Library Seeks Grant To Add Accessibility

Overton County will apply for a $20,000 Accessible Small and Rural Communities Grant to make the Millard Oakley Public Library more handicap-accessible.

Library Director Judith Cutright said the library would use the grant to place handicap-accessible doorways at the main entrance of the building. Cutright said the library has a few patrons who are handicapped and they struggle to enter the library.

“They either have to have someone with them that can open the doors for them or they have to give us a call and we have to go out and open the doors for them,” Cutright said. “This is a huge inconvenience for them and I believe that it is a necessary feature that needs to be added.”

Cutright said the application deadline for the grant is the middle of November and expects the grant to be awarded sometime in January. Cutright said the handicap-accessible doors would not only make the library more accessible but also more inclusive.

“I know that there are several children in our community as well as veterans and older people that need various assistance whether they are in wheelchairs or use canes,” Cutright said. “I think they need to be able to come in. We offer a wide variety of services and I do not want to exclude anyone.”

Cutright said the only issue handicapped residents have is the front doors.

“While we are open we do leave the inside doors propped open so that is not an issue,” Cutright said. “It’s just coming into the building itself that right now presents a challenge.”

Cutright said the doors would allow those who are handicapped to be more independent. She said anyone should be able to come to library without needing assistance.