Accessibility Services

The Bloomfield Township Public Library has these materials and services in place to accommodate library users.

Blind & Low Vision | Deaf & Hard of Hearing | Limited Mobility | Neurodivergent Needs | Additional Services

The Bloomfield Township Public Library has these materials and services in place to accommodate library users. Please contact us if you require any additional accommodations. If you need any assistance during your visit to the Library, please notify any staff member or visit any public service desk. For more information please read The Americans with Disabilities Act Policy Statement on Library Programs. If you are unable to come to the Library, please contact us!

For People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision

  • Signage in Braille.
  • Braille Books in the Adult Services and Youth Services rooms.
  • Large Print Books in both the Adult Services and Youth Services rooms.
  • JAWS screen reading software on all public computers. Some computer stations feature large print and high-contrast keyboards
  • Handheld magnifiers for use in the Library available at both the Adult and Youth Services Desks.
  • Audio Book Collections on CDs, MP3 CDs. Downloadable eBook and eAudio collections available for eReaders, laptops, tablets, computers, and smartphones. Accessibility options on OverDrive and Libby.
  • Optelec Spectrum Magnifying Reader in the Adult Services Area. This device allows a person with low vision to magnify printed and handwritten materials.
  • Reading Pens are available for use in the Library as well as for check out as part of our Low Vision VITALITY Kit and in our Accessibility Support Collection (ASC).
  • Large print copies of program handouts and other Library flyers and resources are available upon request. An electronic copy of Library presentations via a USB will be made available if needed. Please let us know at least 7 business days in advance of the program should you require these services.

For People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

  • DVD films with subtitles and closed captioning.
  • PocketTalker Pro portable amplifiers for use on computers in the Youth Room.
  • Signed Story Kits with picture books and a DVD of the story signed in American Sign Language available in the Youth Accessibility Support Collection (ASC).
  • A personal amplification system may be used during Library programs in the Community Room. Please contact Administrative at least five business days before the program to reserve it for your use.
  • Sign language interpreters for Library programs will be provided upon request and with ample time to schedule. Please contact Administration at least 14 business days in advance of the program to schedule this service. If you cannot attend the program, please contact us promptly to cancel your request.

For People With Limited Mobility

  • Accessible parking spaces.
  • Electronic assisted door openers.
  • Wheelchair-accessible restrooms.
  • Wheelchairs, wheeled walkers, child strollers and motorized scooters available for use in the Library.
  • Elevator for access to our Lower Level meeting room spaces.
  • Sit down computer stations and stations that accommodate wheelchairs.

For People With Neurodivergent Needs

  • Library social narrative to help individuals prepare for a Library visit by “touring” the library with photographs and simple narrative to see what to expect before visiting in person. Behavior visuals were developed for us by the Autism Alliance of Michigan. Social narrative and visuals are available on our website here.
  • Sound reduction headphones available in Youth Services.

Additional Assistive Devices and Collections

  • The Youth Accessibility Support Collection (ASC) consists of books, story boxes, toys, speech therapy cards, Discovery Skills Kits, and audiovisual items designed for youth with disabilities and/or different learning needs along with their caregivers.
  • The Adult Accessibility Support Collection (ASC) features fiction, nonfiction materials, guides, DVDs, and Braille books for teens and adults with disabilities.
  • VITALITY Kits are a collection of books, DVDs, audio CDs, games and tools for daily living focused on improving the quality of life for senior citizens, caregivers, and their loved ones.  Various magnifiers, sound amplifiers, reading pens, and other devices are available to patrons to check out in the Adult Services area.
  • Capability switches that can operate a switch-optional device with minimal pressure or movement are available for check out.
  • The Bloomfield Township Public Library offers a Library By Mail Program for patrons of all ages, including children and elderly individuals. This is the perfect program for those who are immunocompromised, who have vulnerable household members or who are restricted to their homes. We will send requested Library materials to you in the mail, and you’ll generally receive the material you’ve requested within a week. Residents of retirement homes, assisted-living facilities, or nursing homes can also use this service. Some restrictions apply. To sign up to receive books or other material by mail, call us at (248) 642-5800, or email us at askadult@btpl.org or askyouth@btpl.org.
  • An Accessibility Support Station in Youth Services offers a desktop PC with additional software/downloads and adapted accessories geared to people of all ages and abilities along with their caregivers. This station has “active seating” and an iPad with apps geared to youth working on developmental skills.