Multnomah County Library provides a variety of services for people with disabilities. To request an accommodation, please fill out this form or contact us.
Account assistance
The library offers several options that may make it easier to manage your library card account. These include longer loan and hold periods. Please contact us for details.
Attending events and classes
For an accommodation at a library event or class, fill out this form or contact us. Please give us two business days (Monday-Friday) notice.
Browsing assistance
Patrons who need assistance browsing the collection may make a one-on-one appointment with staff. Fill out this form or contact us to make an appointment.
Service animals
Multnomah County Library welcomes service animals in the library. Service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are dogs or, in some cases miniature horses, that have been trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Pets, companion and emotional support or therapy animals are not allowed in the library. More information about Service animals at Multhomah County Library.
Blindness and low vision
Audio description
The library buys movies with audio description when available.
Bookshare e-books
Bookshare e-books have functions for people with print disabilities, including low vision, dyslexia and the inability to hold a physical book. Adults with a library card can get free access through the library. Students can get access through their school.
JAWS and ZoomText in the library
JAWS (a screen-reading program) and ZoomText (a screen-magnification program) are available at all library locations, along with basic instructions. Library staff are not able to help with JAWS and ZoomText.
Large-print, e-books and audiobooks
All libraries have large-print books and audiobooks. You can download e-books and audiobooks from the library's website. Library Outreach Services can deliver large print materials and audiobooks to homebound adults.
Magnification devices and CCTV
Magnifying glasses and sheets are available at every library location. Ask at the reference desk.
Central and Hillsdale libraries offer a video magnifier (CCTV) for patrons who need higher magnification.
Special mice and keyboards
Large trackball mice and large type keyboards are available. Ask at the desk.
Talking Book and Braille Library
Talking Book and Braille Services (through Oregon State Library) provides free library materials and services to Oregonians who have trouble reading or holding a regular book. To learn more or to see if you qualify, call 800.452.0292 or visit the Talking Book and Braille Library website.
Deafness and hearing loss
Assistive listening system
This listening system helps people hear better during library programs and events. It filters the sound to emphasize the voices and transmits it to a receiver you wear around your neck. If you have a hearing aid with a t-switch, the sound can be sent directly to the hearing aid. Fill out this form or contact us to request the system for a library program. Please give us two business days (Monday-Friday) notice.
Closed-captioned movies
The library buys closed-captioned editions of movies when available.
Sign language interpreters and assistive listening devices
If you have a disability and need accommodations for an event or class, please fill out the accommodation request form or contact us. Please give us two business days (Monday-Friday) notice to allow us to better serve you.
Video sign language interpretation
The library has live video sign language interpretation at Central, Gresham, Hillsdale and Rockwood libraries. Please stop in and give it a try. Contact us for more information.
Mobility
Access to library locations
All libraries and their restrooms meet ADA standards.
Accessible computers
Most adaptive technology computers are at the ends of tables to make it easy to access if you are using a mobility aid or wheelchair.
Large trackball mice and large type keyboards are available. Ask at the desk.
Bookshare e-books
Bookshare e-books have functions for people with print disabilities, including low vision, dyslexia and the inability to hold a physical book. Adults with a library card can get free access through the library. Students can get access through their school.
Contact a librarian
You can contact us using chat, email or phone (503.988.5123).
Lapboards
Lapboards are available for people who need to reposition the keyboard. They can be used at any Internet station and can be placed on the lap or across the arms of a wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Library Outreach Services
Library Outreach Services provides library services to those unable to come to the library, including:
- homebound adults
- residents of retirement or adult care homes
- residents of assisted living facilities
We deliver books and other library materials by mail or in person. Call 503.988.5404 to find out about becoming an outreach patron.
Sensory/Autism Spectrum
Sensory Accommodation Kits
The library welcomes all children, including those with autism and sensory processing disorder. Kits to assist with sensory processing differences are available at all locations in the children’s areas and are for in-library use. The kits have tools to help with background noises and other distractions, and to help calm.
Sensory Storytime
This preschool storytime is especially welcoming for children on the spectrum and families who are looking for a smaller, more adaptive library experience. Find Sensory Storytime locations, dates and times.
Dyslexia and other reading disabilities
Bookshare e-books
Bookshare e-books have functions for people with print disabilities, including low vision, dyslexia and the inability to hold a physical book. Adults with a library card can get free access through the library. Students can get access through their school.
Americans with Disabilities Act compliance
Multnomah County ADA/Disability Notice and Complaint Process
For more information about any of these services, please contact us.
