At the recent Texas Library Association annual conference, Plano Public Library took home the Libraries Change Communities Award for its Work Experience Program.
The award is given to libraries with a “collaborative community effort that recognizes positive achievements and promotes outstanding library-based initiatives in Texas,” TLA’s website states.
Plano Public Library’s Work Experience Program launched five years ago to provide hands-on training for adults with disabilities. According to a news release, the program partners with organizations like My Possibilities, Plano ISD’s Charmaine Solomon Adult Transition Center and LifePath Systems.
“The program has transformed staff perspectives and led to increased staff confidence, empathy, and initiative to identify ways to make library spaces and services more accessible,” said Assistant Director Cecily Ponce de Leon.
Over 30 participants have graduated from the program and moved on to employment in various industries, the release stated.
“Students experienced being valued team members rather than just visitors in a public space,” said Ian Smith, a learning instructor with the Solomon Center. “Their [library staff’s] modeling of inclusive language and positive reinforcement made every shift enjoyable and growth-oriented.”
