Council approves application for library accessibility grant up to $20,000

The McCall City Council voted to submit an American Library Association accessibility grant application for up to $20,000 to fund automatic door openers at the McCall Public Library.

Delta James, the city’s economic development planner, told the council the ALA offers small‑library grants in two tiers — "$10,000 or $20,000" — and staff recommends seeking the larger award to cover equipment and installation. "If we're not funded in the higher amount, the granting agency would bump us for consideration to the lower amount," Delta James said. He said the packet included initial equipment estimates and that electrician costs to wire the mechanisms are still pending.

James described the priority list: the main entry, the children’s library entrance nearest ADA parking, and the main entrance to the community hall. He said the mechanisms themselves add to a little over $12,000 and that, depending on electrician quotes, the city may phase installations starting with the highest‑priority doors. During discussion council members noted the accessibility benefit and thanked staff for the work with library staff and accessibility professionals.

Council member (speaker 4) moved to approve submittal of the American Library Association grant application for up to $20,000 and to authorize the Library Director to sign necessary documents; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call.

The next steps: staff will finalize electrician estimates and, if the grant is awarded, return with procurement or contract documents and a timeline for installations.