ELLSWORTH – Ellsworth Public Library has been selected as one of 310 libraries 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 $10,000 grant that will help the library address some features of the building noted as non-compliant with ADA Accessibility Standards during a facility audit last fall.

“We are thrilled to be chosen for this amazing opportunity,” said Library Director Tiffany Meyer. “This grant will allow our library to get to know our residents with disabilities better, and it will help us improve our facility to ensure this population feels welcome and comfortable in our space.”

As part of the grant, Ellsworth Public Library staff will take an online course in how to lead conversations, a skill vital to library work today. Staff will then host a conversation with residents about building accessibility and use the grant funds to address accessible entry and signage.

Automatic doors were unable to be included during the building renovation in 2022 due to budget constraints. While the double doors at the north entrance of the library are a vast improvement over the narrow entrance at the previous building, they still pose some challenges and have led community members to inquire about the possibility of automatic openers. Directional signage to guide people to accessible parking is also a consideration.

If you are interested in getting involved or taking part in the conversation, please contact Meyer at 715- 273-3209 ext. 101.

Since 2014, ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative has re-imagined the role libraries play in supporting communities. Libraries of all types have utilized free dialogue and deliberation training and resources to lead community and campus forums; take part in anti-violence activities; provide a space for residents to come together and discuss challenging topics; and have productive conversations with civic leaders, library trustees and staff.

The mission of the Ellsworth Public Library is to provide quality materials, services, resources and lifelong learning opportunities which fulfill educational, informational, cultural, and recreational needs of the entire community in an atmosphere that is welcoming, respectful, and businesslike.

Submitted by Ellsworth Public Library