Recently, the Powhatan County Public Library took another step towards improving the library experience for all of its patrons.

A few weeks ago, the library addressed the difficulty elderly and disabled patrons often face moving around the library and taking their selections back to the checkout desk. The solution they came up with? A Mart Cart.

Go into any grocery store and it’s no surprise to find several small motorized carts waiting near the door, ready to assist shoppers with limited mobility. Now this service is also available to patrons of the library.

The Powhatan library is one of the first libraries in the state of Virginia to offer such a service to the members of its community.

As library director Kim Armentrout pointed out, some patrons of the library rely on canes to walk, while some carry oxygen tanks. This makes it difficult if not downright impossible for those patrons to move about freely and browse the shelves. The library became particularly aware of this problem when one of its own board members began to struggle with limited mobility. It was then that the decision to acquire the cart was made.

In anticipation of state budget cuts, the library had been working to save money. As it turned out, the budget cuts by the state were not as severe as anticipated, leaving the library with the unique opportunity to make a purchase that would not normally have been possible.

The board began by contacting several local grocery stores to research various cart models. They also needed to make sure that the cart they purchased could be maneuvered through the library aisles.

Finally, the library purchased the cart for only $1,500, far less than expected, said Armentrout. It is now stationed by the front door of the library, waiting to assist patrons in need. It even features a basket on the front to hold books, for the added convenience of leisurely browsing.

All patrons with limited mobility are encouraged to take advantage of the cart, including those recovering from injury.

The cart is located directly at the entrance and the key is kept at the front desk, only a few steps further inside.

Krysty Schmid is an intern at Powhatan Today