Accessibility

Everyone is welcome at Sunderland Public Library. We strive to make our spaces, programs, collections, technology, and services accessible to everyone, and to reduce barriers to using the library. We are always glad to receive questions, requests for accommodations, and suggestions from our patrons.

Accessibility at a Glance:

  • ♿ One-level, step-free building
  • 🅿️ Accessible parking
  • 🚪 Automatic door openers
  • 🚻 Accessible, single-occupancy, all-gender restrooms
  • 🎧 Sensory tools and headphones
  • 🔎 Magnification and large-print technology
  • 📚 Accessible reading and listening formats
  • 🏠 Home delivery and curbside pickup
  • 🌎 Language interpretation
  • 💬 Accommodation and accessibility requests welcome

Building Accessibility

Our one-level building was constructed in 2004 and was designed with accessibility in mind. All parts of the building can be accessed without stairs or an elevator.

  • Parking: There are three dedicated handicapped parking spots in our parking lot in front of the library. There is a curb cut between the parking lot and the sidewalk for easy access to the library building.
  • Doors: Our front door and the door from the lobby to the library are equipped with an automatic door opener.
  • Restrooms: The library has three single-occupancy, all-gender restrooms. Two are located in the lobby, and one is located in the Children’s Room and is reserved for families. The restrooms have grab bars on the walls.
  • Wheelchair and Mobility Device Access:
    • Pathways through the building are wide enough for a person using a wheelchair or mobility device to pass through.
    • Our public computer terminals can accommodate a wheelchair.
    • The table at our self-checkout station is adjustable height.
  • Circulation Desk: Our circulation desk has two stations for patrons to use: one where the desk is 30 inches tall and one where the desk is 39.5 inches tall.
  • Service Animals: Service animals are welcome in the library. Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted (please view the Pet Policy for details).

Sensory Accessibility

Our sensory accessibility resources are available to children, teens, adults, and caregivers. You do not need to identify as neurodivergent or have a diagnosis to use these resources.

  • Guide for Neurodivergent Visitors
  • Social Story
  • Sensory Friendly Hours
  • Sensory Collection: Our Sensory Collection includes toys and learning tools designed to stimulate, calm, or regulate the senses. It includes a weighted blanket, fidget toys, a light table, and more. While it is stored in our children’s room, the Sensory Collection is available for all of our patrons to borrow.
  • Sensory Friendly Books Owned by Sunderland Public Library: This list includes books owned by our library that are about neurodivergence or feature neurodivergent characters. A printed copy of this list is available in our reference section.
  • Noise-Cancelling Headphones: The library has several pairs of noise-reducing headphones, as well as one pair of Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones available for in-library use.
  • Blue Light Filtering Glasses: We have several pairs of blue light filtering glasses to use in the library, which may be requested at the circulation desk.

Accessible Collections

  • Home Delivery Service: If you are unable to make it to the library for any reason, please contact the Library Director (or 413-665-2642) to arrange for delivery service. Curbside pick up is also available during any of the library’s open hours.
  • Large Print Books
  • Audiobooks on CD & Playaways
  • Tonieboxes, Tonies, Yoto Players, & Yoto Cards: Screen-free devices for playing children’s audio content.
  • eBooks, eAudiobooks, & Digital Magazines through the Libby App: The Libby App is how patrons access eBooks and more for free through the library. The app has accessibility features including larger text sizes, dark or light modes, and open dyslexic font. Please visit Libby’s help website for more information about its accessibility features, or ask a librarian.
  • Sensory Toy Collection
  • Library of Things: Our Library of Things includes many tools to assist in accessibility, including book stands, magnifiers, and more.

Technology & Digital Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Computer Stations: Our public computer terminals can accommodate a wheelchair.
  • Large-Print Keyboard: One of our computers is equipped with a large print keyboard.
  • DaVinci Pro Enhanced Vision Desktop Magnifier: Located at a computer terminal, this device uses a high-definition camera to magnify books or other pages placed in front of it. It also features many other accessibility tools, including a built-in text-to-speech OCR reader. This device is available for in-library use only.
  • Technology to Borrow: We have a Chromebook, WiFi Hotspots, and other technology you can borrow through our Library of Things.

Accessible Programs and Events

The library strives to make our programs welcoming and accessible to everyone. When possible, program information will include details about noise levels, lighting, seating, movement, and other sensory considerations. Patrons may contact the library in advance to discuss accessibility needs or accommodations.

Sensory-friendly programs and events are offered periodically for patrons who may benefit from a quieter, more predictable environment.

Please view our Programs page for more information about the events we offer.

Communication & Language Accessibility

Sunderland Public Library has access to over-the-phone interpretation services through Language Line Solutions. If you need an interpreter to use the library or our services, please indicate which language you speak at the circulation desk. Our staff will call an interpreter, who will provide translation between you and the librarian over the phone. This service is available for free for any of our library patrons, and is generously provided by the Massachusetts Library System.

The library attempts to provide written instructions for most library-related tasks. Our staff are happy to locate or create instructions that are not readily available.

Please contact the library anytime in advance of your visit regarding your communication needs.

Feedback

We firmly believe that accessibility efforts should include the voices and opinions of those who need access, and we appreciate input on how to make the library more accessible, welcoming, and inclusive. You are welcome to make a suggestion via the form below, or contact our Library Director by email or phone (413) 665-2642.