North Liberty Library Launches Disability Arts Program

The North Liberty Library received a $10,000 grant from the American Library Association to launch a creative arts program for adults with disabilities. The library was one of 300 nationwide selected for the Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities initiative.

Public Services Librarian Kellee Forkenbrock will direct the project. The library will partner with The Village Community and Goodwill Day Habilitation to develop the program and revamp its gallery space to feature resident artwork.

"This funding enables us to continue growing as a space that is accessible, welcoming, and inclusive," said Library Director Jennie Garner.

This is the fourth grant the library has received from the initiative. Previous funding supported accessible restroom door openers, hearing loops in meeting rooms, and expanded resources for patrons with vision impairments.

Forkenbrock said adults with disabilities make up a significant portion of daily library visitors. "When we were deciding on a grant focus, I immediately thought of the people who come into our library weekly, brimming with energy and brightening up our space," she said.

The library will host a community conversation with residents before launching the arts initiative. Interested residents can contact Forkenbrock at [email protected] or visit NorthLibertyLibrary.org.