Grafton Library Improves Patron Parking

The Grafton Community Library on Route 2 has an all new asphalt parking area which, according to Library representatives, is a vast improvement over the pre-existing gravel lot. “We were experiencing erosion due to run-off of rain water from the highway which caused deep ruts and required constant grading,” said Sandra von Schilgen, a member of the Library Board of Trustees who led the all-volunteer effort to improve the parking area and was instrumental in obtaining the initial project grant funding. “Our beautiful new parking area is much safer for patrons, has improved accessibility and a handicap-designated parking space and has already passed the test of the severe weather we have experienced for the past two weeks,” von Schilgen said.

There is lots of room in the new paved parking lot. Photo by Carolyn Durnin.

The $12,435 project, completed on July 18 by L. Browe Asphalt Services, Inc., was made possible by the New York State Public Library Construction Grant Program, the Marjorie Rockwell Fund for the Disabled at the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, the Troy Savings Bank Charitable Foundation and Library patron donations. “We could not have done this without the generosity of our funders. We simply cannot thank them enough,” said Library Director Carolyn Durnin, “Our patrons now have improved access to library services, especially people with disabilities or impaired mobility. We have received scores of positive responses.” Crystal Kinney, with Brunswick Center Services, said, “I bring a friend who is confined to a wheelchair to the Library every Monday afternoon. It used to be a struggle in the winter or on rainy days to maneuver her chair in the dirt with the risk of tipping forward over ruts, but since the parking lot has been

A handicap van is parked in the new parking lot at the Grafton Community Library while Crystal Kinney of Brunswick Center Services provides support for an individual visiting the Library. Photo by Carolyn Durnin.

paved, it has been much easier for us to get to and from the vehicle and ramp.” “And this is exactly what Library leadership wanted to achieve,” said Tim Holt, the Board President, “This project was a priority because it was all about providing the best possible service to our community and to those who visit us from other towns and communities in the area. We are confident that the improved parking area will encourage more people to use our wonderful library, which provides friendly service along with a terrific collection of books, periodicals and films, as well as computer and internet access and a variety of special programs for people of all ages.”
For more information or directions, call the Grafton Community Library at 279-0580 or visit the new website, www.graftoncommunitylibrary.org. Library hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 3 to 8 pm, Wednesday, 10 am to 2 pm and Saturday, 10 am to 1 pm, closed Friday and Sunday.