Since 2022, the American Library Association’s (ALA) Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities (LTC: Access) initiative has granted funding to 662 small and rural libraries nationwide. The goal: to enhance accessibility to facilities, services, and programs for people with disabilities. And with the initiative opening the final round of applications in the fall of this year, that number will continue to grow.
In the latest round of funding, announced on March 17, LTC: Access awarded grants to 300 libraries—including first-time recipients and previous awardees, some of whom have received funding in all three rounds. Seventy-three percent of these round-three grantees serve populations of 5,000 people or less. Recognizing the significant need for accessibility improvements in small communities, libraries can reapply for grants of $10,000 or $20,000 in multiple cycles.
ALA has distributed LTC funding to foster community engagement skills among library workers and support need-driven projects since 2014. LTC: Accessible Small and Rural Communities is offered in partnership with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries.
Community input drives change
To receive a grant, libraries must identify a primary audience they aim to serve, such as individuals with physical disabilities, learning disabilities or intellectual disabilities. Library staff then conduct community input sessions to assess accessibility needs, identify existing resources, and pinpoint service gaps and priorities. Based on these discussions, libraries implement targeted facility improvements, service expansions, or new programs.
Previous LTC-funded projects have included:
- Installing chair lifts and hearing loops
- Hosting arts and crafts programs for individuals with Alzheimer’s and memory loss
- Creating accessible outdoor spaces like community gardens and playgrounds
LTC: Access is evaluated by Knology, an external research organization. Case studies and in-depth outcomes from the initiative can be explored here.
Accessibility in action: round-three highlights
Selected projects from round three include:
· Decorah (Iowa) Public Library: To better serve individuals with visual impairments, the library will expand its large-print collection, increase ebook and audiobook availability, and purchase new hardcover, large-print materials. These resources will be shared with 120 libraries across Iowa as part of a statewide lending program.
· Oxford (Conn.) Public Library: With no local public transportation, the library will launch a homebound delivery service for patrons with physical disabilities, create pop-up libraries, and enhance its collections and programming to improve accessibility.
· Washington College Library in Chestertown, Maryland: Recognizing the unique sensory needs of students with autism-spectrum disorder and sensory processing challenges, the library will develop an interactive map to assist with wayfinding and help students identify study spaces that best suit their needs.
“The LTC: Accessible Small and Rural Communities grant continues to be a significantly impactful effort in ALA’s history,” said ALA President Cindy Hohl. “This growing list of libraries nationwide is making huge strides in advancing accessibility for library patrons with disabilities.”
For more information about LTC: Access and other ALA programs, visit ALA online.
Hannah Arrata is the communications manager for ALA’s Public Programs Office.
Photo: Lacey Rollins and Lizzie Dufresne from Jessie E. McCully Memorial Library, an LTC: Access round-two grant recipient. Photograph courtesy of Sierra Jones and the Jessie E. McCully Memorial Library.
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