Accessible Services

Library Materials

  • Large print collection: The library offers a variety of large print books which you can find in our catalog, or ask our staff for help! Browse the large print collection.
  • Audiobooks: We have a large collection of audiobooks on CD. Browse the books on CD collection.
    • We also have Overdrive/Libby and Hoopla, which offer downloadable audiobooks that you can play on a phone, tablet, or computer.
  • Ebooks: In addition to audiobooks, Overdrive/Libby and Hoopla offer eBooks that can be read on a phone, tablet, or computer, and allow you to adjust the font to whatever size is comfortable for you.
  • Assistance Retrieving Library Materials: We are always happy to help you retrieve library materials. If you encounter any difficulty reaching the materials you need, please let us know and we will get them for you.
  • Homebound Delivery: For patrons generally confined to the residence either temporarily, due to illness or accident, or permanently, due to age, disability, or other mobility problems.This service is limited to residents of the City of Portsmouth who have a Portsmouth Public Library card. Read more and register for the program on our Homebound Delivery page.

Programming

  • Closed Captioning/Subtitles: When the library shows films in person or in online programming, we make sure that subtitles or closed captioning are available and turned on. For some online programs using Zoom meetings, we will be using Zoom's live closed-captioning to provide real-time transcription of guest speakers and staff. To check whether an event you're attending will be using this service, please contact Kristi, our Programming Coordinator.
  • Program Accommodations: The library is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, please contact Kristi, our Programming Coordinator. Please let us know at least two weeks before the event if you require any special accommodations.

Facilities

  • Accessible Parking: There are two marked spaces near the main entrance of the library, including one van-accessible space, and two additional marked spaces at the street entrance to the parking lot.
  • Accessible Restrooms: There are restrooms on both floors of the library. The first floor restrooms include wheelchair-accessible stalls, and the second floor restrooms are single occupancy, gender-neutral restrooms. There are also single occupancy restrooms on the first floor in the Youth department.
  • Automatic Double Doors: The main entrance to the library features automatic sliding doors for hands-free entry.
  • Elevator: An elevator provides access to both floors.
  • Quiet Zones: The library is not a silent space, but there are areas on both floors where we promote quiet use of the space.
  • Wheelchair Accessibility: All aisles in the library are of sufficient width to allow patrons using wheelchairs to maneuver. Computer tables and study desks of different heights are available, and most will permit the use of a wheelchair.
  • Wheelchair & Walker: Both a manual wheelchair and a walker are available for use in the library.

Assistive Technology

  • CCTV / Desktop Magnifier: The library has an Optelec Clearview+ with 22" monitor and standard arm. It is simple to use, and our librarians are happy to help you get started! Watch a video overview of the Optelec Clearview or read the full manual.
  • Screen Magnification Software: Microsoft’s Magnifier program is installed on all of our public computers. Please ask at the reference desk if you would like assistance with this software.
  • Magnifying Glass: A magnifying glass is available for use in the library, and can be borrowed from the reference desk.
  • Large Print Keyboards: Two keyboards with yellow keys and large, bold letters and numbers.
  • Voice to Text: All of the public computers have Windows 10, which allows voice to text typing. To get started, press the Windows Logo Key + H, and follow the directions here.

Other

  • Email Reference Services: In addition to visiting us in person or calling on the phone, you can also ask questions via email by filling out this form.
  • Online Library Card Application: Visit this page to learn more and register for a library card online.
  • Proxy Borrowing: If it is difficult to come to the library in person, you may send someone else to borrow items on your card. Please make sure they have your card with them whenever they visit the library. All items borrowed during this time are the responsibility of the cardholder. To provide this person with full access to your account, including holds and renewals, please fill out a privacy card – contact the Circulation Department at 603-427-1540 for more information.
Content

Services for People with No or Low Vision

  • Large print collection: The library offers a variety of large print books which you can find in our catalog, or ask our staff for help! Browse the large print collection.
  • Audiobooks: We have a large collection of audiobooks on CD. Browse the books on CD collection.
    • We also have Overdrive/Libby and Hoopla, which offer downloadable audiobooks that you can play on a phone, tablet, or computer.
  • Ebooks: In addition to audiobooks, Overdrive/Libby and Hoopla offer eBooks that can be read on a phone, tablet, or computer, and allow you to adjust the font to whatever size is comfortable for you.
  • CCTV / Desktop Magnifier: The library has an Optelec Clearview+ with 22" monitor and standard arm. It is simple to use, and our librarians are happy to help you get started! Watch a video overview of the Optelec Clearview or read the full manual.
  • Assistance Retrieving Library Materials: We are always happy to help you retrieve library materials. If you encounter any difficulty reaching the materials you need, please let us know and we will get them for you.
  • Screen Magnification Software: Microsoft’s Magnifier program is installed on all of our public computers. Please ask at the reference desk if you would like assistance with this software.
  • Magnifying Glass: A magnifying glass is available for use in the library, and can be borrowed from the reference desk.
  • Large Print Keyboards: Two keyboards with yellow keys and large, bold letters and numbers.
  • Program Accommodations: The library is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, please contact please contact Kristi, our Programming Coordinator. Please let us know at least two weeks before the event if you require any special accommodations.
Content

Services for People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

  • Closed Captioning/Subtitles: When the library shows films in person or in online programming, we make sure that subtitles or closed captioning are available and turned on. For some online programs using Zoom meetings, we will be using Zoom's live closed-captioning to provide real-time transcription of guest speakers and staff. To check whether an event you're attending will be using this service, please contact Laura at lkhorwood-benton@cityofportsmouth.com.
  • Email Reference Services: In addition to visiting us in person or calling on the phone, you can also ask questions via email by filling out this form.
  • Program Accommodations: The library is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, please contact Kristi, our Programming Coordinator. Please let us know at least two weeks before the event if you require any special accommodations.
Content

Services for People with Limited Mobility

  • Assistance Retrieving Library Materials: We are always happy to help you retrieve library materials. If you encounter any difficulty reaching the materials you need, please let us know and we will get them for you.
  • Accessible Parking: There are two marked spaces near the main entrance of the library, including one van-accessible space, and two additional marked spaces at the street entrance to the parking lot.
  • Accessible Restrooms: There are restrooms on both floors of the library. The first floor restrooms include wheelchair-accessible stalls, and the second floor restrooms are single occupancy, gender-neutral restrooms. There are also single occupancy restrooms on the first floor in the Youth department.
  • Automatic Double Doors: The main entrance to the library features automatic sliding doors for hands-free entry.
  • Elevator: An elevator provides access to both floors.
  • Wheelchair Accessibility: All aisles in the library are of sufficient width to allow patrons using wheelchairs to maneuver. Computer tables and study desks of different heights are available, and most will permit the use of a wheelchair.
  • Wheelchair & Walker: Both a manual wheelchair and a walker are available for use in the library.
  • Email Reference Services: In addition to visiting us in person or calling on the phone, you can also ask questions via email at by filling out this form.
  • Online Library Card Application: Visit this page to learn more and register for a library card online.
  • Proxy Borrower: If you have difficulty coming to the library on your own, you may authorize someone else to borrow items on your card. This authorization will be in effect until canceled. All items borrowed during this time are the responsibility of the cardholder. To authorize a proxy borrower please contact the Circulation Department at 603-427-1540.
  • Program Accommodations: The library is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, please contact Kristi, our Programming Coordinator. Please let us know at least two weeks before the event if you require any special accommodations.