Services for Patrons with Disabilities
Tompkins County Public Library strives to meet and celebrate the aspirations of our community. We foster opportunities for people of all ages to discover, connect, and create throughout Tompkins County. We extend this mission to our patrons with disabilities so they can belong and find joy in learning, discovery, and personal growth.
Accessibility Widget
Navigate the tcpl.org site with these user-triggered accessibility features. Select the accessibility widget icon on the edge of the screen to activate. The widget includes the following features:
screen reader, dictionary, bigger text, saturation, contrast, highlight links, pause animations, text spacing, line height, text align, dyslexia friendly, big cursor, tooltips alternative text labels, and page structure assistance
The Collection
We purchase materials for the collection that address the different reading styles of our patrons. Please let us know if you need any assistance locating materials for you.
Audiobooks & Ebooks
We have a large collection of audiobooks on CD. Search the catalog for audiobooks on CD.
You can also download audiobooks & ebooks to play on your own device, using the Libby app. Read about Libby's accessibility features including screen reader support and adjustable text size. For more information visit our Ebooks & Audiobooks page.
Braille Books
Most of our Braille materials are in the children's department. These books have both the printed word and accompanying Braille so the adult reads the story and the child follows along with Braille.
Large Type Books
We offer many large type fiction and non-fiction titles. These books have a large font so they are easier to read. All large type books are unabridged which means they are not shortened to accommodate the larger font. Please ask a staff member if you need assistance locating the large type collection.
Library by Mail
If visiting the library is too difficult you can receive library materials from TCPL through the US Postal Service. Visit our Library by Mail page for more information and to sign up.
New York Talking Books and Braille Library
Over 115,000 audio and braille titles from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) through the Library of Congress. Any resident of the United States, or U.S. citizen living abroad, who is unable to read or use regular print materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or physical disability, may receive service through NLS. For more information about eligibility visit the NLS website.
Adaptive Equipment
Equipment and software for low vision and physically disabled patrons are located throughout the library. Please ask a staff member if you need any assistance.
Public Computers
All of our public computers in the Adult Services area have Microsoft Windows 10 which includes accessibility features like Narrator. Ask the reference staff for assistance in using this if you are unfamiliar.
Internet stations 7 and 10 each have a Kinder Keyboard that includes a larger font with bold, white lettering. Station 10 also has a trackball mouse, in addition to a traditional mouse.
Reading Magnifiers
We have several reading magnifiers at the front circulation desk that you can borrow.
Building Accommodations
The entrance to the library is at street-level with automatic doors. The entire public-part of the library is on one floor.
Motorized Carts and Wheelchair
We keep two motorized carts and one non-motorized wheelchair in our lobby for patrons to use while they are visiting. If you would like to use a motorized cart please request a key at the front circulation desk.
Parking
Parking is pay-per-use and available on the street, and at the Cayuga Street parking garage behind the Library. There is a handicapped spot and a handful of 15-minute accessible spots on the Cayuga Street side of the library building.
Restrooms
We have restrooms in both the children and adult sections of the Library. However, only the adult restrooms are ADA accessible at this time. They are located in southwest corner of the building near the BorgWarner Community Room.
Service Animals in the Library
Program Accommodations
Loop Receiver
We have a Loop Receiver in our BorgWarner Community Room for our patrons with hearing aids who want to enjoy our programs. This is a special type of sound system for use by people with hearing aids. Please ask at the reference desk for assistance.