Sandy Kaul wrote:
>
> I would like to hear from anyone about successful solutions to
> accessibility problems of Carnegie Library buildings.  Our building, which
> is a community art center,  is 12 feet above grade.  Word has it that
> future state arts grants may be limited to organizations that can provide
> physical access to all.   Comments would be very welcome to the list or to
> me at:  [log in to unmask]
>
> Thanks!
>
> Sandy Kaul
> Director, Talley Gallery
> Bemidji State University
> Bemidji, Minnesota 56601
> phone: 218-755-3708

Two local Carnegie Libraries in Upland and Colton, California (both now
used for other public purposes than libraries) have solved the
wheelchair access problem by installing an elevator at the rear of the
building.  The front entrances have staircases that cannot be easily
replaced by ramps, however, the rear entrances are at grade level.

Although the Americans with Disabilities Act generally requires that
access not discriminate (persons in wheelchairs should be able to use
the same entry doors as people without wheelchairs), there is an
exception for cases where modifications are not readily achievable or
significantly impact the historic characteristics of a property.  You
may wish to review the ADA and develop an advisory group that includes
persons with disabilities to evaluate the situation.  We did that at the
Homestead Museum with great success.


--
M. A. van Balgooy
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Chaffey Communities Cultural Center
  PO Box 772   Upland, CA 91785-0772
  Telephone (909) 982-8010
  Website:  http://www.culturalcenter.org

Homestead Museum
  15415 East Don Julian Road   Industry, CA  91745-1029
  Telephone (818) 968-8492
  Fax  (818) 968-2048
  Domain name:  homesteadmuseum.org (no website yet!)