QPL's Accessibility and Accessible Technology Resources

Queens Public Library strives to ensure that everyone has access to the full range of information, programs, and services that we offer.

Most of our libraries are wheelchair accessible. If you are uncertain whether a library can accommodate your needs, please contact the location directly for assistance in planning your visit.

For general information or to request an accommodation for a specific program, please email accessibility@queenslibrary.org.

QPL websites are designed to conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 success criteria of at least Level AA. To learn more about these standards or to provide feedback, visit Web Accessibility at QPL.

 

Accessible Services

Mail-A-Book

Queens Public Library’s Mail-A-Book Service offers homebound customers the convenience of having library materials delivered to their door free of charge.

These materials include books in large print, regular print, and audio formats; movies on DVD; and music on CD.

Mail-A-Book serves all age groups, with many materials available for children and young adults.

Customers simply request specific titles or indicate their subject or language preferences; materials are then sent to them through the U.S. Postal Service in zippered canvas bags. Return postage is included.

Learn more about QPL's Mail-A-Book Programs & Services.

 

Accessible Collections

Large Print, Audiobooks, and Digital Media

Queens Public Library has an extensive collection of large print books and audiobooks for readers with low vision or print disabilities. Visit our online catalog for more information.

Find the library catalog filtered by large print books here.

Find the library catalog filtered by audiobooks here.

Queens Public Library’s digital content platforms offer several accessibility features, including the ability to adjust text size and color contrast, choose dyslexic font options, adjust playback speed, and work with screen reader software.

Find all of our digital media services here. For more information about enabling these features, check the Help section of each individual service or app, or contact accessibility@queenslibrary.org.

 

Braille and Talking Books

Queens Public Library is an institutional member of The New York Public Library's Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library.

For more information about receiving free accessible reading materials for customers who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise physically unable to read standard print, ask a QPL staff member, or find more information on the Andrew Heiskell Library's website.

 

Accessible Programming and Interpretation

Queens Public Library’s in-person and virtual programs are open to all. Speak with a QPL staff member or contact accessibility@queenslibrary.org if you need to make an accommodation request.

 

Requesting ASL Interpretation

American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is available upon request for both in-person and virtual programming at the Library.

To make a request, speak with a staff member or contact accessibility@queenslibrary.org and include the location, date, and title of the program requiring interpretation.

Queens Public Library requires two weeks' advance notice to secure these services.

 

Assistive Devices and Inclusion Kits

Each Queens Public Library location has a variety of simple assistive and sensory devices available for use inside the library or during a program.

Items include magnifiers, Robers Book Holders, personal amplifiers, chair bands, and wiggle seats.

For a full list of items, speak to a QPL staff member or contact accessibility@queenslibrary.org. To borrow an item for in-library use, please ask a QPL staff member.

 

Language Access Assistance

Queens Public Library offers a variety of ways for customers to navigate the Library in their native language, including multilingual collections, programs, and simultaneous translation services.

 

Multilingual Collections and Programs

Across our library locations, you can find materials for all ages in over 30 languages.

Learn more about our international language collections here.

Library programs in multiple languages for children, teens, and adults are offered across the borough.

Learn more about our multilingual programs here, or use the keyword search on the QPL Calendar to find programs in a specific language.

 

In-Person and Telephone Interpretation

Live, on-demand interpretation services in more than 240 languages are available at each Queens Public Library location.

After identifying their language from a chart, customers can have a three-way communication with a library staff member and an interpreter via telephone handset.

To learn more, inquire at a reference or circulation desk.

 

Accessible Technology

QPL's public access computers include the following built-in accessibility tools:

Some features require wired headphones with a microphone. For help using these tools, speak with a QPL staff member or follow the links above.

Optelec Clearview video magnifiers are available at some locations. Please speak with a library staff member to confirm availability.

Library self-checkout machines and ScanEZ multi-function stations both allow users to select display languages and change text size.

ScanEZ multi-function stations also include high-contrast settings, a magnifier tool, and narrator functions.

Queens Public Library’s website can be translated into over 100 languages. To change the display text to your preferred language, find the “Translate” dropdown menu at the top of each webpage.

QPL’s mobile app also has translation tools, enabling customers to access our resources on-the-go in 96 languages.