Access for All
Latest upgrades make library more inclusive than ever
By Angie Helvey, Active Media
Yet again, Canby Public Library has shown its unwavering dedication to our community! Thanks to a $10,000 Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities grant from the American Library Association, it has recently completed several new accessibility improvements designed to make the library more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible for everyone.
The accessibility grant was originally awarded to Canby Public Library in 2025 following a rigorous application process, with requirements designed to maximize community involvement and impact. The team was first asked to identify a few primary areas of focus. “Based on conversations we had with many of our patrons, we decided to focus our projects on improving accessibility for those with low or no vision, and individuals with mobility-related challenges,” explains Library Director Marisa Ely. Furthermore, the American Library Association asked that grant recipients engage with their communities in several ways to gather their opinions and feedback. From scheduled community conversations at the library to surveys and one-on-one discussions, it was the perfect way to ensure the solutions they’re bringing are actually relevant to the population they’re designed to help. “Almost every single project we completed came straight from our community and what they wanted,” Marisa says.
The new automatic door opener for the Willamette Room, aspacious community space with a variety of functions, was one of the larger projects funded by the grant. They’ve also installed an accessible computer station with assistive technology, an exciting addition they had seen at other libraries but were unable to create until now! Library patrons can use a large-print keyboard, a hands-free flex lamp with a magnifier, a wrist-rest keyboard cover, bold-writer pens, think-line paper, and even screen reader software. It also has a height-adjustable desk, as does the printing station, which also offers a touchscreen and a trackball mouse.
The grant also funded a new c ollection of accessibility tools to be used throughout the library. Items are distributed from the service dsk and include a portable reading/tablet stand, a portable reading stand with ahandsfree magnifier, a computer stand magnifier, a rechargeable LED book light, a talking calculator — one even works in Spanish! — and a Braille six-dot large print keyboard. Better yet, the library is building a collection of accessibility tools that patrons can check out and take home! So far, it includes an Amigo Portable Electronic Magnifier, a CD player, and a portable CD player. “It’s our goal to keep adding to the collection, even though the grant funds have been spent,” Marisa adds. If you’re familiar with the library, you’ll also notice the collection signage is now in large print. “We wanted people to be able to walk into the library and instantly see what they’re looking for,” Marisa explains. Lastly, the grant was used for staff resources and training on accessibility to better assist people with disabilities.
Though the improvements funded by the grant have been completed, the projects have inspired the library to establish a foundation for future accessibility improvements. “Every person deserves equitable access to information, resources, and opportunities, because accessibility benefits everyone. We hope these accessibility improvements make it easier for more community members to connect with the library in ways that work best for them,” says Marisa.
Canby Public Library is located downtown at 220 NE 2nd Ave. Please give them a call at (503) 266-3394 or visit their website at www.canbyoregon.gov/library
