HURON The Huron 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.
As part of this competitive award, the library will receive a $20,000 grant to enhance accessibility for residents with disabilities. Planned improvements include the installation of an ADA-compliant outdoor book return for more convenient access and automatic bathroom doors to ensure hands-free entry.
In addition to these physical upgrades, select library staff will participate in specialized online training on facilitating community conversations a vital skill for modern library work. Using these skills, staff will engage with Huron residents to discuss additional ways to improve library accessibility.
Feedback gathered from these conversations will guide how the grant funds are used to create a more inclusive library space.
We are honored to receive this grant and excited for the opportunity to work closely with our community to make the library more accessible for everyone, said Angela Bailey, Library Director.
Get Involved!
Community members interested in discussing library accessibility are encouraged to contact Library Director Angela Bailey at 605-353-8530. If you would like to share your ideas anonymously, the library is also conducting a community survey, available online at https://tinyurl.com/HPL2025 Survey, or you can pick up a paper copy at the library.
In addition, keep an eye out for upcoming community discussions this summer, where residents will have the opportunity to share ideas and help shape a more accessible library for everyone!
Since 2014, ALAs 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.
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