Accessibility
Chapel Hill Public Library values diversity and inclusion and strives to offer facilities, services, and programs that can be enjoyed by everyone. You'll find some of our accommodations and resources below. If you have concerns about accessibility or need specific accommodations, please contact us.
Assistive Technology
This tabletop machine allows people with low vision to read by listening or by viewing magnified text in color or in high contrast modes. It's located in the main reading room corner near the Biography shelves.
All our public computers allow adjustments to the size and color of text and provide options for closed captioning, and narration. To see all available options, click on the Windows key and type ‘Ease of Access’.
We have assistive listening devices available in our public meeting rooms for use during in-library programs and events. If you are attending a library program and need to use an assistive listening device, please contact us. If you are attending a non-library sponsored event at the library, contact your event organizer.
Reading Format Options
- Located on the main floor of the library, behind the Welcome Hub
- Browse large print books in the online catalog, here.
You can access digital eBooks via the Libby App or NC Digital Library.
- Books on CD are shelved on the main floor of the library
- You can access digital audiobooks via the Libby App
Language Access
We are committed to helping people of all ages whose first language is other than English use library services and facilities. As a department of the Town of Chapel Hill, we follow the language access plan, viewable here. We translate programs and services when possible, identify bilingual staff in the building, and provide access to interpretation services. If you have questions about language assistance, or would like to request a language access accommodation (e.g., interpretation for a program), please contact us at library@townofchapelhill.org
We have collections of materials in languages other than English for all ages, including Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, and French. Find them on our online catalog, filtered by language, or ask a staff member.
Service Animals
Service Animals are permitted in the library in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and NC General Statute 168-4.2. Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. Read more about service animals in North Carolina here: https://disabilityrightsnc.org/resources/legal-guidelines-for-service-animals-in-nc/.
Sensory-Friendly Services
We offer programming designed for neurodiverse kids, teens, and adults, often in partnership with organizations like B3 Coffee and Autism Society of North Carolina. Click here to see upcoming programs.
We offer sensory kits to check out for kids and adults through our Neurodiversity and Nature initiative. Click to learn more about the program and check out materials.
- Sensory friendly items for use in the building, including fidgets and noise-cancelling headphones
- Sensory Friendly Furniture
- Sensory Garden
- Quiet Spaces (While the library does not have an official ‘quiet zone’, staff can assist patrons in finding a quiet place in the library).
Mobility Services
There are two public elevators, one next to the lobby and one next to the stairs in front of nonfiction.
There are 8 handicap accessible spaces on the Library Drive traffic circle to the left of the main library entrance, and three accessible EV-Charging spaces in the lower lots.
Around 1/3 of a mile of wheelchair-accessible greenway begins near the lower level parking lot and leads to the pollinator garden near the library terrace, including the StoryWalk, interactive features, and bird blind.