New library program enables more access for adults with disabilities

Leonard L. Hayhurst, Coshocton Tribune
·2 min read

COSHOCTON − While many events and activities of the Coshocton Public Library are focused on youths or seniors, the new Library for All program is looking to broaden access for adults with disabilities.

The first-ever event held recently featured crafts, games and stories not only for those with disabilities, but their family and friends as well. Scott Balentine of Coshocton said he's been to other programs at the library and is glad it's in the community. The event was attended by 16 people.

Scott Balentine and Toby Collins, recreation and Special Olympics manager for the Coshocton County Board of Developmental Disabilities, color pictures for the new Library for All program at the Coshocton Public Library for adults with disabilities and their family and friends.
Scott Balentine and Toby Collins, recreation and Special Olympics manager for the Coshocton County Board of Developmental Disabilities, color pictures for the new Library for All program at the Coshocton Public Library for adults with disabilities and their family and friends.

Robbie Kehl, adult services coordinator, said employees of the library believe nobody should be excluded from the resources the library offers. The Library for All event also included information about the library's sensory toys that can be checked out. Kehl said response was positive and they're looking to do a similar event in the future.

"We want to tap into audiences that don't normally get to enjoy the library. We felt like this was an audience that we were kind of missing with our programming. We weren't targeting this group of people, who could really benefit from the library," Kehl said. "Sometimes they can feel intimidated coming to the library or feel they're not welcome. We want to show them that, yes, they're welcome to come here."

Kehl knows a lot of people usually associate the library with youth programming, but they have a lot to offer all adults. A popular recent program for seniors is Explore a World of Possibilities featuring virtual tours around the world and passports that can be stamped for each installment. Hong Kong was covered for July.

Kehl said many people feel once they've turned 18, the library is no longer a fun place for them and that's not the case. Also this month for adults at the library is yoga and a history presentation on moments that shook the world.

"We try to hit a little bit of fun with a little bit of information," he said of adult programming.

Leonard Hayhurst is a community content coordinator and general news reporter for the Coshocton Tribune with more than 15 years of local journalism experience and multiple awards from the Ohio Associated Press. He can be reached at 740-295-3417 or llhayhur@coshoctontribune.com. Follow him on Twitter at @llhayhurst.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: New Coshocton Public Library program reaches out to disabled adults