Grants

Brandon Twp. — Brandon Township Public Library has been selected as one of 240 libraries to participate in Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them better serve people with disabilities.

The competitive award comes with a $10,000 grant that will help the library close off one of their existing alcoves and build in a door that would create a quiet study space.

“The role of the library in the community is everchanging. We have had more and more requests for an accessible, private space for conversations with doctors, student tutoring and other meetings that require a closed door. We are very grateful to the American Library Association for their generosity as well as the library staff who worked tirelessly to secure this funding. This will be a wonderful asset to our library and our community.” – Laura Fromwiller, Library Director.

As part of the grant, library staff will take an online course in how to lead conversations, a skill vital to library work today. Staff will then host an online conversation with residents about this quiet study space and use the grant funds to close off one of the existing alcoves and build in a door that would create a quiet study space.

“In our 2018-2023 strategic plan and the community needs assessment survey conducted in June 2023, numerous members of our community have voiced their desire for such a space. We are thrilled to announce our ability to fulfill this request for our community. This multi-purpose space will serve as a hub for telehealth services, offering a convenient and accessible platform for remote medical consultations. Additionally, it will provide a haven for individuals seeking respite from sensory overload and a welcoming environment for students in need of tutoring and academic support.” – Shauna Quick, Implementation Manager, MLIS

If you are interested in getting involved or taking part in the conversation, please contact Shauna Quick at 248-627-1472, squick@brandonlibrary.org, or visit brandonlibrary.org/grant for more information.

Since 2014, ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative has re-imagined the role libraries play in supporting communities. Libraries of all types have utilized free dialogue and deliberation training and resources to lead community and campus forums; take part in anti-violence activities; provide a space for residents to come together and discuss challenging topics; and have productive conversations with civic leaders, library trustees and staff.

“Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities is an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL).”