Press Release
The Millicent Library is pleased to announce the completion of an accessibility signage project made possible through funding from the Henry H. Crapo Foundation.
The project enhances accessibility and wayfinding throughout the library, creating a more inclusive environment for all patrons while addressing recommendations identified in the library’s recent ADA Transition Plan completed by the Institute for Human Centered Design.
The Millicent Library undertook the project to improve navigation and access within its historic building. Prior to the improvements, the library faced challenges including a lack of proper designation signs with raised characters and Braille, insufficient tactile signage at emergency exits, and noncompliant character styles and text sizes on existing signs.
With support from the Henry H. Crapo Foundation, the library has completed a significant overhaul of its interior signage. Enhancements include ADA-compliant designation signs throughout the building, new easy-to-read genre and call number signage in Youth Services and Adult collections areas, and anti-glare sign holders for program announcements and informational displays.
Sign enhancements at the Millicent Library in Fairhaven include some signs with raised letters and braille, made possible by a grant from the Henry H. Crapo Foundation. Submitted photo.
These improvements help ensure that patrons can navigate the library more easily and independently while creating a more welcoming and accessible experience for everyone who visits the library.
The new signage significantly improves access for patrons with visual impairments, mobility challenges, and others who benefit from clear, consistent wayfinding. The project demonstrates the library’s ongoing commitment to equal access to information, services, and facilities.
For more than 130 years, the Millicent Library has served as a center of learning, culture, and community engagement in Fairhaven. By incorporating modern accessibility standards into its historic facility, the library is ensuring that future generations will continue to benefit from a welcoming and accessible public space.
The Millicent Library extends its sincere appreciation to the Henry H. Crapo Foundation for its generous support of this project and its commitment to strengthening community institutions throughout southeastern Massachusetts.
The Millicent Library, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation independent of the Town of Fairhaven, provides free public library services and is responsible for the maintenance and preservation of the historic, town-owned building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
New Interpretive Panel Highlights Sundial History
The Millicent Library recently installed a new interpretive panel exploring the fascinating history of the library’s historic sundial.
Designed in 1904 by an eccentric Pennsylvania sculptor, the sundial arrived at the library under unusual circumstances and followed a winding path before ultimately being installed on the library lawn in 1975. The sculpture depicts Father Time holding an hourglass and scythe and features a quotation from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
The sundial was dedicated to the memory of Christopher Bunnell, who served on the Millicent Library Board of Trustees from 1995 until his passing in 2020, including terms as Treasurer and President. Bunnell was widely recognized for his service to both the library and the Fairhaven community.
Visitors can now learn the full story of the sundial, its creator, and its journey to Fairhaven through the new interpretive display.
Library Flag Returned to Service
Earlier this spring, the halyard on the Millicent Library flagpole failed, leaving the American flag stranded at the top of the approximately 30-foot pole.
A Fairhaven firefighter sits at the end of the ladder of Ladder Truck 1 to reach the top of the Millicent Library flagpole to repair it. Submitted photo.
After several attempts by library staff to safely lower the flag, including efforts complicated by high winds, Town of Fairhaven Facilities Manager Kevin Fournier successfully lowered the flag. After determining the cause of the malfunction, replacement parts were obtained, and members of the Fairhaven Fire Department responded with Ladder 1 to complete the repairs.
Using the ladder truck, firefighters ascended the flagpole, installed the new components, and restored the flag to its proper position.
The Millicent Library extends its sincere gratitude to Kevin Fournier and the Fairhaven Fire Department for their assistance and continued support of the library.
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