MARSHFIELD — A generous grant from the Mead Witter Foundation has allowed Marshfield Public Library to address some specific patron needs. The $10,000 grant allowed Marshfield Public Library to purchase print material and library shelving to highlight library material.

Marshfield Public Library’s adult patrons with vision concerns, especially those with bifocals, are great users of audiobooks. However, the existing flat shelving that holds the books on CD and Playaways forces them to tilt their heads awkwardly to view titles.

Considering the aging challenge trifecta of vision, mobility, and balance issues, the library requested funding to purchase double-sided shelving units containing angled shelves. The new shelves provide better sight lines and improve safe viewing of library material.

Within the children’s area, the request included space-saving bins to benefit the smallest of library patrons, providing appealing face-out browsing for music on CD. In addition, sitting height multi-user computer workstations were requested to improve access to the library’s Public Access Catalogs (PACS) and a self-checkout unit. The selected workstations allow placement of four PACS at appropriate heights for children, wheelchair-bound patrons, and those unable to stand for extended lengths of time. Comfortable searching and checkout lead to a better library experience.

Finally, to satisfy demand for the Library’s highly popular travel section, the grant request also added the latest guides from respected travel series on popular destinations.

The Mead Witter Foundation was established in 1951 and has provided over $65 million in charitable support to civic organizations, universities and colleges, student scholarships, environmental projects, and social welfare. According to George W. Mead, foundation chairman, libraries have been a special interest of the Mead and Witter families for generations.

Marshfield Public Library is among the 77 public libraries in central and northern Wisconsin receiving grants from the current Mead Witter Foundation Public Library Grant Program. This is the fifth time the Mead Witter Foundation has distributed funds to selected libraries for a cumulative total of $2 million.

“The ongoing library support of the Mead Witter Foundation is astounding and heartwarming. There is no way I can fully express our gratitude for their generosity,” said Lori Belongia, Marshfield Public Library director. “Their recognition, kindness, and faith in the library mission assist the Marshfield Public Library staff to meet our community’s reading and information needs in a comfortable setting.”