Resources for People with Disabilities
Contact Information
Alan Bern
510-981-6107
510-548-1240 TTY
510-981-6111 fax
Extended services are available to persons with disabilities. This allows disabled people to extend the loan period for library materials and to stretch the time allotted for public use computers. Please note that you must register for these services by completing the Disability Services application form. You will be asked to supply proof of your disability. Download the form here 
. For more information, see Extended Services.
Home Delivery Services
Staff deliver materials to Berkeley residents who can't get to the Library due to illness or disability. For more information, call 510-981-6160.
Sign Language Interpreters and Other Accommodations
To request a sign language interpreter, real-time captioning, materials in large print or Braille, or other accommodations for a library event, please call 510-981-6107 or TTY 510-548-1240. At least five working days notice will ensure availability.
TTY
Patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing and patrons with speech disabilities may call the Reference Services TTY with questions about library services, library holdings or brief reference questions. The TTY number is 510-548-1240.
California Relay Service
Call the California Relay Service to reach the Central Library Reference desk, the Central Library Information desk, or any service desk at any library location. Dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 TTY.
Closed-captioned Videos
Videos for deaf and hard of hearing people are located at all library locations, in both the adult and children's sections.
Described Videos
The Central Library has described videos for people with visual disabilities.
Audiobooks
Books on cassette and on CD are available at all library locations.
Adaptive Internet Workstations
Internet workstations with accessible software are available at the Central Library. In order to use an adaptive workstation, library users need to be registered for Extended Services. Reserve a computer now.
Trackballs
If you find the standard mouse difficult to use because you cannot hold it still while clicking, try checking out a trackball from either the Central Library Reference desk or Paging desk on the third floor. You can use the ball to position the cursor and then take your hands off the ball to click, which can significantly reduce errors.
Reading Edge
A screen reader for users who are unable to read conventional print due to low vision or learning disabilities. This computer scans printed text and reads it aloud with a synthesized voice. It is available whenever the Central Library is open, until 30 minutes before closing. An orientation session is required before using the Reading Edge. Call 510-981-6148 for more information.
Intellikeys
An Intellikeys keyboard is designed for library users who are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with computer use. Intellikeys facilitates searches on the Berkeley Public Library catalog . Features include key layout in alphabetical order, buttons to help with site navigation, and a large type option. An Intellikeys keyboard is attached to a catalog computer near the Reference desk on the 2nd floor of the Central Library. A variation of this keyboard is available in the Children's Room.
Local Groups Serving People with Disabilities
from the Berkeley Information Network