Libraries in Raymond and Casco were among 300 in rural communities across the country to participate in the fourth round of Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an initiative from the American Library Association that promotes accessibility for disabled people.

The libraries were each awarded $10,000 to improve accessibility. Both libraries received money in previous rounds of the grant, which they used to improve entranceways.

This initiative has offered over $14 million in grants to rural libraries, defined by the American Library Association as being areas with 25,000 people or less at least 5 miles from an urbanized area, in all 50 states. Windham received money from the program in a previous round, which it used as part of a partnership with Age Friendly Windham to purchase smart technology to assist elderly residents.

The libraries have until September, per the terms of the grant, to conduct at least one community conversation, and then have until late 2027 to spend the funds.

In Raymond, the second round of grant funding will go toward purchasing screen readers and magnification software to aid blind or visually impaired patrons when using computers. Library Director Richard Dowe said the library was looking at two programs used in the past, amplifier MAGic and screen reader JAWS. As part of the grant, the library plans to hold a conversation with visually impaired residents over the summer to discuss what can be done to accommodate their needs.

“We are so proud to be chosen again for this amazing opportunity,” Dowe said in a press release. “This additional round of funding builds on our previous accessibility work, allowing us to improve both physical and digital access to the library. From enhancing our walkway for residents with mobility challenges to expanding screen readers, magnification tools, and website accessibility, these projects help ensure that everyone in our community can fully access and benefit from our services.”

Casco will focus on accommodating neurodivergent and intellectually disabled patrons. The grant money will go toward providing resources such as items geared toward helping children who may learn differently from their peers, and socialization opportunities for neurodivergent adults.

Over the summer, library Director Michelle Brenner said the library plans to have conversations with both intellectually disabled adults, as well as parents of children with developmental disorders who might have questions and need support. It will partner with Living Innovations, an organization that supports people with disabilities, which frequently brings clients on trips to the library.