Not sure who needs to hear this today, but remember, your local public library benefits from being used! Usage statistics are how librarians argue for funding! By using this shared service more, you are making it BETTER for everyone else!

It's the glory of the commons, not the tragedy of the commons. Go to the library!!!

Do you know why people ask for #AltText to be added into photography?

You might be unaware, but there are those of us on Mastodon who would love to see and experience the same jokes and information that others share. Unfortunately, we have gaps in our ability to fully immerse ourselves.

For some, that manifests with lurking or following a lot of accounts but not really engaging. Perhaps they are anxious or have social struggles. They want to be included in a way that makes them feel safe. It's wonderful that tools like Mastodon allow for that.

For some of us, it's a lot harder. We have restrictions into how we can take in the world around us physically. You see it manifest in the physical in small ways (door handles that are levers not twists) or in larger ways (enforcement of ramp access, hearing interpreters, etc.)

For those of us who require additional support like guided sight to help us navigate complex and dangerous systems the world can seem very threatening when people don't seem to notice or care about your limitations.

AltText allows those of us who aren't able to fully engage visually. Sometimes we're blind, or have sight challenges, sometimes we're not able to focus on the screen and use auditory assistance.

Whatever the reason - help your fellow Mastodonians will you? Simply remark on the infographic, meme, or photo with a description of what we should be seeing. It doesn't have to be super complex.

Its a small and easy way to better improve the ecosystem around us.