The Worcester Public Library (WPL), in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations that include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to, or in the administration of, its programs, services, and activities for the public.

All WPL locations are wheelchair accessible, including both of the mobile libraries. Whenever possible the library will make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities in order to provide an equal opportunity to enjoy and participate in the programs, services, and activities we offer.

The security gates at each entrance of the Main Library are equipped with a doorbell so patrons with a pacemaker or cochlear device can alert WPL staff that they need assistance. Staff members will then turn the security gates off so patron can safely enter. Alternatively, you may call 508-799-1655 ext. 3 to alert staff that you need assistance.

Services, Collections, and Equipment

To assist patrons when they visit, WPL has two wheelchairs and a walker available at the Main Library. Patrons must be able to operate the wheelchair/walker on their own, as no staff assistance will be provided. Please ask the security guard or staff at the Welcome Desk if you need to use these during your visit. Wheelchairs/walkers must be returned to Welcome Desk. Upon request, library staff will assist with the retrieval of books.

Computers with zoom text and JAWS screen readers, as well as a braille printer are available in the Worcester Talking Book Library within the Main Library. The computers in the Computer Lab also have JAWS screen readers. There are two Optelec Video Magnifiers, one is available in the Periodicals area, and the other is available in the Local History area. All library equipment, including the self-check-outs, self-returns, and LAT-Cubes, meet ADA compliance guidelines.

WPL holds a number of collections that may assist patrons with disabilities, including downloadable audiobooks, ebooks, DVDs with subtitles and closed-captioning capabilities, language learning materials, and large print collections.

Worcester Talking Book Library

The Worcester Talking Book Library (WTBL) provides free services to Massachusetts residents of any age who are unable to read traditional print materials due to a visual or physical disability. The WTBL has access to more than 1.2 million volumes of digital books including large type, described videos, braille, and 100 magazine titles in recorded and braille format, and provides mail-order service by telephone, as well as immediate service on a walk-in basis. Learn more about WTBL and the available services here: https://talkingbook.mywpl.org/

WTBL also offers a list of accessibility options for computers and mobile devices here: https://talkingbook.mywpl.org/accessibility-options

Service Animals

Only service animals are allowed in the library in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Massachusetts General Laws, Ch. 272, Sec. 98A. Other animals are not allowed. For more information visit the ADA webpage related to Service Animals here: http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm