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Danvers accessibility commission to apply for HRIC grant to host 'human library,' eyes parking‑violation funds if needed
Summary
The Danvers Accessibility Commission agreed to apply for a Human Rights & Inclusion Committee (HRIC) grant to host a 'human library' event, discussed likely costs (examples: $250 organizational fee, roughly $350 food) and said handicap‑parking‑violation funds may cover incidentals if the HRIC award is insufficient.
The Danvers Accessibility Commission on Dec. 4 agreed to apply for a Human Rights & Inclusion Committee grant to fund a "human library" event that members say would bring people with lived experience together to share stories and guide community conversations. Commission members discussed likely costs and possible local funding sources.
At the meeting, Amy (Accessibility Commission member) said a webinar and materials shared by Shilpa Jacoby outlined the event’s logistics and estimated expenses. "It seemed like there was a cost of a few hundred dollars to kind of put toward the rights to be able to do the event as well as ... snacks," Amy said, noting the HRIC application window closes by the end of day Saturday. Members reviewed a Duxbury Free Library example that charged $250 to the Human Library organization (rights/training) and spent about $350 on food; one member said budgeting $750–$1,000 would cover incidentals, while staff overseeing HRIC grants told the commission similar awards for other events had been capped at $500.
Commissioners also discussed how to cover remaining costs if the HRIC grant is smaller than needed. Moderator (Speaker 3) said the commission is scheduled to meet with town staff on Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. to talk about handicap‑parking‑violation funds and suggested those monies could be used to support the Human Library’s refreshments and supplies. "If we have to put in a number for that application, $750 or 1,000 would be more than enough to cover the event," another member said when reviewing prior event budgets.
Members agreed Amy would share the HRIC application Google Doc and take a lead on filling out the portal form. They discussed marketing, potential venues (library or school), and lowering initial scope — for example hosting an in‑school screening instead of a theater rental if film festival submissions remain low. The commission requested that meeting information and application materials be shared with the full group for input.
Next steps: Amy will circulate the HRIC application materials; commissioners will check back after the Dec. 9 meeting with town staff about handicap‑parking funds. The commission did not take a formal vote on funding at the meeting.
