Accessibility
Improving access for people with disabilities means improved access for all. Contra Costa County Library is dedicated to removing barriers to access and improving services and opportunities for everyone. The Library plays an important role in the lives of people with disabilities by facilitating full participation in society through a variety of free services, assistive technology, events, resources and more.
Download a brochure for information about how the Library provides access for people through technology solutions, free services, resource information, and programs.
All libraries may be contacted by calling TTY: Call 711. Give the operator the number of the library you want to call.
Assistive Technologies
Library Accommodations
Assistive Technologies by Library Locations
All Contra Costa County Library locations have the following:
- Large Print Keyboard
- Trackball Mouse
- 20/20 Pen
- Signature Guide
- 3x Handheld Magnifier
- Headphones
- T-Coil Looping (Assistive Hearing Device)
- Dewey Pictograms
- Rollators (Rolling walkers)*
- Screenreaders
*Due to space limitations, rollators are not available at Crockett and Rodeo.
Video Magnifiers
Uses a camera and a screen or monitor to magnify images and text. These machines will magnify small print that you find on newspapers, pill bottles, food items, and will also magnify photos, three-dimensional objects, and more. The magnification of images is up to 70 times their original size, making even the smallest items easy to see.
Video magnifiers are located at the following libraries: Clayton, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Pittsburg, San Pablo, Walnut Creek, Ygnacio Valley.
Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT)
Induction loop systems are available at all Contra Costa County Library locations. These devices may be used with the t-coil in your hearing aid. The Library has a Portable Loop system that can be used at Library programs with 72 hours notice.
Walnut Creek Library has receivers that may be used with a headset.
C-Pen Reader Pens
A portable scanning device that reads text aloud in English or Spanish, assisting language learners and those with reading difficulties. These devices are located in the Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Dougherty Station, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Moraga, Martinez, Orinda, Pittsburg, San Pablo, San Ramon and Walnut Creek libraries. Use them in the library or check it out for a 3-week lending period.
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Digital Resources
OverDrive eBooks and eAudiobooks
eBook features include OpenDyslexic font, and ability change font style, font weight, line spacing, and layout. Speed is adjustable for eAudiobooks.
Kanopy Streaming Video Service
Includes captions, transcripts and the service is compatible with visual impairment technologies.
Brainfuse HelpNow
Services are ADA compliant and conform to section 508 Standards and adhere to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
LearningExpress Library
Includes transcripts for videos, descriptive page titles, and alternate text for meaningful images.
EBSCO Databases
Provide text-to-speech on all HTML full-text articles.
Explora Research Database
Points of View
Literary Reference Center Plus
Project Second Chance
Project Second Chance (PSC) is the Library's Adult Literacy Program. It offers free, one-on-one reading, writing, and spelling tutoring to people who read or write below the sixth-grade level. PSC students are 16 years or older, out of high school, and speak English well enough to talk by phone or in person. PSC serves many adults with suspected learning disabilities, like dyslexia.
Assistance Animals
Assistance animals are welcome in all Contra Costa County Library locations. Assistance animals include service animals and support animals. An assistance animal is not a pet. It is an animal that works, provides assistance, or performs tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, or provides emotional, cognitive, or similar support that alleviates one or more identified symptoms or effects of an individual’s disability.
Event Accommodations
Contra Costa County Library considers the needs of users with disabilities in the planning and layout of public programming, meeting spaces and facilities. The Library makes every effort to provide reasonable accommodations as requested by individuals with special needs with 72 hours notice.
To request an accommodation for any of the Library’s programs, services, or activities, please inform the branch manager of your accommodation request.
Delivery Services
Books for the Homebound
We serve all homebound patrons, regardless of their disability, if they are unable to go to the library on their own, provided we have a volunteer available. The volunteer will deliver and pick up for return, books and audiobooks from the library.
To register for this service, or for more information, please complete this form. Books for the Homebound is provided free of charge.
California State Library Braille and Talking Book Library
The Braille and Talking Book Library, opens a new window lends braille, cassette, and talking books, magazines and playback equipment to northern Californians unable to read conventional print. To use this service, you must register with the California State Library. Download the application form from their website or visit any Contra Costa County Library location to obtain the application.
Search the contents of their collection.
Resources for Accessibility
OverDrive/Libby
Brainfuse - Live Tutoring Help
LearningExpress
Points of View Reference Center
Insiders Programs
Insiders programs offer people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to develop confidence while navigating the library, experiencing library events and accessing library services and resources.
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