Brodhead

I was very excited to hear that author David Rhodes was going to come to Monroe to speak. I loved his book "Driftless" and looked forward to this event to the point that I suggested to my book group that we all read the book and go together. As the retired librarian from the Monroe Public Library, I was also glad that the libraries were involved in making this a countywide reading program. That said, plans were made and I was ready to go. Then someone told me that the Monroe Arts Center (MAC) is not handicapped accessible. I didn't believe it, knowing that David Rhodes uses a wheelchair due to an accident he had years ago. So I called MAC and the person I spoke to did not know that Mr. Rhodes was in a wheelchair. She said that being the case they would probably move the reading to the downstairs room that is accessible. I asked if the bathrooms were accessible down there and she said "Sort of." I am still not sure what that means. Today I followed up and called MAC again and found out that they are now going to carry Mr. Rhodes up to the stage in the upstairs room. That is great if he agreed to it, which I am sure he did. Thing is, I happen to be in a wheelchair too. They offered to set up a television for me in the basement. NO, I don't think so. And I won't be carried up and down stairs either. Not when I know perfectly well that there are other venues in Monroe that would be perfectly able to accommodate me and Mr. Rhodes without the embarrassment and insult of having to be carried up stairs. The Monroe Public Library has an accessible meeting room and the high school has a beautiful accessible auditorium. Next week Thursday I'll be sitting home while my book group members get to hear a wonderful author speak. Good for them. Maybe I'll start rereading his book.