Algoma Public Library receives national grant for small and rural libraries

ALGOMA – The Algoma Public Library has been selected to participate in the third round of Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative. This competitive award provides the library with a $10,000 grant to improve accessibility for patrons with disabilities.

The ALA initiative is offering more than $7 million in grants to small and rural libraries to increase the accessibility of facilities, services, and programs to better serve people with disabilities. To be eligible, a library must have a legal area population of 25,000 or less and be located at least five miles from an urbanized area, in keeping with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) definitions of small and rural libraries.

Library Director Cathy Kolbeck expressed gratitude for the grant, emphasizing the library’s commitment to inclusivity. “We are honored to receive this grant and recognize how important it is to make our library a welcoming space for everyone,” she said. “Our goal is to better serve community members with disabilities and ensure they have equal access to library services and resources.”

The grant will fund an online course for library staff on leading conversations, a critical skill for community engagement. Following the training, staff will host a community conversation to identify accessibility challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in Algoma. The library will then use the grant funds to implement improvements based on the feedback received. This initiative aims to foster a deeper understanding of community needs and ensure that all library patrons feel welcome and supported.

Community engagement and next steps

The Algoma Public Library encourages community members to participate in the upcoming conversation about accessibility. Residents can contact the library at (920) 487-2295 or visit their website for more information. By actively engaging in this dialogue, the library aims to create a more inclusive and accessible environment for all.

Libraries transforming communities: A brief overview
Since 2014, the ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative has transformed the role of libraries in community support. Libraries of all types have utilized free training and resources to lead community forums, engage in anti-violence activities, and facilitate productive conversations on challenging topics. This initiative empowers libraries to become catalysts for positive change and community development.

About the Algoma Public Library

The Algoma Public Library is dedicated to serving the community by providing access to books, digital resources, programs, and services for all ages. The library is committed to lifelong learning, literacy, and community engagement. It offers a welcoming space where residents can explore, discover, and connect. For more information about the library and its services, please visit their website.