N. Babylon Library to Add Ground-Level Room For Disabled Patrons

NORTH BABYLON, NY - The North Babylon library plans to construct a ground-floor meeting room after complaints from residents of a lack of elevators for disabled patrons.

The 50-year-old library, located on 815 Deer Park Ave., hosts several different events, many of which are held in the meeting room located in the basement. The only way to currently get to the basement is by stairs.

Former Long Islander Jean Robert says she has started a campaign to have an elevator installed on behalf of her friend, North Babylon resident Carol Steinhausser.

Steinhausser has limited mobility due to an accident and needs a walker for assistance. Because of the walker, she cannot negotiate the steep flight of stairs to the basement area of the library where many activities take place.

Library director Marc Horowitz says when library staff knows in advance that someone won't be able to make it to the basement, he moves the event upstairs to the ground floor. According to Horowitz, the library has moved events such as concerts, art programs, paint nights and more.

"We go out of our way to accommodate the needs of all our patrons," he said. "Having had spent time on crutches I can appreciate not having to go down those stairs."

If it's absolutely necessary, Horowitz says he contacts other nearby libraries to try to borrow a chair to help residents get to the bottom floor.

However, according to Steinhausser, the problem with this is the programs are moved to the children's area library.

"There are many kids who interfere with and place limitations on the event," she said. "Carol is not the only resident who is physically challenged and would benefit from access to a public elevator."

Steinhausser claims that Horowitz has "ignored requests for handicap access," but Horowitz says he does "what's appropriate in terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act."

"When [Horowitz] is approached to address this issue, he continues to turn a deaf ear in response to the pleas of the disabled," Steinhausser said.

Currently, Horowitz is investigating other options to address this issue. He plans to meet with an architect this week to discuss plans to build a new meeting room on the ground floor.

He says the plan is "more realistic and less expensive" than adding an elevator.

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