Accessibility Statement
Somerville Public Library, in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations that include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to, or in the administration of, its programs, services, and activities for the public.
The Main Library and East Branch Library are wheelchair accessible; the historic West Branch Library is not. In accordance with these laws, the Somerville Public Library will make reasonable accommodation to the known physical and mental limitations of people with disabilities in order to provide an equal opportunity to enjoy and participate in the Library's programs, services, and activities available to the public. The Library will not retaliate against any individual who has complained of or opposed a violation of the ADA or of Section 504.
An individual who feels aggrieved need not exhaust his or her administrative remedies at the local level before filing a complaint with the state or federal agency. Individuals who need auxiliary aids for effective communication or any other reasonable accommodation are invited to make their needs known to the City’s ADA Coordinator, Nency Salamoun. She can be reached at 617-625-6600 x2323 or nsalamoun@somervillema.gov. The City of Somerville's disability policy, and also a link to Somerville's Accessibility Survey, can be found on the City's Commission for Persons with Disabilities page.
Home Delivery Service
The library provides home delivery service of books and other library materials to older adults, people with disabilities and other patrons who are unable to come to the library, or arrange for a family member, friend, or other assistant to come for them. Please call the Reference Desk at 617-623-5000 x 2955 if you wish to inquire about this service.
Assistive Technology
The Somerville Public Library is committed to providing easy access, adaptive technology, and other resources to individuals with disabilities.
- The Library has audiobooks available on a number of formats, including CDs, Playaways, and digital content accessible through apps (including Libby and Hoopla).
- The Library offers large-print titles at all branches, and there is a Merlin book magnifier located in the Central Library’s Wellington Hall.
- All patron PCs and chromebooks offer a range of assistive options, including screen magnifiers and text-to-voice options.
- The Library provides headphones for use with computers and other devices. They are available at service desks at all Library locations.
For more information contact Tim Devin, Technology Librarian, at 617-623-5000 x 2963, or tdevin@somervillema.gov
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.
The following is a link to the ADA webpage related to Service Animals. http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm