Resource Centers | Materials and Services
| Programs | Web | Assistive
Technology
Through its 87 branch libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island,
The New York Public Library demonstrates its commitment to persons with disabilities,
housing extensive collections and providing recreational, cultural and service-oriented
programs for these patrons' participation, use and interest. Large-print books,
collections of recordings, and educational and cultural events accompanied
by interpreters and amplification systems are just a few of the services The
Library makes available to the public. Many libraries also have specific equipment
and trained staff to assist persons with disabilities, and most libraries
are wheelchair accessible. The office is also a library-wide resource for
information about the Americans with Disabilities Act, and coordinates public
programing with other specialty offices to provide a complete range of services.
Services for people with disabilities at The New York Public Library:
1. Resource Centers
- Andrew Heiskell Braille &
Talking Book Library
40 West 20th St.
New York, New York 10011-4211
(212) 206-5400
(212) 206-5458 (TTY)
The Andrew Heiskell Braille & Talking Book Library is a barrier-free
library specializing in service to persons of all ages in New York City
and Suffolk and Nassau Counties who are unable to read or handle standard
print. Certification of permanent or temporary physical limitations must
be made by a qualified professional. Application brochures are available
at all branch libraries. The collection includes recorded and braille
books which are available in the library or by postage-free mail. In addition,
Library cardholders may borrow from extensive collections of regular print
books, audiobooks and music cassettes. There are small collections of
reference books and periodicals. Personal reading machines and closed-circuit
TV enlargers are available.
- Accessibility Services, Mid-Manhattan
Library
455 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10016
(212) 340-0843
(212) 340-0931 (TTY)
Accessibility Services offers services to persons with visual,
hearing, learning and mobility impairments. Through individualized assistance
and electronic equipment, the service connects the library user with disabilities
to the full range of available library resources at the Mid-Manhattan
Library.
- Bronx Library Center
2556 Bainbridge Avenue
Bronx, New York 10458
(718) 579-4233
(718) 579-4234 (TTY)
The Bronx Library Center is equipped with the following assistive-technology
for the public: Personal Reading Machine, Closed Circuit Television Enlarger
(CCTV'S), Braille Writer, Various magnifiers, special playback equipment
for Talking Books
- St. George Library Center
5 Central Avenue
Staten Island, New York 10301
(718) 442-8560
(718) 816-6634 (TTY)
The St. George Library Center is equipped with the following assistive
technology for the public: Personal Reading Machine, Closed Circuit Television
Enlarger (CCTV's), various magnifiers,
2. Materials and Services
- Books-by-Mail
Service Hotline
212-621-0564 or TTY 212-621-0553
The New York Public Library's Books-by-mail service sends books and other
library materials to homebound persons of all ages who live in Manhattan,
the Bronx and Staten Island.
- Braille Books
Available only at the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library for eligible persons.
- Large Print Books
- Audio Books
- Talking Books
Available
only at the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library for eligible persons.
- Video Recordings for the Visually Impaired
Descriptive videos
contain added audio tracks describing on-screen action for blind and visually
impaired viewers.
- Video Recordings for the Hearing Impaired/Closed Captioned Videos
Videos with captions.
- Telephone Reference Service
212-340-0830; TTY: 212-576-0066 Ready
reference and information service.
LEO Catalog
The New York Public Library's LEO Catalog now allows you to reserve or place
holds on circulating print and non-print materials (with the exception of
"Book Express" items) owned by the branches of The New York Public Library.
There is no charge for this service. You will be notified by phone or mail
when your reserved item is available to be picked up.
The Directory of Community Services
(DCS) is an online database in English and Spanish of neighborhood not-for-profit
organizations and groups offering programs and services to the public in Manhattan,
the Bronx and Staten Island.
3. Programs
- Check the monthly Events Calendar for Adult, Children and Young
Adult programs at sites accessible to persons using wheelchairs.
- American Sign Language Interpreters can be requested for some programs.
Two weeks advance notice is required. Requests should be made to the branch
which is hosting the program.
- Listening Devices for the Hearing Impaired are available for use at library
programs upon request. Two weeks advance notice is required. Requests should
be made to the branch which is hosting the program.
For more information about any of these services, please call The Office
of Community Outreach Services (COS), or contact your Borough Community
Specialist at 212-576-0081 or 212-340-0951.
4. Programs
See our links to Disability
Information on the Internet
