The Moose Jaw Public Library is being nationally recognized for the work it has been doing to increase the accessibility of library services for people with print disabilities or other types of barriers in the community.
Children’s librarian Tina Dolcetti and the MJPL have received the 2019 Accessibility Award from the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA), in partnership with the TD Summer Reading Club, for their efforts in offering a variety of programs, initiatives and positive attitudes towards providing accessible literacy tools to all parts of the community.
“It was really amazing [to be recognized]. It was such a bonus, to be able to see that,” said Dolcetti. “It feels good, when you’ve done the hard work and you have the evidence that you’ve done the hard work, even just seeing that was worth it.”
The award listed numerous ways the MJPL has gotten innovative in creating accessible programming, including running the summer reading program based on hours spent reading rather than titles completed and including literacy activities that promote physical movement.
The MJPL also donates reading materials to volunteer groups, offering books to individuals in the community with outstanding fines caused by unavoidable circumstances, and maintains partnerships with local clubs to encourage people with disabilities to join.
Dolcetti also added that the MJPL always includes materials designed for people with disabilities as an option during programs like the summer reading club, and staff make sure to showcase accessible materials and books representing people of all abilities and disabilities in the library’s displays.
The library also works with local partnerships — like one with local grocery stores to provide snacks and lunch during children’s programs, a partnership with the Moose Jaw Soccer Association to offer a soccer literacy camp last summer, and a connection with the Moose Jaw Literacy Network to supply books and supports for their Summer Success program.
Dolcetti is very proud of the numerous ways the MJPL strives to support patrons of all abilities and credits the entire team of staff at the library for helping to make programming accessible and highlight the accessible materials in the library’s collection.
“Equal responsibility goes out to my coworkers because they truly have an open mindset and it’s a very team approach here,” said Dolcetti.
CELA made the award announcement with a congratulatory YouTube video in September, praising the team at the MJPL for all their hard work.
“We all know how important it is that kids can see themselves in their public library collections and really feel that connection to their public library,” said CELA executive director Rina Hadziev, in the video. “The work you do is so important and I know you know that. It really can change the way kids feel about reading and literacy and that can change their lives.”
The MJPL received a plaque commemorating the award, as well as sensory beanbags, a braille printer and a collection of books published in dyslexia-friendly fonts and featuring characters with varying abilities to help with representation for kids.
Dolcetti said the recognition of the national award is a huge honour for the library, and that improving accessibility is something that anyone can do, regardless of big accolades or impressive budgets.
“It did take a lot of thought, but I honestly think anybody can do it. If you really want to be inclusive, you can. It doesn’t require a big budget or anything, all that’s required is a positive mindset,” said Dolcetti.
The MJPL is planning on continuing to offer all of its accessible programs and projects, and Docletti already has her eye on next year to bring in some new and exciting programs once again.
