Two articles that crossed my path today, at the intersection of libraries and disability:

The Atlantic: Living Longer, With More Disability

Library Trends: Access Is Not Problem Solving: Disability Justice and Libraries

Both of these are directly relevant to my interests. One of the major factors in the DeKalb Public Library’s fundraising campaign (and its success) was making the library much more accessible for patrons with disabilities. We were included in the video that they used as part of the campaign, demonstrating the very real need for renovations.

I’m glad that DKPL was able to get the state grant, and I’m hoping that they are able to raise the rest of the matching money that they need soon.

I look forward to getting to the point where we routinely plan buildings without barriers in the first place, and when the majority of existing buildings are renovated to be accessible to all.

In the meantime, I visited the newly renovated library for the first time a few weeks ago. Every elevator, ramp, and accessible bathroom fills me with a spark of pride, because I helped in a small way to make those things possible.

Reader, I cried a little. And I do not regret it.