Did you know the library has technology to help make tasks more accessible for patrons? If you have a library card, you can check out these items.
In-House Use
The standard keyboard and mouse provided with our public computers may cause a barrier to use for some. At the Information Desk, patrons can check out an adaptive mouse and/or adaptive keyboard using their library cards.
If the adaptive mouse and keyboard don’t solve the input issue, we have a speech-to-text headset that can be used to enter information without a keyboard. The headset also requires checkout.
For events where microphones are used, our ListenIR system can increase the volume to your earphones to whatever level you need. If you plan to use this system, please bring your own headphones or earbuds with a 3.5mm plug. No checkout necessary.
We keep a variety of magnifying glasses at the Information Desk for use within the library. No checkout necessary.
If you’re having trouble getting around the library, you can borrow our wheelchair while you’re here.
For Checkout
Books and Audiobooks in the Library
Physical audiobooks are available as CDs, Wonderbooks, and Playaways, but we have a much wider selection of digital audiobooks available through our Libby and Hoopla platforms.
We also have large print books for all ages and a braille collection for children available in the library.
Did you know that you can adjust the text size in e-books? Here’s how:
- Hoopla
- Tap the center of the screen to bring up the menu bars
- Tap the Aa on the top menu bar
- Tap the + as many times as you need to enlarge the font
- Libby
- Tap the center of the screen to bring up the menu bar
- Tap, hold, and drag the Text Scale Bar to the right to enlarge the font
E-audiobooks offer playback speed options
- Hoopla
- At the bottom right-hand corner of the player, you will see a small number (0.75x, 1.0x, 1.25x, or 1.5x)
- Tap this number to open a speed selection menu
- Select a speed and tap the back arrow on the top left to return to the audiobook
- At the bottom right-hand corner of the player, you will see a small number (0.75x, 1.0x, 1.25x, or 1.5x)
- Libby
- To change the playback speed in an audiobook, tap
- Choose a preset or drag the “Fine-tune” slider to set a custom speed (0.6–3x)
- To change the playback speed in an audiobook, tap
Additional Book/Audiobook Services
Have trouble getting to the library? You may qualify for our Books by Mail service. This program allows users to have up to 3 large-print books or CD audiobooks mailed to them. They can be shipped back postage-free.
The New York State Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) is a free library service for eligible residents of upstate New York who are unable to use standard print materials due to a visual, physical, or reading disability.
The TBBL collection includes print Braille books, as well as digital fiction and nonfiction audio and Braille books, with over 70 magazine subscriptions available.
Other Items
The library has two C-Pen ReaderPens available for checkout at the Information Desk. Slide the ReaderPen along a line of printed text to have it read out loud. Works with or without earphones. A library card is required for checkout.
If you prefer to consume your newspapers and news magazines online, check out the news section of our research page.
Summary
The library has adaptive technologies available for checkout for patrons who would like to use them. For more information about accessibility and the library, check out our accessibility statement.
