Accessibility at the Library

Wilmette Public Library offers many materials and services for patrons with all abilities and homebound patrons. If you have any questions about our accessibility services, please email or call the library at 847.256.5025.

Learn about accessibility on our website.

Meet Your Library Welcome Visits

The library welcomes patrons of all abilities. Schedule a staff-led tour to learn about library programs and resources that are just right for you and your family. Group visits are also available and may include behind-the-scenes demonstrations, sensory activities, and storytimes that can be tailored to meet accessibility needs and interests.  Call 847.256.6939 for more information. 

Social Stories

Planning a visit to Wilmette Public Library? Check out these social stories to learn what to expect and get more comfortable before your visit.

At The Library

assistive devices

Computer Assistive Devices

Patrons are able to use various assistive devices while using a computer. Available equipment includes:

  • Screen Magnifier
  • Large Type Keyboard
  • Large Trackball Mouse
  • Ergonomic Trackball Mouse
  • Microphone
  • Headphones
Scan EZ computer station with keyboard

Scan EZ Station

Touch screen computer equipped with both a flatbed and document scanner. Scan EZ touch screen includes a magnifier, narrator and a high-contrast option for greater visibility. Users can scan photos, book, and documents, and scanned content can be faxed, printed, emailed, and saved to a USB drive. Scan EZ also can output to an audio file and translate into different languages.

Image of wheelchair and walker

Wheelchair and Walker

Both of these assistive devices are available at the Circulation Desk for patron use. There is no time limit.

Image of a Hearing Loop sign

Hearing Loop

Our library has installed a hearing loop, a device that enables hearing aids to filter out background noises and reverberations, in the Auditorium. A patron with a modern hearing aid connects to the loop simply by pushing the T-coil button on their hearing aid. For those who need a boost but do not wear a hearing aid, the library provides assistive listening devices (ALDs) for use during programs held in the library auditorium.

Children playing with scarves and a wind tunnel

Sensory Friendly Programs

The Youth Services department welcomes youth patrons with all abilities and their families. Many programs are sensory friendly or adaptable, and we offer a variety of literacy materials for diverse learning.

To learn more, visit our Sensory Friendly Resources page

At Home

Image of large print collection

Large Print Collection

The library maintains a vast collection of large print books in Adult Services and also maintains a separate collection of large print titles for younger readers in our Youth Services department. 
 

Image of audiobooks collection

Audiobooks

The library has a large, up-to-date collection of fiction and nonfiction audiobooks available in downloadable form, PlayAway (pre-recorded MP3 players), and CD formats. Audiobooks are available for checkout from both the adult and youth collections. 
 

A clear white container holding 7 different multicolored assistive tools with a guide leaning against the top.

3D Printed Assistive Devices

Wilmette Public Library offers a selection of 3D printed assistive devices for daily living, suitable for all ages. 

They can be borrowed via our Library of Things collection, or ordered to purchase via our 3D printing services. 

Learn more about these devices at our webpage wilmettelibrary.info/assistivedevices.

Flashlight magnifier for reading.

Hand Magnifiers

Two handheld magnifiers are available for circulation as a part of the Library of Things collection. They can be checked out by Wilmette and Kenilworth residents only for a period of two weeks. They can be requested at the Circulation Desk.

Kids color blind glasses and black case

Color Blind Glasses

Several types of color blind glasses are available for circulation as a part of our Library of Things collection. The library offers color blind glasses for indoor use, outdoor use, and color blind glasses for children. They can be checked out by Wilmette and Kenilworth residents only for a period of two weeks. They can be requested at the Circulation Desk.

Rectangular white tablet-style lamp by the brand 'miroco.'

Light Therapy Lamp

This device simulates the natural sunlight to lift your mood and is available for circulation as a part of our Library of Things collection. It can be checked out by Wilmette and Kenilworth residents only for a period of two weeks. It can be requested at the Circulation Desk.

Image of forms for the Illinois Talking Book Library service

Illinois Talking Book Program

Talking Books are recorded books available to those with visual, physical, or reading disabilities. This free service, through the State Library, provides audiobooks, braille books, and more to Wilmette and Kenilworth cardholders. To participate, you must submit a completed application to the Illinois Talking Book Outreach Center. For more information, visit their website or call 1.800.426.0709.