by Connie Tabbert
Editor
FORESTERS FALLS — There is $73,000 worth of renovations that will soon be occurring at the Foresters Falls Branch of the Whitewater Region Public Library.
Library Chief Administrative Officer Marilyn Labow is quite excited about the changes that are about to occur at the small branch in Foresters Falls.
“We’re amazed, we’re pleased,” she said.
In documentation received by Whiteater Region Township council, the Ontario Trillium Foundation has agreed to give the money for the $73,000 facelift. In the agreement, it states the money is going towards increasing accessibility for patrons with limited mobility. This includes existing washroom facilities to be converted into a single universal barrier-free washroom and an addition to the building will enlarge the circulation space and collection area, greatly increasing accessibility and independence for library visitors dependent on the use of mobility devices.
Ms. Labow said the addition will be about 13 feet by 20 feet and will go behind where current librarian Debbie Byce sits. For those not familiar with the building, which is shared between the library and the Whitewater Historical Society, there is a back door to the current building, which will remain. The addition will go between the two windows that are currently on the back wall, she said.
This will allow for the construction of a handicapped doorway for those with accessibility issues, she added.
The plans were drawn up by architects and sent in with the grant application, she said. They were then shown to the March of Dimes staff to review to ensure that the renovations are mobility accessible.
The work is necessary at the Foresters Falls branch because the aisles are so narrow it’s difficult for a person who doesn’t have mobility issues to walk down them, she said. If a person was using a cane or a walker, it’s impossible, she added.
While there is a ramp to the front door, the door itself needs to be made accessible, either by putting in a door bell for people to ring to gain access or putting in an automatic door, she said.
Since the building is municipally owned, it has to adhere to the Ontario Access Disability Act, Ms. Labow said. The Beachburg and Cobden branches of the library, while mostly accessible, are not owned by the township, so she doesn’t believe the township will be responsible for making them accessible.
Ms. Labow said the library, through the grant, also requested money for shelving, which wasn’t approved. The library board is hopeful of finding funds for the shelves, she added.
“We’re short about $30,000,” she said.
As for the work on the Foresters Falls library, Ms. Labow will be meeting with the township’s chief building official, Doug Schultz, and chief administrative officer, Christine FitzSimons, to see what the next steps are.
“There’s so much to do and it’s so exciting,” she said. “This is a big step for us. It’ll be a boost for our patrons.”
Ms. Labow said watch for upcoming news about the renovations and new addition as well as how the library is hoping to get funds for the new shelving.
In other library news, Ms. Labow noted there is a trustee position open on the library board. To apply, a person must live in the municipality, be a Canadian citizen, be 18 years old and be agreeable to a four-year commitment. Sealed applications can be sent to Ms. FitzSimons’ attention at the township office to be received by Nov. 30.
The board meets about 10 times a year, she said.
The Foresters Falls library has been in its current location since just after amalgamation. Ms. Byce has been librarian for about 20 years.
