Accessibility
The Worcester Public Library is committed to digital accessibility and to providing an inclusive, user-friendly experience across our websites and digital services for all users.
To support this commitment, the library follows the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, internationally recognized standards designed to make web content accessible to people of all abilities. We strive to meet or exceed these guidelines to ensure our website and digital platforms are usable by everyone, including individuals with disabilities.
We are continuously working to improve the accessibility of our website and digital resources. While we make every effort to ensure full accessibility, some content or third-party tools may present technological or practical challenges that require additional time to resolve. We appreciate your patience as we work to provide equal access for all.
If you experience difficulty accessing content on our website, encounter an accessibility barrier, or need assistance or reasonable accommodations, please contact us at comms@mywpl.org. Library staff will review reported issues and work with you to provide accessible content and services that meet your needs as part of our ongoing accessibility efforts.
Services, Collections, and Equipment
To assist patrons when they visit, WPL has two wheelchairs and a walker available at the Main Library. Patrons must be able to operate the wheelchair/walker on their own, as no staff assistance will be provided. Please ask the security guard or staff at the Welcome Desk if you need to use these during your visit.
Wheelchairs/walkers must be returned to Welcome Desk. Upon request, library staff will assist with the retrieval of books.
Computers with zoom text and JAWS screen readers, as well as a braille printer are available in the Worcester Talking Book Library within the Main Library. There is an Optelec Video Magnifier available in the Local History area. All library equipment, including the self-checkouts and self-returns meet ADA compliance guidelines.
WPL holds a number of collections that may assist patrons with disabilities, including downloadable audiobooks, ebooks, DVDs with subtitles and closed-captioning capabilities, language learning materials, and large print collections.
Building Access
The Main Library has handicapped accessible parking spaces in the McGrath Parking Lot and two handicapped accessible spaces on Library Lane. The Library Lane entrance is at street level, while the Franklin Street entrance has an accessible ramp.
All WPL locations are wheelchair accessible, including both of the mobile libraries. Whenever possible the library will make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities in order to provide an equal opportunity to enjoy and participate in the programs, services, and activities we offer.
The security gates at each entrance of the Main Library are equipped with a doorbell, so patrons with a pacemaker or cochlear device can alert WPL staff that they need assistance. Staff members will then turn the security gates off so patrons can safely enter. Alternatively, you may call 508-799-1655 ext. 3 to alert staff that you need assistance.
Worcester Talking Book Library
The Worcester Talking Book Library (WTBL) provides free services to Massachusetts residents of any age who are unable to read traditional print materials due to a visual or physical disability. The WTBL has access to more than 1.2 million volumes of digital books including large type, described videos, braille, and magazine titles in recorded and braille format, and provides mail-order service by telephone, as well as immediate service on a walk-in basis. Learn more about WTBL and the available services on their website.
WTBL also offers a list of accessibility options for computers and mobile devices.
Service Animals
Only service animals are allowed in the library in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Massachusetts General Laws, Ch. 272, Sec. 98A. Other animals are not allowed. For more information visit the ADA webpage related to Service Animals.
Library Programming
The Saxe Room in the Main Library has assistive listening equipment. The room also has a sound system and provides microphones for meeting use.
Programs hosted on Zoom have automatic closed captioning enabled.
To request a disability accommodation and/or language services for a library program, fill out this form with advance notice of at least two weeks.
