IPL Director's Message

Library Director's Report: Fostering Inclusivity through Accessible Resources

Prepared by: Jennifer Thomet, Library Director

Date: June 16, 2025

At the heart of our mission as a public library is the commitment to serve all members of our community, regardless of age, background, or ability. As we continue to grow and evolve, we must prioritize inclusive access to resources, particularly for individuals with disabilities. By thoughtfully expanding our collections and services to include audiobooks, mixed media, and memory care kits, we are making meaningful progress toward this goal.

Gratitude for National Support

I am proud that our library was honored with the Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities grant—an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA). This remarkable opportunity provided vital community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries like ours, helping us better serve people with disabilities.

We are deeply grateful to the ALA for their support, which enables us to take measurable steps toward creating a more inclusive and equitable library experience for all patrons. This grant reinforces our conviction that small libraries can have a significant impact when equipped with the necessary tools and resources. The grant allowed IPL to add much-needed diverse material to our collection and to keep the needs of our community at the forefront of our planning efforts.

Accessibility as a Core Value

People with disabilities—whether cognitive, physical, sensory, or age-related—often face barriers to traditional library use. As a public institution, we have a responsibility to remove those barriers by offering materials and programs that celebrate neurodiversity, support aging in place, and foster lifelong learning for all abilities.

Audiobooks: Unlocking Stories for All

Audiobooks are not just a convenience; for many, they are a lifeline to literacy. They are essential for:

• Individuals with visual impairments or reading disorders such as dyslexia.
• People with limited mobility or motor control may find physical books difficult to handle.
• Seniors with declining eyesight or those who benefit from auditory learning.

We have expanded our digital and physical audiobook collections and continue to promote them as equal alternatives to print materials.

Mixed Media: Engaging Multiple Learning Styles

By integrating mixed media formats—such as graphic novels, large print books, video content with closed captioning, and read-along book kits—we provide tools that appeal to a broad spectrum of learners, including:

• Children with developmental disabilities benefit from visual and auditory reinforcement.
• Adults with intellectual disabilities who thrive with multi-sensory engagement.
• ESL (individuals who are learning English as a second language) learners and non-readers who build comprehension through layered formats.

Mixed media also supports inclusive programming, such as storytimes for children with sensory sensitivities and technology-enhanced learning stations (we are getting two new AWE computers for the children's library, and we offer learning launchpads).

Memory Care Kits: Supporting Cognitive Wellness

Our newly introduced Stay Sharp Kits are designed for individuals with Alzheimer's, dementia, and other forms of cognitive decline. These kits include:

• Books with high-interest, low-complexity content.
• Tactile activities, puzzles, and conversation starters.
• Music CDs are known to evoke positive emotional memories.

Available for check-out by caregivers and family members, these kits support dignified engagement and connection at home, in assisted living settings, or within therapeutic programs.

Impact and Community Feedback

The community's response has been overwhelmingly positive. Caregivers, educators, and patrons with disabilities have expressed deep appreciation for these resources. Beyond the personal benefits, the presence of inclusive materials affirms that our library is a place for everyone—a safe and welcoming space that values difference and dignity.

Looking Ahead

With the support of the ALA grant, we will continue to:

• Train staff in disability awareness and accessible service delivery.
• Seek feedback from patrons with disabilities and advocacy organizations.
• Invest in adaptive technologies and accessible infrastructure.
• Host community conversations to better understand and meet local accessibility needs.

We are committed to creating a library that not only serves but also empowers our entire community.