Accessibility

Accessibility Services

Accessibility Services FAQ

  • Alameda County Library is always working to make our facilities and services more welcoming and accessible.

    Available accommodations include (but are not limited to):

    Requests for specific accommodations can be made by contacting your local Alameda County Library location or Accessibility Services.

  • Every library provides Pocketalkers for in-library use. Pocketalkers are personal sound amplifiers that help users hear more of what they want to hear and less of what they don't. They achieve this by reducing background noise and allowing the user to focus on and amplify specific sounds.

    Pocketalkers are ideal for library programs, film showings, group discussions, one-on-one conversation, and for library use in general. Using a Pocketalker is as simple as plugging in a pair of headphones (or using the included pair), positioning the microphone near the preferred sound, and adjusting the volume to your desired setting. 

    Visit any of our libraries' Reference Desks to borrow a Pocketalker for use during your next library visit. 

    In addition, we have RF (radio frequency)-based assistive listening systems from Listen Technologies at the Albany, Castro Valley, Dublin, Fremont Main and Newark libraries. These systems are great for larger events and programs. Users can adjust the volume of the presentation audio on an individual basis using an RF receiver. Simply let staff know if you would like the presenters to provide event or program audio through one of these systems. 

    If you require accommodations for a specific library program, please contact the library where the program is being held or message Accessibility Services at least seven (7) days in advance. 

  • Service animals are welcome in all of our libraries. We love all animals, but pets, emotional support animals, and other animals that have not been trained to perform specific acts directly related to an individual’s disability are not allowed into our libraries.

Resources

Braille and Talking Book Library

Free books and equipment for eligible persons who cannot read standard print material due to visual, physical, or organic dysfunction.
dial 711

Using the California Relay Service

If you have limitations hearing or speaking a specially-trained Communications Assistant can relay telephone conversations. Dial 711.

The Center for Independent Living

TheCIL's programs provide people with skills and resources so that they are able to strive toward realizing their full human potential.

Community Resources for Independent Living

CRIL is a non-profit organization that offers independent living services to people with disabilities.

Accessible Books

Accessible Books

Accessible Movies & TV

Diverse Reads

Diverse Reads

Diverse Reads: Kids with disabilities (an ACL book list)

Each of these books features a main character with a disability, but they aren't all about life with a disability.

Diverse Reads: Middle grade with neuro-atypical characters

Each of these books features a main character who's neuro-atypical in some way.

Ableism and Disability Rights

These resources explain the basics of ableism and the on-going fight for disabled rights by members of the disabled community.
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