mobility issues who made incredibly helpful suggestions,” said Amy Markus, director of the Hancock Library. “We had several patrons who use wheelchairs as well as some who have significant trouble walking, and it was truly helpful to get their thoughts on what we can do to make the library truly accessible for all patrons.”
The Hancock Town Library was selected as one of 300 libraries to participate in the fourth and final round 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 award includes a $10,000 grant to help fund the addition of automatic doors to the library’s main entrance.
Markus said 12 residents attended the event.
“We had a lot of great suggestions, ranging from installing better outside lighting to paving the back parking lot in order to improve access to the pathways to the entryways,” Markus said. “We are very grateful for this group for taking time out of their busy lives to help make the library a more welcoming space for everyone.”
The Hancock Town Library would like to hear from community members about how the library can become more accessible. Interested Hancock residents should contact Amy Markus at 603-525-4411.
