Activating Inclusive Library Design

***BEFORE YOU REGISTER FOR THIS ON-DEMAND WEBINAR PLEASE REVIEW IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION BELOW***

How does the physical design of a library affect inclusivity? Libraries are no longer merely repositories of books: they are cross-generational community centers, sites for early voting, tech training hubs, destinations for youth to study or hear book readings, and a source of English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, citizenship classes, and food drives. Libraries have increasingly become refuges during climate catastrophes and ground zero for emergency responders. The more accessible and inclusive our libraries are designed, the greater their impact on communities and the greater good. Transportation, access, master planning, and interior amenities all play a role in inclusive library design. Each location must meet diverse needs and elevate engagement with safe, accessible, and welcoming spaces.   

This on-demand webinar draws upon the UK Design Council Principles of Inclusive Design, which defined inclusive design through eight principles: Responsive, Convenient, Understandable, Welcoming, Inclusive, Accommodating, Flexible, and Realistic. Discussed is the power of design and community and staff engagement to reach these goals in our public spaces, featuring examples from recent branch design, facilities planning studies, staff and community engagement, and strategic planning work with library systems such as San Francisco Public Library, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Hennepin County Library, and Pierce County Library System.

Recorded live on July 22, 2025.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this on-demand webinar, participants will be able to:

• Go beyond inclusive design (safety, ease, dignity) to create transformational library spaces that elevate and welcome all;
• Reflect on the need for community engagement in library planning, which should be wide-reaching, soliciting opinions from library system leadership, local staff, patrons of the current library space, and especially the needs of community members who do not use the library in its current form; and
• Consider how the library must seamlessly connect to broader circulation and transportation infrastructure in the area, including access for those who walk, bike, or use public transit.

Who Should Attend

This on-demand webinar is intended for all public library staff.

Panelists

Elaine Asal (she/her) is a principal and strategy director in the Gensler Baltimore office with a focus on workplace strategy, visioning, stakeholder, and community engagement. Elaine has worked in strategic planning and facilities planning across the U.S. in library systems such as the Enoch Pratt in Baltimore, San Francisco Public Library, and Prince George’s County in Maryland. She has also helped to organize a network of library designers at Gensler to share best practices, opportunities, and challenges. Over the course of her career, she has worked across a wide-ranging portfolio of projects, with a particular focus on the not-for-profit and social innovation industry. Elaine expertly weaves best practices and research from across the firm, with a deep understanding of organizational culture and a mission aligned perspective. Active in the local social enterprise community in Baltimore, she fosters connections across organizations and identifies opportunities for partnership and collaboration.

Scott Duimstra (he/him) has worked in public libraries for over twenty years, with the last twelve years in library administration. Originally from Michigan, he obtained his MSI from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. His work has allowed him to focus on library services, library facility planning, and strategic initiatives. In October 2023 Scott became the library director for Hennepin County Library (HCL), where he directs library operations for HCL’s forty-one libraries.

Important Registration Information

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Accommodations

This on-demand webinar is closed captioned in English (United States).

If you have a physical or communication need that may affect your access to this on-demand webinar, please contact us at plawebinars@ala.org or 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752) prior to registering so we can attempt to provide appropriate accommodations.

Tech Requirements

To play this on-demand webinar you should use a browser with native HTML5 support. Please use the most up-to-date version available of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, or Edge. A fast Internet connection and computer is recommended.

Contact

This webinar is presented by the Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).

If you have questions or problems accessing a recording, send a message to plawebinars@ala.org or call 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752).