Four Ways Donors Help Make Madison Public Library More Accessible

Editor’s Note: Many Deaf or hard of hearing, Autistic and Neurodivergent, and Blind or Low vision  people prefer identity-first language (e.g., “Deaf person,” “Autistic person,” “Blind person” “Disabled person”) over person-first language (e.g., “person who is Deaf,” “person with an autism diagnosis,” “person who is blind”). We have adopted identity-first language in this article.

Did you know that about 1 in 4 adults in the United States lives with a disability? This Disability Pride Month, we’re highlighting four stories that show how generous annual fund donors and funding partners are expanding equitable access for Disabled people of all ages across Madison Public Library. Together, these investments are creating more inclusive programs, spaces, and technology so everyone has opportunities to learn, connect, and play.

How $25 Opened a World of Reading

Sometimes expanding access doesn’t require expensive technology. Guy Hankel, a Reference and Collection Management Librarian at Madison Public Library, wanted to solve a common challenge for people who use the Library’s Home Service Programs.  

While large print books remain popular, many new titles are never published in large print, and those that are often arrive months after the standard edition. As a result, Blind and low vision readers have fewer choices and sometimes can’t borrow the books they most want to read.

“Large print books remain popular with many of our patrons, but not every new title is offered in that format, and not every publishing house has a large print imprint or division,” Hankel said. “In addition, large print books are not always released at the same time as their regular print versions.”

The need is significant. Each month, home services staff deliver more than 1,000 library materials to 60 homebound individuals and 32 assisted living, nursing home, health care, and adult day care facilities through the South Central Library System delivery service. While large print books make up much of that collection, they can’t meet every request because many titles simply aren’t available in large print.

Thanks to donors like you, the Foundation funded a mini grant to purchase portable page magnifiers for a pilot project. Costing about $25 each, these simple adaptive devices allow some patrons to comfortably read standard-print books, opening the door to thousands of additional titles that were previously out of reach.

Caption: Red Home Services delivery bins filled with library materials are prepared for delivery, helping bring approximately 1,000 books, movies, and other library items to homebound patrons each month.

The response has already been encouraging. “The patrons that we’ve offered them to so far have been delighted to receive them,” Hankel said. One home services patron, Alan K., “was ecstatic upon hearing about their availability. He indicated that it will definitely help expand his reading choices, and said it was yet another example of the library putting resources to excellent use.”

For Hankel, the project also highlights the importance of the Library’s Home Service Program itself. “I wish donors knew how grateful our homebound patrons are for this truly vital service,” he said.

A $25 page magnifier may seem like a small investment, but for someone who can once again browse thousands of books instead of a limited selection, it can open up an entirely new world of reading. That’s the power of donor support: small gifts creating lasting change.

Creating Community Through an Inclusive Playgroup

At Pinney Library, a playgroup supports Deaf children and children who are hard of hearing ages 0–3, along with their families. Kids and families gather each month for Learn Together, Play Together, a playgroup and storytime. Designed specifically for young children and their families, the program combines early literacy, play, and community in an inclusive environment.

Roots & Wings Foundation supports early literacy programming at Madison Public Library, including supplies for Learn Together, Play Together that help librarians provide engaging, hands-on tools that make storytimes even more interactive for young children.

Beyond the stories and songs, the playgroup creates meaningful connections for families.

“This play group creates a welcoming space for families with Deaf children or kids who are hard of hearing. Families are able to access resources that they learn about at the group itself—while also feeling that umbrella of support that comes from connecting with other families experiencing the same things,” said Tracy Moore, Early Learning Librarian at Pinney Library.

This playgroup also creates an opportunity for families to get to know the library’s resources. “The bonus is that they can also access library resources while they’re here,” says Moore. “They can play in the children’s area, check out books, and discover other upcoming library programs of interest.”

The library partners with the Wisconsin Sound Beginnings Program to provide skilled American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, accessible storytimes, and resources that help parents and caregivers support their children’s language development from an early age.

“This is a unique program and is the only playgroup of its kind currently running at the library,” Moore said. “We are lucky to be able to connect with Wisconsin Sound Beginnings to offer skilled ASL interpreters and storytimes, along with resources for parents and caregivers to give the best support and start to their young children who are Deaf or hard of hearing.”

Programs like Learn Together, Play Together show how donor support extends beyond books—creating spaces where every child and family can learn, connect, and feel they belong. Thank you to the Roots & Wings Foundation and all of our donors for helping make equitable access to library resources possible.

Learn Together, Play Together is typically held on the second Wednesday of each month from 10 – 11 a.m. To learn more about this playgroup, click here to view upcoming events. 

A Desk Designed for Access and Independence

Thanks to donor support, Sequoya Library was able to add a new adjustable-height desk so library visitors can customize the workspace to meet their individual access needs. 

ADA-accessible computer workstations are available at every Madison Public Library location except Monroe Street Library, where space limitations prevent installation. ADA workstations typically include a charging port for electric wheelchairs, while built-in accessibility features allow patrons to customize the computer to meet their needs with larger text and icons, high-contrast color settings, and text-to-speech tools. 

Together, these features make it easier for more people to use the Library’s computers comfortably and independently.

Learn more about ADA accommodations at Madison Public Library.

Celebrating Neurodiversity on the Dream Bus

Thanks to support from the Courtier Foundation, Inc., Madison Public Library’s Dream Bus was able to coordinate its onboard book display with those at the library’s other locations. Together, the displays featured books highlighting neurodiversity and neurodiverse characters, making these stories visible throughout the library system.

Representation matters. A 2021 study notes found that fewer than half (45.5%) of Autistic children ages 3–5 receive the special education and related services to which they are legally entitled.

For many children and their caregivers, having access to relevant books and seeing themselves reflected in the books can foster an early sense of recognition and confidence, while also building literacy skills. For other young readers, these stories build empathy, understanding, and appreciation for our diverse strengths and the many ways people experience and interact with the world.

By supporting inclusive displays in the Dream Bus, the Courtier Foundation, Inc. is helping ensure that more children can discover books in which they feel seen, valued, and welcome while encouraging understanding across our community.