Leland Township Public Library has been selected as one of 300 libraries nationwide to receive a grant through Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA). This competitive program provides support for community engagement and improved accessibility in small and rural libraries.
The $10,000 grant will allow the library to install an ADAcompliant automatic door, enhancing access for older adults, patrons with disabilities, and caregivers with strollers or young children.
“We are so proud to be chosen to receive this award,” said Library Director Mark Morton. “This grant will allow our library to better serve all of our patrons and ensure that everyone can enter our building independently and feel welcome in our space.”
As part of the grant, library staff will complete training in leading community conversations and will host a public discussion focused on accessibility in our library and community. This conversation will help inform future improvements and ensure our services reflect the needs of all residents.
Community members have reported difficulty with the current manual entrance, and the installation of an automatic door will eliminate a longstanding physical barrier. The library’s service area includes a growing population of older adults and retirees, as well as parents and caregivers with young children in strollers— making this improvement a meaningful step toward lasting accessibility for all patrons.
If you are interested in participating in the upcoming community conversation, please contact Chelsea Hilton at programs@ lelandlibrary.org or visit www.lelandlibrary.org for details and updates.
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.
“Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities is an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL).”
