Accessibility Services

Richland Library provides a variety of assistive technologies and services to ensure universal access to our collections and resources.

General Accessibility Resources
  • Request Accommodations: Contact the library at least two weeks before your event for support or accommodations to ensure a fully accessible experience.
  • Books to You Program: Library materials delivered to your home for those unable to visit the library in person.
  • Website Accessibility: We are committed to delivering a web experience aligned with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards and continuously improving accessibility so every customer can fully engage with our website.

  • Ask a Librarian: Submit questions online and get help from library staff without needing to visit or call.

     

For Customers who are Blind or Have Low Vision
  • Large Print Books: Browse online and pick up at any Richland Library location.
  • Audiobooks and Books on CD: Browse online and pick up at any Richland Library location.
  • eAudiobooks: Stream or download eAudiobooks through Libby and hoopla.
  • Braille Children’s Books: Browse online and pick up at any Richland Library location.
  • Wonderbooks: Print books with a built-in audiobook that plays aloud as you read along. Browse online and pick up at any Richland Library location.

  • Library of Things: Explore our collection of assistive technology items, including a handheld video magnifier, available for checkout at select locations.

     

For Customers with Autism or Sensory Processing Differences
  • Sensory-Friendly Events: Find sensory-friendly events at select library locations on our events calendar.
  • Multisensory Room at Richland Library Southeast: A therapeutic environment that promotes intellectual stimulation, calmness, and relaxation. Reservable following orientation.  

  • KultureCity Bags: All Richland Library locations are KultureCity Sensory Inclusive certified. All library locations offers sensory bags for use during your visit, with tools like noise-canceling headphones, fidget items, and visual cue cards, along with designated quiet spaces and signage to help customers navigate sensory-friendly areas.

     

For Customers who are Deaf or Have Hearing Impairments
  • Library of Things: Explore our collection of assistive technology items, including portable hearing loops, available for checkout at select locations.

  • Hearing Assistance Devices at Events: Listening devices are available in A/V spaces at select locations to amplify events, including Main, North Main, Northeast, Sandhills, and Ballentine.

     

For Customers with Mobility or Access Needs
  • Wheelchairs: Manual transport wheelchairs are available for use during your visit to Richland Library Main and Richland Library Sandhills.
  • Elevators: Elevators operate between levels at our multi-level locations, including Richland Library Main and Richland Library Sandhills.
  • Curbside Pickup (Library of Things): Curbside pickup for Library of Things items is available at Richland Library Main.
  • Outdoor Returns and Drive-Thru Pickup: Outdoor book returns and drive-thru holds pickup are available at Richland Library Northeast, Sandhills, St. Andrews, and Ballentine.

  • Automatic Doors: All Richland Library locations have either automatic doors or ADA button-operated door closers to support accessible entry.

     

For Customers with Young Children
  • Nursing Rooms: Available at most Richland Library locations, including all locations except Lower Richland and Eastover.
 
Library Locations with Assistive Technology 

Availability varies by location, so we encourage you to call ahead to make sure a specific tool is available before your visit.

Location
Equipment
MainJAWS, ZoomText, JAWS Scanner, Optalec, Transfer Blankets, Magnifying Glass and Sheets, Reading Glasses (availible at the third level service point), Wheelchairs, Canes
BallentineLighted clip-on magnifiers, hands-free magnifiers, adaptive writing tools and grips, EazyHold silicone handles (various sizes), Kind Mind adaptive handles (multiple sizes), Kind Mind arm extenders for added reach and stability, adaptive paint rollers and stamps, jar openers, and silicone grip pads.
BlythewoodMagnifying Sheet
EdgewoodMagnifying Glass
Lower RichlandMagnifying Glass
North MainMeeting Room equipped with Listen Technologies hearing assistance
SoutheastMultisensory Room, Magnifying Glass, Sensory Bins
SandhillsAuditorium equipped with Listen Technologies hearing assistance, Magnifying Glass
WheatleyMagnifying Glass
Assistive Technology Glossary

  • JAWS is a screen reader software that reads aloud the text on a computer screen for people who are blind or visually impaired. 

  • JAWS Scanner can be used with the JAWS computer to scan printed text to be read aloud by the JAWS program.

  • ZoomText is a screen magnification and reading software that enlarges and enhances what’s on a computer screen for people with low vision. This computer is equipped with high contrast large print keyboard.
  • Optalec is a video magnifier that magnifies text and images for people with low vision.