Brook Iroquois Washington Public Library Awarded $10,000 Grant to Improve Accessibility Brook, Indiana — The Brook Iroquois Washington Public Library (BIWPL) is proud to announce it has been awarded a $10,000 grant through the Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities initiative, an American Library Association (ALA) program that supports libraries working to improve services for people with disabilities. The funds are being used to create a fully ADA-compliant, accessible website that ensures all patrons—including those with visual, hearing, mobility, or cognitive disabilities—can independently access the library’s resources, programs, and services. The new website will include enhanced navigation, screen-reader compatibility, and features such as event registration, emergency alerts, and multilingual translation tools.
In addition to funding the new website, the grant also provides professional training and accessibility resources for library staff, equipping them with tools to better understand and meet the needs of patrons with disabilities. Through this training, the library is strengthening its commitment to inclusivity, equity, and excellent service for all members of the community. The library has already begun working with Weblinx Inc., a professional web design company specializing in accessible website development. The new site will launch later this year and will reflect input gathered from community members and accessibility experts.
“This grant allows us to take a major step toward our mission of serving all members of our community,” said Library Director Kristine Wright. “Accessibility is at the heart of equity, and this project reflects our commitment to creating a more inclusive and welcoming library—both in person and online.”
The Libraries Transforming Communities initiative is administered by the ALA in partnership with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL), and is supported by a private donor. The Brook Library was selected as one of only 300 libraries nationwide to receive this competitive grant. For more information about the project or accessibility at the Brook Library, please contact the library at (219) 275-2471 or visit brook.lib.in.us.
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our 2025 Summer Reading Program under this year’s vibrant theme: "Color Our World" – an opportunity to celebrate art in all of its wonderful forms! This celebration of creativity, community, and imagination will offer fun, free programming for all ages throughout June and July.
To get the summer started right, the library is hosting our annual Summer Reading Kickoff Cookout on Friday, May 30 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at McKinley Park. The evening will feature live music by Holley Drive, a free dinner, and yard games for all ages. It’s a fantastic opportunity for families and community members to gather, enjoy the outdoors, and get excited about a summer full of reading and adventure.
Throughout the summer, the library will offer age-specific weekly programs:
Little Wigglers (ages 0–2) and Story Hour (ages 3–5) will enjoy sensory-rich and artistic experiences like yarn painting, shaker making, and stained glass crafts.
Heyday Tuesday (Grades K–2) and Wacky Wednesday (Grades 3–5) will explore everything from pendulum painting to clay sculpting, and will dive into creative projects each week.
Teens (Grades 6–12) can expect unique art techniques like squeegee painting and tie-dye, along with hands-on crafts and social activities.
Adults will have the chance to participate in our Summer Reading Raffle, earning prize tickets by logging books, completing creative at-home challenges, and attending programs—including fun summer craft classes led by Heather.
A highlight of the season will be a Silly Safaris Live Animal where attendees of all ages can meet and learn about live animals in a fun and educational setting. Families won’t want to miss Week 6’s interactive movie experience, and to keep the rhythm going, Week 7 will wrap up with musical crafts and glowing balloon lanterns.
We will also continue our partnership with South Newton Schools to provide free weekday lunches to anyone 18 and under during the month of June. No registration is required—just stop by and enjoy a healthy meal. Everything the library offers is always free and open to the public, thanks to the generosity of donors, sponsors, and community partners. A special thank you goes out to the Indiana Arts Commission and their support of our program. Whether you’re looking to beat the summer slide, explore your creative side, or just enjoy time with others in the community, there’s something for everyone at the Brook Library this summer.
CLICK ON THE EVENTS TAB ABOVE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMMING OR TO REGSTER.
