A New Accessibility Ramp Finished

A New Accessibility Ramp Finished

This August, a new accessibility ramp opened at our central location on the east side of the building. Built in 1998, the building has an accessible main entrance on the west side, conveniently located near the parking lot. However, as part of the Library’s ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment and maintaining ADA compliance, it became clear that additional improvements were needed. Over the past several years, the Administration and the Library Board of Trustees have prioritized updates that reflect the evolving needs of our community. The addition of the east-side accessibility ramp marks another step forward, enhancing access for everyone and helping bring the nearly 30-year-old structure in line with today’s accessibility standards.

Designed with universal access in mind, the new ramp allows patrons using strollers, wheelchairs, or other mobility aids to easily enter the building from Town Square. It also improves traffic flow and makes visits more convenient for families with young children, older adults, and anyone using rolling items like carts or equipment. The ramp was carefully designed not only to meet practical needs but to seamlessly blend with the Library’s existing prairie-style architecture.

“We are so excited to install an accessible entrance,” states Executive Director Annie Miskewitch. “Visitors will be able to utilize this entrance that is so close to the popular Town Square, where we often host fun programming like our Summer Concert Series.”  

Planning and budgeting for this accessible ramp began in 2024, and SMC Construction Services was awarded the construction project. Product Architecture + Design created a beautiful plan to match the current prairie-style exterior and make the ramp appear as if it had always been part of the building. Construction started in May and finished in August. Schaumburg Library received a $50,000 accessibility grant from the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State for this project.