Accessibility Advisory Board Minutes / 17 September 2025
Present: Ben Kalish, Molly Moss, Mary Biddle, Dorothy Baker, Barbara Black, Mary Jo Stanley, Johanna Ruth, Linda White
Announcements / updates
Stipend for meeting attendees
A $40 stipend is available for meeting attendees. This is to help cover the cost of missed work, travel to the meeting, childcare, etc. Fill out a W-9 with the library to receive this stipend. Let Ben know by email at bkalish@forbeslibrary.org or accessibility@forbeslibrary.org
Construction update
The work on the performance stage is complete and the library is beginning a new project to add a children’s programming space. Some areas will be closed off, but all collections will remain available and disruption should be minimal. The most noticeable disruption is likely to be noise, which will be intermittent. This work will also include HVAC improvements.
Front patio
The front patio is in poor condition. We are aware of the tripping hazards. Repairs will require closing the front entrance, and are quicker in warmer weather, so we will likely have to delay the work until next year to avoid a lengthy disruption.
Temperature and humidity
We have had some complaints about the temperature and humidity in the library. Recent repairs to our HVAC system, as well as improvements as part of the current renovation should help, though the climate will never be consistent through all of the library. It is also important to remember that there is no temperature or humidity that will please everyone.
That said, we do want to know when you think it’s a problem! Please speak up and let us know. Staff can adjust ceiling fans and window shades at any time.
Permanent accessibility display
The accessibility board picks were formerly displayed for one month a year, in July. We will now have a permanent disability themed display, somewhere on the first floor.
You can view the list of current accessibility board picks at https://northamptn.cwmars.org/MyAccount/MyList/9867
Please submit your suggestions for the display. Purchase requests are always welcome, so don’t feel limited to suggesting materials in the collection.
The advisory board discussed ways to promote the list online: it could be linked from the website or listed as a “browse category” in the online library catalog.
Strategic action plan
The library is looking for suggestions of activities that support the goals and objectives of its Strategic action plan.
The advisory board discussed:
- The front patio: ways to mitigate the hazard before repairs are made. Temporary solutions may include highlighting the cracks with paint or mats to cover damaged areas.
- Renovating the Community Room to improve lighting and acoustics.
- The new children’s programming space.
- The need for more comfortable chairs throughout the library. The wooden chairs that are most prevalent in the library are uncomfortable for many.
- The possibility of adding sensory-safe areas and programming, similar to what’s being done in Sunderland. This discussion included a discussion of quiet areas. There is little signage directing folks to the designated quiet areas in Forbes. Also, the designated quiet areas do not include any library computers—folks without their own devices do not have the option of using a computer in a designated quiet area. (Ben mentioned that noise cancelling headphones are on our Library of Things wishlist, and may help some patrons seeking a greater level of quiet in the library. Mary will upgrade the sign on the back hallway of the first floor that indicates the quiet area adjacent to the large print area.)
- Sound at library programs continues to be a problem. The temporary sound system set up during main floor events, such as the volunteer appreciation event, is particularly inadequate.
- Displays of banned books. The library has many such displays throughout the year, in both the adult and children’s department. Banned Books week is October 5-11.