LAKE ANDES RECEIVES NATIONAL GRANT FOR SMALL AND RURAL LIBRARIES $10,000 Grant Will Help the Library Work with Residents with Disabilities Construct a Ramp in the back of the library building.

Lake Andes – Lake Andes Public Library has been selected as one of 300 libraries to participate in round three of Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them better serve people with disabilities.

The competitive award comes with a $10,000grant that will help the library Construct a ramp for admittance into the library with a new patio area for ease of getting into and out of the building.

“We are so proud to be chosen for this amazing opportunity,” said Library Director Mary Jo Parker “This grant will allow our library to get to know our residents with disabilities better. It will help us improve our services to ensure this population feels welcome and comfortable in our space.”

As part of the grant, Lake Andes Public Library staff will take an on-line course in how to lead conversations, a skill vital to library work today. Staff will then host a conversation with residents about assisting our patrons with disabilities and use the grant funds to construct a ramp in the back of the library with a patio at the top for easy access to the library.

If you are interested in getting involved or taking part in the conversation, please contact Mary Jo Parker, by visiting the library or calling 605 487-7524. 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).” Contact: Mary Jo Parker Library Director Lake Andes Public Library 605 487-7524 lalibrary@hcinet.net