SERVICES FOR LIBRARY USERS WITH DISABILITIES
The Library, Arts & Culture Department is committed to providing equal access to collections and services. If you or someone you know needs assistance using the library, one of these services may help.

PERSONAL ASSISTANCE AT THE LIBRARY

Library staff at all sites will gladly help you retrieve materials from the shelves. We will also carry your materials to your car.

ADAPTIVE SERVICES

This area of the Central Library brings together services, adaptive equipment, and collections of interest to people with disabilities. Tables for technology equipment in the area are height adjustable for wheelchair access. Library staff will demonstrate use of equipment. Ask for assistance at the Reference Desk.

This area features two adjustable computer workstations designed to meet the information needs of people with physical, visual, hearing, and learning disabilities. The computer workstations include scanning capabilities, Microsoft Office, and the following assistive software programs:

• Dragon Naturally Speaking
• Easy Tutor
• JAWS
• WYNN (What You Need Now Wizard)
• ZoomText Xtra

The room also features a CCTV with magnifier to enlarge images of books, magazines, personal mail, handwork, crosswords, etc. on an adjustable reading/working surface. In addition, a Sorenson videophone to assist in Deaf communication, either directly or via Video Relay Service is also available.

COMPUTER WORKSHOPS
When classes are offered, our popular "Computer Club for Beginners" teaches the basics of computer use and Web navigation.

LIBRARY MATERIALS IN ACCESSIBLE FORMATS
Visit the audio-visual areas at all Library sites for videos and DVDs of your favorite movies and documentaries. Listen to best-sellers, classics, and non-fiction on audiocassettes and CDs.

The following books and alternate formats are available in the Central Library:

• Described Videos and DVDs (specially labeled videos and DVDs contain audible descriptions of scene content) are located in the DVD section.

• Large Type Books are located in the main stacks just to the right of the fiction and genre fiction section.

• Braille Talking Books (for use only on Braille machines) are located in the A/V area.

REMOTE ACCESS TO LIBRARY ONLINE RESOURCES

Search the Library's collection of books and other materials online, and find information in a variety of databases from home or office. Must have current Library borrower's card to place holds or to access most databases. Click here for Library online resources.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Braille Institute Telephone Reader Program

Braille Institute has a free Telephone Reader Program. Sign up for telephone access to national and local news, grocery and discount store ads and restaurant menus. Listen to the recordings via touch-tone phones, Internet or by downloading the free Braille Institute app. 

To sign up: 323-660-3880 x1435. To request a Telephone Reader Program account via the Braille website, click here.

CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY

California Library Services for People with Print Disabilities, in association with the Library of Congress, provides free Braille and audio books, magazines and playback equipment to all eligible Californians unable to read standard print. Follow this link to find your local braille and talking book library and sign up for free library service.  Read More>