Accessibility Services

We are committed to making library collections, spaces, and services accessible to all.
Collections
  • Large print books
  • Downloadable ebooks with adjustable size font display
  • Audiobooks available on CD, Playaway (MP3), or as digital downloads
  • A collection of braille books for children
  • List of descriptive audio DVDs: New DVDS and DVDS
Spaces
Visiting Robbins Library
  • The library’s lot includes two accessible parking spaces.
  • An entrance ramp from the parking lot brings pedestrians and mobility devices to the front door.
  • Automatic door buttons are available.
  • All floors are accessible by elevator.
  • The Robbins Library Community Room entrance includes two steps or lift for mobility devices.
  • Two restrooms on the first floor offer standard-height fixtures. Lower level restrooms off of the Robbins Library Community Room have standard-height fixtures. Two restrooms in the Children’s room have child-height fixtures.
  • Most study carrels and tables have a clearance of 26″inches.
  • The circulation desk offers an accessible service point. Reference staff work with visitors to accommodate needs.
  • Self checkout table in the Reading Room easily adjusts via a button for height/wheelchair access.
  • Hearing assistance available for events in our Community Room
Visiting Fox Library
  • The main floor of the Fox Library is accessible with some assistance (though not by ADA standards) by way of the Mass Ave entrance, which has a 2.5″ rise. The main entrance on Cleveland St. has one step into the lobby.
  • Handicap parking spots are available on Cleveland St. and Mass Ave.
  • An accessible bathroom with child-height fixtures is adjacent to the children’s area on the main floor.
  • The lower level community room and bathrooms are accessed via a flight of stairs and are not accessible to strollers or mobility devices.
  • Library staff work with visitors to accommodate needs.
Assistive Services and Technology
Assistive Services
  • Service animals are welcome.
  • Contactless Pickup is available for items placed available items placed on hold. Schedule pick up of materials from the vestibule area just inside the first set of doors. Books and other library materials will already be checked out for you.
  • Request a Grab Bag. If you would like a librarian-selected variety based on your preferences: fill out a Library Grab Bag request form. You will receive an email notice or a phone call when your item(s) are ready.
  • We offer a Homebound Delivery Service for Arlington residents who are permanently or temporarily homebound. (Please note: this program is temporarily suspended)
Assistive Technology at Robbins Reference Desk
  • Handheld analog magnifier
  • 8.5 x 11 full sheet magnifier.
  • Zoomax Snow handheld video magnifier
  • Pockettalker 2.0 personal amplifier
  • Azio LED large screen keyboard
  • NVDA screen reader available on desktop computers
  • Anker ergonomic mice
  • Accessible laptop vending machine
Assistive Technology at Fox Desk
  • Zoomax Snow handheld video magnifier
  • Pockettalker 2.0 personal amplifier
  • Azio LED large screen keyboard
  • NVDA screen reader available on desktop computers
  • Anker ergonomic mice
Local and Regional Accessibility Resources
Local

Arlington Disability Commission : The Disability Commission provides information, referral, guidance, and technical assistance to insure that people with physical, sensory, cognitive, and other disabilities have equal access to Town facilities, services, and programs.

Regional

Massachusetts Office on Disability: State agency whose primary mission is to assure access to state and local programs, activities, and services for people with disabilities.

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission: State agency responsible for Vocational Rehabilitation Services and eligibility determination for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) federal benefits programs.

DisabilityInfo: This index helps people with disabilities find the information they need. We collect and keep up-to-date information on programs, providers and services in Massachusetts that have something to offer to people with disabilities. INDEX is a project of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

New England ADA Center:  Provides information, guidance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), tailored to meet the needs of business, government and individuals at local, regional and national levels.

Perkins Library:  The Perkins Library has provided accessible reading material to people with visual impairment and other disabilities since 1837.  Today, the library distributes more than half a million accessible books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs and more, at no cost to the estimated 28,000 patrons served annually.

Disability Law Center:  Protection and advocacy agency for the rights of Massachusetts residents with disabilities.