The Tompkins County Public Library is a very open and welcoming space for everyone. Whether someone needs to use a computer or check out a book, the staff is there to help to the best of their ability. There is only one floor to the building, so overall it is physically accessible. The organization is not designed with a focus on inclusion, but there is a lot of progress going on behind the scenes. The staff members are exceptionally accommodating and willing to do as much as they can to help the local community.
The library continually works with the Finger Lakes Independent Center and other organizations to train staff members on disability awareness and inclusive practices. The staff also has volunteered sessions to train people on using adaptive equipment and they make visits to local organizations such as the Kendall retirement community and McGraw House in order to teach residents how to use e-readers and other digital resources which can provide enlarged text options. They have partnered with various local organizations, such as Challenge Workforce Solutions, to provide programming specifically for intellectually and developmentally delayed adults and programming for children and families with sensory issues. Additionally, the Youth Services department provides sensory tools for any patron to use while in the library. These include weighted laps, noise-cancelling headphones, and various fidgets.
The Youth Services team has also received several awards related to their work towards providing services to children and families with disabilities including the ASCLA/KLAS/National Organization on Disability Award, a prestigious national award, for their sensory programming and the sensory station from the American Library Association in 2016 as well as the Community Partner of the Year Award from Racker in 2018.
For an organization known simply for providing the public with basic library resources, this library is exceptional with the acceptance and implementation of additional services.
Public Libaray, Non Profit
Books, computers, wifi, printers, scanners
Accessible Parking
Entrance
Path to entrance