[Publib] Library wheelchairs?

[Robert L. Balliot]

I think that having a wheel chair available is a 
great idea for the sake of convenience
and emergencies. I have had staff become ill and
need a ride to the clinic. I have also had patrons become
ill and need assistance while they waited for their family
members or the EMTs.  Having a wheelchair would have
been very helpful.

I highly recommend purchasing automatic defibrillators
too.  Even if you never have to use them, the training
and the knowledge that you do have them helps to reduce
fear.  
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Robert L. Balliot
1-401-421-5763
Skype: RBalliot
Bristol, Rhode Island
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xMredXsPMw 
http://oceanstatelibrarian.com/contact.htm
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-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of Val Meyerson
Sent: Friday, May 11, 2007 2:19 PM
To: weissman at main.morris.org; p
Subject: RE: [Publib] Library wheelchairs?

We had a patron donate two wheelchairs for our library. We house one of
them in the foyer (we have plenty of space there) for patrons to use.
The second wheelchair is housed in a closet at this time and is brought
out if requested. We do have patrons that use them. So far, it seems to
be working very well. We have a new building though, and aisle-ways are
quite clear and easy to maneuver through. I was initially worried about
kids playing with the chair, but that has not been an issue. The patrons
do take the chair out to the curb to assist elderly patrons that have a
difficult time walking the distance to our front door. Our patrons in
need are quite thankful for this service. So far, I have not seen a down
side to providing this service. 

Valerie Meyerson,
Charlevoix Public Library