Tips for Disabled Library Patrons
Public libraries aspire to be places where everyone—including disabled people—belong. They don’t always meet the mark, but disability advocates and disabled people within and outside of library workspaces continue to push for improvements to library spaces, programs, collections, and more. A great example of these efforts is Serving Patrons with Disabilities, a book written and edited by disabled people, published by the American Library Association.
As a disabled library worker myself, I want to provide some tips to fellow disabled library visitors on how to make the most of your local library:
- Acquiring Items: Some libraries deliver or mail library items to library visitors unable to leave home due to disability. Eligibility and systems vary, so check with your local library to see what services are available to you! If you can leave your home but would rather not enter the library, you can also ask if your library would be willing to provide curbside pickup services.
- Programs: Some libraries already provide programming focused on disabilities or serving disabled library visitors, but if you’re not seeing the kinds of programs you’d like, ask about them! Many libraries are happy to host in-person, hybrid, and virtual meet-ups for support and advocacy groups or to adapt existing programming to be more disability-friendly.
- Space: Libraries are not the near-silent spaces they used to be anymore – many have areas where higher volumes are allowed or encouraged. If you have sensory sensitivities, it can’t hurt to bring your favorite ear protection. In addition, public libraries are considered public spaces under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), so if you experience difficulty accessing the physical space of your library, alerting the library of your need can help them to not only better serve you, but to better serve others with similar needs in your community!
- Technology: Libraries now offer technology access, predominantly in-library desktop computers. Typically, the software available on these computers is standardized, but libraries are encouraged by our national association to provide screen reading software. Public libraries are also encouraged to offer live captioning, sign language interpretation, adaptive technology, and more. Feel free to suggest your library add any technology which would make your library more accessible to you! If you have a print disability, I encourage you to check out the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library as well, as they have a wealth of resources for print disabled library visitors.
- Materials: Many libraries now include a “library of things,” or loanable non-book items, in their collections. Those items tend to include musical instruments, disc drives, or wi-fi hotspots. Although your local library may not already have accessible technology, mobility aids, or similar items available in their library of things yet, you can always encourage them to build their collection in a way which supports disabled community members.
- Needing Help: If there’s something you need that you’re not sure your library provides—such as assistance with reaching materials on high or low shelves or with navigating inaccessible websites—feel free to ask! Most libraries have a centrally located desk called a circulation desk, where you check out materials. The staff there are trained to either be able to answer your questions or direct you to a person who knows how to. Library workers aren’t always trained on best practices for helping disabled library visitors and may need some guidance, but staff should be able to help you troubleshoot a solution.
Libraries, like the rest of the world, are in a constant state of change. With the recent dismantling of the Institute for Museum and Library Services, many libraries have lost money which fund services for disabled library visitors, such as talking book and braille libraries and delivery services. If you want your library to continue to support these programs, it’s critical that you make your voice heard, not only to the library, but to your local government and other sources which fund your local library. The items listed here are just a start—there’s a wide variety of ways libraries can (and do!) serve their disabled visitors. So just remember: your ideas for improvements and changes are welcome!
Lex Van Horn (he/they) is a physically disabled and neurodivergent early-career library worker living in rural Washington state. When he’s not working, they play video games, read, write, and play flute.
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