New Addition to GCCL Makes Building More Accessible for All

On Aug. 14, the Glasgow City-County library obtained a new addition to the building, a stairlift. According to library director Megan Haddix, this addition was a long-time coming in order to make the building more handicap accessible and to allow accessiblity to the library for everyone.

Over the past 10 to 15 years, there have been a small number of people who have mentioned not having the ability to go to the basement for various library activities and commuity meetings which results in them making a hard decision to not participate. Most recently, when a child wasn't able to participate in Lego League last year as a result of being wheelchair-bound, the League had to be moved to the Connection to allow all those who wanted to participate be involved.

This child had a stairlift in their home, and after finding that out Haddix started thinking and brainstorming to find a long-term solution for the library. She started researching the cost associated with a stairlift and installation, as well as companies that would be willing to come to the middle of nowhere to install. During her research, she found out that the Evangelical Church recently purchased and installed a stairlift so decided to research the company they utilized, Ameriglide.

After gathering all of her information, Haddix presented the information to the library board, who happily approved the need, want and desire for the addition. Haddix then pitched the idea to the Friends of the Library board who graciously provided the $3,000 for the lift and the installation. "We are so grateful and fortunate to have such a supportive Friends of the Library," said Haddix.

"The chairlift is certainly a temporary solution to help patrons and community members go up and down the stairs," stated Haddix, continuing "The dream is to have an elevator or even to make everything at the library be one level, but at this time the cost associated with those changes would be too much financially to handle."

When needing to utilize the stairlift, Haddix asks patrons and community members to ask library staff for assistance to ensure a safe and easy ride down the stairs.