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Older adult space: 

Older adult space By Mary Louise Jensen, Building Consultant, Division of Library Development, Connecticut State Library This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License. 5-05

Senior-friendly theme throughout: 

Senior-friendly theme throughout Benefits other users Compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will meet seniors’ needs Good lighting in the stacks and reading areas (beware of skylights) Arrange materials that seniors use close together with the easy travel path (such as new books, large print books, books on CDs, music CDs, DVDs, and current periodicals) Bulletin board promoting senior activities in the community

Slide3: 

Collection Space Materials should be current and in good condition (weed) Libraries should acquire materials in a variety of formats, such as large-print books, books on tape, closed-captioned videos, descriptive videos, music audiocassettes and/or compact discs Shelving shouldn’t be too high or too low Aisle widths between bookstacks must be at least 36 inches (42 –48 inches preferred)

Slide4: 

Stack Aisles ADA Clear space of at least 36 inches at the ends of the bookstacks when more than two stack aisles are served by the end aisle. If two or less stack aisles are served by the end aisle, use 48 inches at the ends of the bookstacks.

Slide5: 

Public Electronic Workstation Space ADA If a library has public workstations, at least 5%, or one of each type, must be wheelchair accessible. Consider having a large-print display or voice output on the computer for a person with a visual impairment.

Current periodicalsADA: 

Current periodicals ADA Reach height of card catalogs and magazine displays of 48 inches maximum for front approach and 54” maximum for side approach (lower heights are preferred).

Slide7: 

Current periodicals with ADA consideration – good for seniors

User Seating Space: 

User Seating Space Comfortable chairs in conversational groupings near the bestsellers and/or current magazines and newspapers. A place where patrons can talk Away from children’s area or quiet area

Slide9: 

Attractive, inviting space for seniors. Make sure seniors are able to physically GET OUT OF chairs!

User Seating SpaceADA: 

User Seating Space ADA At least 5%, or a minimum of one of each type of seating, tables, or study carrels should be accessible to people with disabilities Accessible furniture placement must have clear passage of 36 inches Knee space is provided for people who use wheelchairs. This space is 19 inches deep and 27 inches high from floor to underside of table or counters

Slide11: 

Ergonomic seating is a must and helps all patrons

Meeting Room Space: 

Meeting Room Space Must be accessible Area for wheelchair seating Assistive listening system for people who are hard of hearing Topics relating to seniors: health issues (e.g., arthritis, depression), cooking, exercise, gardening, safe driving, retirement, finances, etc.

Slide13: 

This clean, attractive meeting space has good lighting and wheelchair accessibility

Slide14: 

ADA Requirements Head room of at least 80 inches No protruding objects into the path of travel

Other ADA requirements: 

Other ADA requirements Floor coverings that are secured and no more than 1/2-inch pile Accessible bathrooms that meet specifications Accessible water fountains Accessible elevator that meets specifications for multi-floor buildings Stairs with correct widths, nosings, and rails

Other ADA requirements: 

Other ADA requirements Audible and visual emergency alarms Accessible telephones. Provide TTY capability if more than 4 public telephones Signs which designate permanent rooms and spaces must comply to specifications for people who have visual problems

Other ADA requirements: 

Other ADA requirements An accessible entrance that provides 32 inches clear width with a 60-inch level approach for a door that pulls open or 36-72 inches for automatic sliding doors. A series of two entrance doors must have 84 inches of clear floor space between doors.

Site and Parking: 

Site and Parking Shortest route of travel from the parking area to an accessible entrance. Signage to the accessible entrance if the main entrance is inaccessible Correct size of accessible parking space with proper signage

Site and Parking: 

Site and Parking Curb cuts, ramps, walkways, and handrails that meet specifications.

Slide20: 

The Cragin Memorial Library in Colchester, winner of the 2005 Connecticut Excellence in Public Library Architecture Award. Notice considerate curb cuts and parking.

Slide21: 

Titled floor shelving, top shelves @ 6’ allow easier browsing, retrieval. Extra lighting is helpful, though there is glare at top and dim at bottom.

Slide22: 

Tilted shelving allows easy reading, height allows for easy access for seniors and wheelchairs, uncluttered surface.

Slide23: 

Good lighting, clear, large signage, height appropriate for seniors. An approachable area. Trip hazard? Wheelchair impediment?

Slide24: 

Though heights are appropriate and helpful to seniors, this might be too much natural light.

Slide25: 

Helpful added lighting, good aisle width. Uncluttered, navigatable for seniors.

Slide26: 

Boogie Time!