CADIZ — Puskarich Public Library has been selected as one of 310 libraries to participate in round two of Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an American Library Association initiative that provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them better serve people with disabilities.

The competitive award comes with a $10,000 grant that will help the library provide a variety of programming to adults with developmental disabilities.

“This grant will allow us to get to know our residents with disabilities better. We look forward to improving our services and offering access to sensory equipment and programming that will ensure these individuals feel welcome and comfortable at the library,” said Susan Guthrie, who will be administering the grant.

As part of the grant, Puskarich Public Library staff will take an online course in how to lead conversations, a skill vital to library work today. Staff will then host a conversation with residents to collect possible ideas. The grant funds will be used to create programming relevant to the interests of the intended audience.

Part of the Puskarich Public Library’s mission is to be a center for cultural activities for the community and to enrich the quality of life for those served.

“We are so excited to be chosen for this amazing opportunity,” Library Director Sandi Thompson said. “The Library will be able to expand programming to offer even more experiences for residents.”

If you are interested in getting involved or taking part in the conversation, call Guthrie at 740-942-2623 or visit the Puskarich Public Library for more information.

Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities is an initiative of the American Library Association in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries.