the Library was seeking authorization to apply for Round II of this Grant Program which
was also designed to meet American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and
better serve individuals with disabilities.
Library Director Jennifer Smith noted as Councilor Saums stated, Ledyard was
successful in obtaining $20,000 in Round I of Libraries Transforming Communities:
Accessible Small and Rural Communities grant offered by the American Library
Association which they applied for in December, 2022, noting that they were awarded
the funding in April, 2023. She explained that the Library was now seeking authorization
to apply for Round II through this Grant Program which was designed for communities
with a population less than 25,000 to provide “community engagement and accessibility
resources to small and rural libraries”.
Ms. Smith continued by explaining this Program provided two grant levels: $20,000 and
$10,000, and that Ledyard would be applying for the $20,000 level, noting that the
Application Deadline was December 11, 2023. She stated the funds would be used for a
one-time purchase of a new Circulation and Reference desk at the Bill Library noting
that the current desk was original to the 1983 Library addition/renovation, and it was at
the end of its useful life. She stated the current desk was 39 inches high and not ADA
compliant. She stated the 39-inch-high desk was a challenge for anyone in a wheelchair
or with other mobility limitations. She also noted that the height of the desk was
daunting for a young child trying to check a book out. She stated the desk was also a
problem for those working behind the desk explaining that the space was tight and the
maneuverability was limiting for staff, noting that the desk was “L” shaped desk and
only had two entrances/exits, and did not have a book return. She stated in speaking with
Public Works Buildings & Grounds Foreman Shawn Ruszcyk about the desk, which had
been modified in the past, that the desk could not be modified any further to achieve
their goals. She stated the new desk would be designed to allow for better mobility out to
the library floor and would have more than two entrances/exits, and a book return, which
would be a slot in the front of the desk where the books and other materials that were
being returned would drop into a bin.
Ms. Smith stated any Libraries that did not apply for or receive this Grant Funding in
Round I would be given priority over the Libraries that already received funding and
were applying for Round II. She stated this was a National Grant and that the American
Library Association would be awarding fifty Libraries $20,000 in Round II.
Councilor Ingalls questioned whether the grant program required any local matching
funds. Ms. Smith stated that no matching funds were required to apply for or receive the
grant. She also noted that based on the quotes received they could purchase a new desk
that would meet the Library’s needs within the $20,000 grant.
Councilor Ingalls questioned if the Library received the $20,000 grant and the desk came
in under that amount would they be able to use the balance for other things. Ms. Smith
stated that she believed the Grant Program would allow for the remaining funds to be
used for other spending; noting that she could phrase the Grant Application to state
“should there be surplus funds after the desk was purchased that they would use those
funds for the following items…” and that she would list the items.
Councilor Ryan requested clarification stating that it appeared the American Library
Association Grant was not based on the quotes, noting that the grant was in the amount
