Access for Researchers with Disabilities

All of our research centers at The New York Public Library are fully accessible to patrons with disabilities, and the Library staff is always available to assist. Find out what resources are available at each research center by consulting the lists below, or contact each center directly about accessibility. Find out about accessibility across NYPL’s locations.

For Patrons Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision

All of the Library’s public access computers are equipped with easy-to-use font enlargement functions, as well as specialized software, JAWS and MAGic. JAWS is a computer screen reading program for people who are blind or have low vision, and MAGic is a screen magnification program that enlarges words or images on a computer screen.

• Every public PC at all New York Public Library locations is equipped with JAWS screen reading software and Fusion software for enlarging the screen, changing colors and contrast, and screenreading.

• The Eye Pal Solo Reading Machine can read aloud a standard letter-sized page (8.5 x 11") of clearly printed text. Please note that patrons will need to bring their own headphones to use this device.
• Text magnifiers are available, which enable different levels of magnification and enhanced lighting for easier reading of printed material.

• Text magnifiers are available, which enable different levels of magnification and enhanced lighting for easier reading of printed material.
• A magnifying sheet is available at the South Hall reference desk.

• Kurzweil Personal Readers, which convert printed text into synthetic, are available.

For Patrons Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Automatically generated captions can be added to any virtual consultation using Google Meet. If you require American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation or Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services for either virtual or in-person consultations, please note your needs while booking your consultation in the description of your research project or query. Availability of accessible services may affect the time or date of your appointment.

Learn more about services for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing across the Library.

For Patrons Who Use Wheelchairs

The Library incorporates ADA-compliant ramps, doorways, restrooms and elevators throughout its branches and research centers. Reading tables, computer workstations, and service desks are at a comfortable level. Find out how accessible a branch is by looking for the wheelchair icon here.

• The Schomburg Center is fully accessible to patrons who use wheelchairs. There are wheelchair seating spaces in the auditorium.

• Wheelchair-accessible microfilm reader/printers are available.

Support for services for people with disabilities was made possible, in part, by a grant from Filomen M. D'Agostino Foundation.

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