We strive to make the library a welcoming place for all abilities. The library offers many free services and materials for persons with disabilities.
Resources for All Persons with Disabilities
- The library accommodates customers with disabilities. Please call 847-742-2411 to discuss arrangements at least seven days prior to a scheduled event.
Resources for Persons with Limited Mobility
- The Main Library is located on public transportation routes.
- Fully accessible buildings with electronically-operated front doors, drinking fountain, and elevator.
- Home Services provides free monthly delivery to anyone who lives in the Gail Borden Public Library District and is homebound due to temporary or permanent illness or disability, or who is unable to visit the library.
- Adapt-a-lap: A light-weight portable desk and reading support for checkout at the Main library.
- Wheelchairs or motorized scooters are available for use in the library. See the Checkout Desk at any branch to find out more.
- Reference services by telephone, text or email.
- Telephone and online reserves of materials.
Resources for Persons with Visual Impairments
- The Main library has several types of magnifiers available for check-out at the Customer Service Desk.
- A lighted magnifier for in-library use is located on the 2nd floor of the Main Library.
- Audiobooks
- Keyboards with large keys and high contrast colors and other accessible keyboards are available in the Computer Center at the Main Library
- Large-type books
- The Illinois Talking Book and Braille Service provides audio and braille library service for Illinois residents with print disabilities.
Resources for Persons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
- Sound amplification is available in the Community Rooms. Please call 847-742-2411 to discuss arrangements at least seven days prior to a scheduled event.
- To use the Illinois Relay Service, dial 7-1-1. Find out more about this free service through the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation website.
- Closed-captioned DVDs are available for checkout.
- Instructional sign language books and DVDs.
Resources for Persons with Sensory Issues
Checkout these items for in-house use at the KidSpace desk on the first floor at the Main Library:
- Trideer inflated wobble cushion
- Fidgets
- Weighted blanket
- Timer
- Noise-cancelling headphones
Resources for Persons with Dementia or Needing Memory Care Support
- The Memory Care Collection s part of the Library of Things at Main and has materials to support caregivers and items to engage directly with those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Many items can be put on hold to be picked up at branch locations.
- Library Fun and Facts and Cruisin' the Country are innovative in-person programs delivered on-site by library staff and volunteers at senior living apartments, assisted living, skilled care, memory care, and developmental care buildings across the library district. To volunteer as a program presenter, please complete the Volunteer Application.
- Elgin Area Memory Cafe' and Cafecito entre Amigos are programs offered in English or Spanish and are designed for people with mild cognitive impairment, early-stage Alzheimer's or related dementia with their care partner. Search the Library Event Calendar for Dates/Buscar Fechas en el Calendario de la Biblioteca.