How libraries and local governments are redefining access through mobile-first, inclusive digital systems
For decades, access to parks, museums, and cultural institutions relied on physical passes, in-person pickup, and resource-heavy workflows. For many patrons — especially in rural or underserved areas — that meant limited access, or no access at all.
That’s changing
Across the country, libraries, cities, and civic consortia are embracing mobile-first platforms that prioritize accessibility, equity, and ease of use. At LocalHop, we’ve helped communities make the leap — not just with software, but with a deep understanding of what it means to serve people where they are.
And with new compliance standards on the horizon, the urgency is only growing.
Compliance Is No Longer Optional. It’s Urgent.
Digital equity is no longer a best practice — it’s a mandate.
In 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice finalized its ruling requiring that all public-serving websites and mobile apps meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. The deadlines:
- April 24, 2026 for governments serving 50,000+ people
- April 26, 2027 for smaller governments and special districts
What does that mean? If your website, booking platform, or civic engagement tool isn’t accessible — it’s noncompliant.
But compliance is just the baseline. The real opportunity lies in building systems that empower every member of your community — regardless of ability.
Patmos Library: A Site Rebuilt for Inclusion
When Patmos Library received an ADA complaint from a patron, they could have made a quick fix. Instead, they made a bold decision: rebuild the site from the ground up — with accessibility, not aesthetics, as the priority.
The result wasn’t flashy. It was foundational.
With LocalHop’s support, the library launched a fully WCAG-compliant site that made every page, button, and form accessible to all patrons. The process included:
- Legal action averted through proactive rebuild
- ANDI testing + audit documentation
- Staff training on alt text, PDFs, and accessibility best practices
- Ongoing templates and CMS upgrades for lasting compliance
“Does it look amazing? No. But is it accessible for all of Patmos’ patrons? Yes.”
– LocalHop Development Team
The site may not win design awards, but it wins where it matters most — inclusivity, usability, and trust.
Genesee County Parks & Rec: Fast, Accessible, and Staff-Friendly
Genesee County didn’t wait for a complaint — they proactively modernized their site to improve performance and eliminate barriers. With high public visibility and seasonal program traffic, they needed a platform that could move fast, stay stable, and scale with ease.
LocalHop delivered a solution that served visitors and internal teams alike:
Performance
- Google Lighthouse score up 35%
- Speed Index: 4s → 1.7s
- Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): 1s → 2.0s
- Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): 081 → 0.468
Mobile & Responsive Design
- ADA-conscious color contrast
- Flexible layouts with Divi Pro
- Optimized for all devices and ages
Staff Empowerment
- Drag-and-drop visual editing
- No developer needed
- Real-time updates aligned with seasonal needs
Their story shows how digital accessibility isn’t a roadblock — it’s a launchpad for better civic communication.
Iowa Adventure Pass: Equity at Scale in 12 Weeks
When Iowa’s beloved statewide Adventure Pass platform was abruptly discontinued, 70+ libraries were left with no way to connect patrons to cultural institutions. The team at State Library of Iowa turned to LocalHop for a fast, flexible rebuild.
In under 90 days, the program was back online — rebuilt from scratch to be more scalable, compliant, and user-friendly than ever.
Results
- Mobile-first design
- ILS-integrated booking across 70 libraries
- ADA filters for equitable access
- Centralized admin portal
Impact
- Program restored before peak season
- Staff and patrons reported better usability than the original system
- Laid the foundation for future statewide library programs
What started as an emergency rebuild turned into a long-term win for statewide access.
Michigan Activity Pass (MAP): A Legacy Reimagined
MAP had served Michigan for over a decade, but its legacy platform couldn’t keep up. Passes weren’t mobile-friendly. Reporting was clunky. And accessibility? Minimal.
LocalHop helped reimagine MAP’s platform to meet today’s expectations — and tomorrow’s standards.
Results
✅ ADA filters + geo search
✅ Digital wallet-ready passes
✅ Real-time analytics
✅ Staff-friendly management
Within six months:
- 60% increase in mobile engagement
- 40% increase in online reservations
- API costs dropped from $2,000+ → under $300/month
MAP isn’t just easier to use — it’s easier to manage, fund, and grow.
What Every Civic Platform Should Deliver
Whether you’re launching a pass program, updating a website, or overhauling your digital presence, your tools should:
✅ Be mobile-first, not just mobile-friendly
✅ Meet WCAG and 508 standards
✅ Empower staff — not drain resources
✅ Support all users, not just the tech-savvy
✅ Report impact, usage, and engagement clearly
In short, they should work — for everyone.
Let’s Build Something Better — Together
Thousands of communities still rely on outdated systems. But a better option is within reach.
The deadlines are set. The expectations are rising. The time to act is now.
Let’s build public-serving platforms that truly serve the public
