We strive to make the Library, our collections and services accessible to everyone in the community. This page includes some of the ways we make the Library more accessible if you need any accommodations. 
 

Getting help at the Library 

Any of our staff members will be happy to help you if you need extra assistance while you are visiting the Library. 
 

Our collections

• Large print collection. We offer a wide variety of large print books which you can find in our catalog. Our helpful staff are also able to help you find titles. Search our catalog.

• Audiobooks. We have a great collection of audiobooks on CD and Playaways. You can also download e-audiobooks to play on a variety of devices. Search our catalog.
   

North Carolina Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NCLBPH)

The NCLBPH is a special public library that circulates books and magazines especially made for persons who cannot use regular printed material because of a visual or physical disability. The library is located in Raleigh, but mails materials throughout the state. Learn more at http://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/lbph.
 

Adaptive equipment

Services for low vision / physically disabled customers are located throughout the system. Please call ahead to your local Library branch to check availability of computer stations fitted with the following assistive software and equipment:

• TOPAZ® HD is a video magnifier that allows reading and performing daily tasks, with a wide magnification range, gliding reading table, lots of workspace under the camera, LED lighting, and unique features like Find and Freeze Frame. This device is currently available at Allegra Westbrooks Regional, Independence and South County Regional Libraries.

• JAWS is a popular screen reader that allows blind and low vision users to surf the Internet, use any of the Microsoft products or do pretty much anything else that a person with full sight would want to do.

• ​Kurzweil is a reading program for low vision users and people with learning disabilities. Use Kurzweil to scan text (books, documents, etc.). It then reads the text at the same time as it displays it on the monitor. Kurzweil includes a dictionary, a translation tool and many other useful study aids.

• ZoomText is a screen magnifier. It works with any program, magnifying the view anywhere from normal (1) to as high as 36 times normal.

For visitors with dexterity issues, we offer use of an Intellikeys keyboard. This keyboard has a Lucite cover that makes it easier to find and hit the desired key. Again, please confirm with your local Library branch that this equipment is available prior to visiting the branch.

In addition, all of our accessible stations have:

• Keyboards with high contrast, enlarged characters

• Wheel chair accessible desks that can be electronically adjusted for height

• Access to the Windows Assistive Technologies (Magnifier, Narrator, On-Screen Keyboard)
   

Chromebooks can help customers with visual impairments explore the web

The Library offers a limited number of Chromebooks for use by customers while in the Library. Customers can check out a Chromebook for a single two-hour session a day. Chromebooks offer adaptive features like screen magnification and a program called ChromeVox, a screen reading program that allows users to explore the web with the help of synthesized speech. This equipment was purchased through a State Library LSTA Grant, and is being utilized to give more accessibility options to customers with visual impairments. Details about borrowing Chromebooks can be found on our Borrower Policy page.
 

Program accommodations

Coming to an event or program and need any special accommodations? Be sure to let us know. 
 

Special needs

For information about services for those with disabilities or special needs, visit our Special Needs page. 
 

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is committed to providing equitable access to information for all. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Library staff will make good faith efforts to accommodate reasonable requests for assistance in obtaining, accessing and making use of Library resources, materials and services.