Vote in Favor of the Budget Proposal to Build an ADA-Compliant Restroom in the Manchester Public Library

To the Editor,

We write concerning a critical issue relating to access for all our fellow residents to the full use of the Town’s beloved and historic public library. As most in the Town already know, the current Manchester Public Library restroom is extremely limited in size and function, and much needed improvements are necessary to ensure everyone in our Town can access the restroom, and thus fully enjoy all the Library has to offer. These renovations are especially important to those requiring a restroom that is ADA-compliant in order to use the facilities at the Library. We strongly urge each of the residents of Manchester to vote in favor of the budget proposal to allocate the necessary funds to design and build an ADA-compliant restroom in the Manchester Public Library so that everyone can enjoy its use. This expense has already been approved by the Town’s Finance Committee, and thus the only remaining step is for all of us to vote in favor of these needed improvements at the Town Meeting on Monday, April 28.

Not only is allowing everyone full access to the Library by ensuring the restroom is ADA-compliant the right thing to do, it is also required under the law of the Commonwealth, which dictates that all public buildings have ADA-compliant restrooms.

Besides bringing the Library in line with governing law, the expansion will allow for long-needed access to the Library to members of our community using mobility aids, such as walkers and wheel chairs.  And for those with infants, the updated restroom will allow for a convenient place to change diapers, rather than forcing parents to do a quick change on the children’s room floor, which happens with regularity.

With an ADA-compliant restroom, all will be able to use our wonderful and historic Town Library without concern about limited access to facilities.  By making the space more comfortable and convenient for all, everyone will be able to benefit from the Library’s collections, lending network, and programming.

Finally, this change will be good for businesses in Town.  As we all know, the Town has very few public restrooms, and the library often serves visitors patronizing Town business who are unable to otherwise find a public restroom.  If the Library’s restroom were more accessible to all members of the public, the Town would be too.

This important public service is long overdue, and we hope the Town’s citizens will give this issue their attention and approval.  Please vote in favor of this budget item.

Sincerely,