Yes, the Grafton Public Library’s new rug is busy. But is it harmful for people with disabilities?
The Disability Commission is raising a last-minute concern about the renovation of the Grafton Public Library: the colorful carpets in the Children’s Room and Teen Room may be too much for children with sensory processing disorders.
The library’s new extension, unveiled to the public Sunday for the Board of Trustees’ annual meeting, features color-coded carpets with a vivid pattern of varying shapes and colors. The Children’s Room has shades of blue, green and pops of yellow and purple; the Teen Room has bright red and purple shades. Upstairs, the adult section has the same patterns in more muted colors.
“There were parents who saw the pictures (of the library rugs) and said ‘I can’t take my kid there. My kid wouldn’t be able to tolerate it,'” said Roger Trahan, chair of the Disability Commission.
Children with autism are sometimes hypersensitive to visual stimulation and people with epilepsy may have seizures triggered by patterns, Trahan noted.
Library Director Beth Gallaway said the issue never came up during months of public meetings about the library’s design. It was only during a Facebook discussion on the Grafton Common renovation that someone brought up their issue with the library rugs.
“I am confident we can come up with a affordable and workable solution to address the issue, like putting in a pathway to break up the field, and the various boards and committees will work together to investigate and problem-solve as needed to uphold our commitments to be accessible and welcoming to all,” Gallaway said..
Much of the original library, built in 1927, remains facing Grafton Common and the historic high-ceilinged reading room remains. But the expansion was not only for space needs — the multi-storied stacks and the Children’s Room were inaccessible to most patrons with physical disabilities. The new library now has an elevator and ramps for accessibility, in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
The 30-year-old Americans With Disabilities Act does not address sensory sensitivity and the ADA independent review found the building compliant. The final walkthrough will be this week.
“I did take a walk through yesterday with Kristie (Proctor),” Gallaway said, referring to a representative from the Disability Commission. “I think the shelving installation will make a significant difference in the “busyness” of the pattern, but I’m not opposed to making a change to be more welcoming, either in the Children’s or Teen space. The adult carpeting is more subtle, although it’s the same pattern in greys and blues.”
At its regularly scheduled meeting this evening, July 15, 2021, the Disability Commission voted
Disability Commission letter
unanimously (4-0) for me as Chair to write a letter on behalf of the Commission, expressing
concern with the accessibility of the new library Children’s Room and Teen Room flooring due
to the contrasting and colorful floor tiles.
We would be willing to consult on the issue as partners in ensuring that the library is accessible
and welcoming.
Disability Commission members present were Kristie Proctor, Laura Deneen, Robert Polsinelli
and me. Members Mathew Often, Daryl Rynning, and Catherine Dore were not in attendance.
Kind regards,
Roger R. Trahan, Jr., Chair
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