Accessibility at the Library

The Poughkeepsie Public Library District strives to make everyone feel welcome. Each of our library locations, including the Rover Bookmobile, are fully accessible by wheelchair. At Adriance Memorial Library, the accessible entrance is from the parking lot off Noxon Road (use GPS 22 Noxon Street).

Service animals are permitted at any location.

Accessible Collections:

Audiobooks (on CD and downloadable)
New York State Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL)*
Large-print books
eBooks
eMagazines
DVDs

*Although the library does not have a Braille collection, librarians are available to assist patrons with the New York State Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL). This is an incredible resource for New York residents who are unable to use standard print due to visual, physical, or reading disabilities.

Learn more about resources for the visually impaired.

For Patrons Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing:

Request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation by emailing administration@poklib.org. Requests must be submitted at least 10 business days in advance. Information needed: your name, email, telephone number, name of the event or program, date, and the library where it will be held.

Assistive Listening: Boardman Road Branch Library has a portable hearing loop system, allowing participants with compatible hearing aids and cochlear implants to receive the audio signal. Please let us know if you would like to use the assisted listening device so that we can ensure an IT technician is available to connect you.

Extension Services:

The Library District offers extension services to patrons who are unable to get to the library. The service is by application and certification. Individuals (or their caregivers) who are interested in home visits should print the application and submit it to the Library District.

Website:

The Poughkeepsie Public Library District aims to provide a website that is accessible to our patrons. We are currently in the process of redesigning our website to meet the World Wide Web Consortium’s Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, level AA standards.

Please note that our website links to other websites and platforms we do not control. We will be working with our vendors to improve accessibility on a continuing basis. If there are issues using any of our external vendors or services, we want to know and can act as a liaison to request fixes, or we will work to get information to you in another manner, if possible.

ReciteMe is an innovative web accessibility tool that allows you to customize this website easily for your needs. Recite includes text-to-speech functionality, dyslexia software, an interactive dictionary, a translation tool with over 100 languages, and many other features. Simply click the word. “Accessibility Tools”, from our right uppermost menu to activate the toolbar.

If any problems arise in accessing any part of this website, please contact us so that we can help out. For accessibility-related issues, contact the library’s web administrator at any of the options provided that are best for you.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated in identifying and enhancing our web services.

View the library’s Social Stories:

Adriance Memorial Library

View the Adriance Memorial Library Social Story.

Download the Adriance Memorial Social Story as a PDF.

Printed copies are also available at each checkout desk.

Boardman Road Branch Library

View the Boardman Road Branch Library Social Story.

Download the Boardman Road Branch Library Social Story as a PDF.

Printed copies are also available at each checkout desk.

What are Social Stories?

“A Social Story is a simple story that describes a social situation and the appropriate way to act in that situation. The story can teach kids about a certain event, skill (such as sharing), or topic (for example, how everybody is different). The simple language and pictures in social stories help children at various ages understand what to expect and how to respond in certain scenarios.” Source

Visit the ThinkDIFFERENTLY website as a starting point to find the services and connections you and your family need.