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Accessibility Services

Overview

  • For persons with low mobility, the library is fully wheelchair accessible and friendly for strollers
  • All levels are easily accessed using our ADA compliant elevator
  • The main entrance has automatic door openers
  • Parking for people with low mobility is available near the main entrance building; please display the appropriate hang tag or permit
  • We offer Fusion with JAWS at a public workstation 
  • We offer Assistive Listening Devices for those attending programs in our Community Room
  • All service desks have PockeTalk Language Translators
  • We offer non-prescription reading glasses at each of our service desks
  • RPL welcomes trained and properly leashed service animals

For more information on any of these services or to suggest additional accessibility services, please email use our Ask-a-Librarian chat service or text 781-705-7117 during business hours. You can also email rdgadmin@noblenet.org  anytime.

Sensory Supports

Reading Public Library has partnered with KultureCity to promote an accessible and positive experience for visitors with diverse sensory needs.

Before your visit, adults and children can view our social story and download the free KultureCity app to see which sensory features are available and how to access them.


Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are experienced by 1 in 6 individuals, including people with autism, dementia, PTSD, and other conditions.

The annual KultureCity certification ensures that Reading Public Library staff are trained to recognize and serve guests with sensory needs, including how to safely handle sensory overload.





Library of Things Collection

Page Magnifier

LingoPen

PockeTalk Language Translator

PC Assistive Technology

We offer Fusion with JAWS at a public workstation on the main floor of the library, close to the Research and Reader’s Services desk. This software features screen magnification and a screen reader for low-vision individuals. Please ask at the desk for headphones. This workstation is also equipped with a low-vision keyboard.

Non-prescription reading glasses are also available at all service desks.

    Assistive Listening Devices for Programs

    Assistive listening systems are available for the Community Room programs. Receivers are available with headphones or induction loops for use with telecoil-enabled hearing aids. 

    Bring your wired earbuds or headphones or borrow headsets to use with the assistive listening device. If you have t-coil-enabled hearing aids or a cochlear implant, we have neck loops for use with the receiver. Please let us know if you need an ear speaker or neck loop when you request a receiver.

    If you would like to borrow an assistive listening device/receiver for a program, please contact the library at 781-944-0840 or rdgadmin@noblenet.org and ask for one. When you request a receiver, please specify whether you need an ear speaker or a neck loop.

    RPL Lockers (Contactless Pickups)

    For patrons who have autoimmune issues or simply can’t make it to the library to pick up holds during regular business hours, try the Hold Pickup Locker.  This service is available after-hours or for a quick pick-up.

    The RPL Hold Lockers are located to the right of the library's main entrance. Each hold is secure in the locker and can only be opened with your unique library account number.  Access your materials at your convenience. Have your library card number or RPL App ready!  Questions? We are here to help! Contact us at rdgcirc@noblenet.org.
    NOTE: *Museum Passes, Library of Things Collection items, Hot Spots, and Chromebooks are excluded from Hold Pickup Locker pickups.
     

    Locker Instructions

    1. Find an item* in the catalog to check out. Select “Place Hold.”
    2. On the Place Hold screen, change “Pickup location” to Reading—Hold Pickup Locker. This location must be selected when you place items on hold. Otherwise, holds will be available inside the building.
    3. Wait for the email notifying you that your holds are ready.
    4. Use your library card account number to open the assigned locker and gather your materials.
    5. Items will be held for 7 days.

    The lockers were made possible due to generous support and funding from the Reading Public Library Foundation.