How can you make your library a welcoming space for patrons of all athletic abilities?

1 Assess your library's accessibility

The first step to making your library more welcoming is to assess its current level of accessibility. You can use tools such as the ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities or the Universal Design Checklist for Libraries to evaluate your library's physical environment, signage, furniture, equipment, and services. You can also ask for feedback from patrons and staff with different athletic abilities, or consult with local disability organizations or experts. Identify the areas that need improvement, and prioritize the most urgent and feasible changes.

2 Make physical modifications

To make your library more accessible and comfortable for patrons of different athletic abilities, consider implementing physical modifications. These may include installing ramps, elevators, or lifts to provide wheelchair access to all floors; widening doorways, aisles, and spaces between shelves to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers; providing adjustable or ergonomic furniture; adding handrails, grab bars, and non-slip mats; replacing knobs, handles, and faucets with lever or touchless options; improving the lighting, contrast, and color of the library; installing braille, tactile, or large-print signage, labels, and maps; and providing assistive devices such as magnifiers, headphones, or speech-to-text software. Doing so can help patrons with visual or hearing impairments access the library's resources more easily.

3 Train your staff

It is essential to train your staff on how to provide respectful and inclusive service to patrons of different athletic abilities. You can offer workshops, webinars, or online courses on topics such as disability awareness, etiquette, communication, and assistance. Inviting guest speakers, such as disability advocates or patrons with different athletic abilities, is also a great way to learn and gain perspective. When training your staff, educate them on the different types of disabilities and the potential challenges and barriers they may face in the library. Encourage them to use person-first or identity-first language, depending on the patron's preference. Remind them to ask if the patron needs help and how they can best provide it; also remind them to respect the patron's privacy, autonomy, and dignity. Finally, empower them to suggest or recommend resources, programs, or services that may be of interest or benefit to the patron.

4 Offer inclusive programs and services

The final step is to offer inclusive programs and services that cater to the diverse needs and interests of patrons of different athletic abilities. You can design or adapt existing programs and services to make them more accessible and enjoyable, as well as partner with local organizations that serve or represent people with different athletic abilities. Examples of inclusive programs and services include hosting book clubs, storytimes, or workshops that feature books or topics related to disability, diversity, or inclusion; providing adaptive or alternative formats for collections and materials; creating accessible or sensory-friendly spaces; organizing events or activities that showcase or celebrate the talents, skills, or achievements of patrons with different athletic abilities; and offering outreach or delivery services to patrons who cannot visit the library. By following these steps, you can make your library a more welcoming and accessible space for patrons of all athletic abilities, create a more positive library culture that values diversity and inclusion, attract and retain more patrons, and enhance their satisfaction and loyalty. How do you make your library a welcoming space for patrons of all athletic abilities? Share your tips and ideas with us!

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?