Easier Access-

Improvements to Merced Library branch help patrons

Workers recently replaced the railing in front of the Merced County Library Main Branch.  Photo:  Steve Nervine

If you have been to the Merced Library recently, you probably noticed a new railing leading up the walkway to the main entrance.

The railing is one of the more visible signs of physical plant improvements going on at the Merced branch as well as other branches throughout the County Library system.

“The handrail project has been in the works for a while and supports our strategic plan goal one,” says County Librarian Amy Taylor.

The work is being paid for from the Library general fund and with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars.  ARPA was the one-nine trillion dollar stimulus package that provided relief to area governments to address COVID impacts on public health and local economies.

The results of the 2021 strategic planning process done by the Merced County Library is available on-line at Strategic Plan (countyofmerced.com)

The objective to improve access at all library branches was called out as a top priority in the Library Strategic Plan.  The Plan was completed through a public process that began in the spring of 2021.  A planning team (called the Strategic Team) was formed in March.  

A survey was conducted in May and June with over three-hundred on-line and printed questionnaires returned.  The results helped feed the Strategic Team’s work to develop a study of the Library’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats; the so-called SWOT analysis.

The Strategic Team assembled to create the survey, analyze results, and implement the four goals worked on the project in 2021. Photo: Steve Nervine

The Strategic Team compiled four goals from their work: 1. Welcoming and accessible library spaces. 2. Programs that meet the needs of our diverse community.  3. The Library is visible, well supported, and a strong community partner. 4. Well-informed staff that embody the County’s mission, vision, and values.

The four goals are followed with three strategic outcomes.  The outcomes form the basis of the improvements seen in front of the Merced Library.  

With a goal of welcoming and accessible library spaces for each branch, there are projects slated throughout the system for the next two years.  Photo:  Steve Newvine

“The library will be working on several projects over the next two years,” Amy Taylor says. 

Improved public service counters are planned for the Atwater, Gustine, Livingston, and Los Banos branches. 

Roof projects are planned for the LeGrand, Santa Nella, and Snelling branches.

A heating and air conditioning upgrade, as well as a teen center, are in the works for the Merced branch.

Some patrons have raised the issue of improving the design of the entrance so that users might find it to be less intimidating. 

As it stands now, anyone entering the building has to walk up a long ramp to the “bridge” that crosses over an open-air patio on the lower level of the building.

That particular access issue was not identified as a top priority.  It may take more time and money to resolve.  

But the new railing is the first step.

Steve Newvine lives in Merced. 

His latest book is called A Bundle of Memories and it combines two of his memoirs along with about thirty pages of new material about his experiences growing up in a small town in the 1970s.  It is available exclusively at lulu.com