The Forest Park Public Library was awarded a $50,000 Live and Learn Construction Grant from the Illinois State Library. The grant will assist with the upcoming renovation slated to in the fall.
“We are honored to have been awarded this grant and feel that it will be put to good use,” said Pilar Shaker, Library Director. “These funds will assist us in creating library spaces that are accessible for everyone.”
The Live and Learn Grant Program assists public libraries with construction costs for their facilities. FPPL applied in the Remodeling for Accessibility category, this category is the top funding priority for the state grant program and require matching dollars from the winning libraries.
The funds will go towards updating the bathrooms to align with the Americans with Disabilities Standards for Accessible Design. This will include moving walls inside the bathrooms to allow for better wheelchair accessibility, creating countertops and sinks that accommodate wheelchairs, and purchasing ADA compliant fixtures.
“The library building was constructed in 1995 and ADA codes have evolved since then,” said Shaker. “Making our library more accessible is an essential part of this renovation.”
Grants are awarded based on recommendations from a state-wide committee following a review process. Each judge scores the application on a scale of 1-10 and makes a “fund” or “not fund” recommendation. FPPL received the only perfect score within the accessibility category.
FPPL’s renovation is anticipated to begin in September 2019. For more information, go to renovation.fppl.org.