Accessibility
Getting help at the Library
Any of our staff members will be happy to help you if you need extra assistance while you are visiting the Library.
Request an Accommodation
We work to ensure our building, programs and library services are accessible. We fully comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We will provide reasonable accommodations by request.
To ask for accommodations during library events:
Contact the person hosting the event as soon as possible. Contact information is posted on the individual event listing in our online calendar. You may also contact the ADA Coordinator, Kelley Moten directly at 412-366-8100 x146 or motenk2@northlandlibrary.org.
For accommodations in our building:
Start by talking to our staff. They may be able to offer immediate support. Staff may refer you to a manager or the ADA Coordinator.
If you are experiencing a disability that makes it difficult to visit Northland:
You may qualify for our Books-by-Mail program or LAMP/Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians. Contact Kelley Moten at 412-366-8100 x146 or motenk2@northlandlibrary.org for more information.
Learn About Accessibility at the Library
Accessible Entrances
There is an access ramp on the lower level and the upper level entrance is flat with no stairs.
Accessible Parking
Northland has designated parking spaces on both the upper and lower levels of the parking lot.
Accessibility Software
All public computers at the library have accessibility software from Microsoft, including color filters, text magnifiers, voice typing, etc.
Audio-Described Movies and TV
Over 1000 audio-described DVDs and blu-rays are available at Northland (2300 countywide). Find these in the catalog by searching for the phrase “video recordings for people with visual disabilities.”
Automatic Doors
All main entrances have push plates that will open the doors.
Books-by-Mail
Northland’s Books-by-Mail service is available for homebound patrons who live in Northland’s service area. Get more information here.
Closed Captioning
Auto-generated closed captioning is now available at all online events. Closed captioning is available for our official video postings on YouTube.
Curbside Pickup
Curbside pickup is available for our patrons who have limited mobility. Please call ahead for this service: 412-366-8100 ext. 117.
Digital Collections
eBooks and eAudiobooks are available to download. Movies and music can be streamed. Digital editions of some magazines and newspapers can be read online. Find all digital collections under the eLibrary tab on our website or in the online catalog under the “eBooks, eAudio and more” tab.
Elevator
Our multilevel building contains a 7’ x 4’5” elevator.
Fidget Tools
A small selection of fidget tools are available by request at the Children’s & Teen Services desk on the lower level.
Headphones
Noise-cancelling headphones are available to borrow from both the Children’s & Teen Services desk on the lower level and the Ask-a-Librarian desk on the upper level. Headphones with a built-in microphone that can be used for text-to-speech are available at the Ask-a-Librarian desk.
Hearing Loops
All of our public desks, including the Book Nook, have desktop Hearing Loops which amplify the quality and volume of sound for people with hearing aids. A hearing loop is available by request for events in our meeting rooms.
LAMP (Library for Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians)
Pennsylvania residents who are unable to read standard sized newsprint, unable to hold a book or turn pages, or who have a physically-based reading disability may be eligible for services through Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s LAMP/Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians. A video profile on LAMP from WQED can be viewed here.
Large Print
Large print materials are available.
Magnifying Glasses
Magnifying glasses are available to borrow at the Ask-a-Librarian desk on the upper level or the Children’s & Teen desk on the lower level.
Microphones
Microphones are used when needed for programs and events.
Next Chapter Book Club
Northland’s book club for adults and teens with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Get more information here.
One-on-one technology help
Call or email Adult Services staff or visit the Ask-a-Librarian desk on the upper level to schedule one-on-one help with technology (smartphones, tablets, internet searches, general computer skills, etc.). 412-366-8100 ext. 113, NorthlandAdults@northlandlibrary.org.
Quiet areas
Quiet areas are located in several places on the upper level. Silent study is located on the far side of the upper level facing Cumberland Road.
Recorded Books (Audiobooks)
Recorded books on CD are available.
Playaways (recorded book on an MP3 player) are available.
Downloadable audiobooks (select “eAudio Books”) are available to download to your personal device.
Scanner Beeps
Understanding that some patrons are audio-sensitive, the scanners Northland staff use to checkout library materials can be silenced upon request.
Screen Reading and Magnification Software
JAWS screen reading and Magnifier screen magnification software are available at each public computer.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome in all areas of the Library where members of the public are allowed to go.
Spoken and Sign Language
Request free interpreter services by contacting Kelley Moten at 412-366-8100 ext. 146 or motenk2@northlandlibrary.org.
Subtitles/Closed-Captioned Movies and TV Shows
Nearly all DVDs and blu-rays available at the Library have subtitles in English and other languages available.
Telecommunications Relay Service (711)
Telecommunications Relay Service (711) is available.
Text and email options for reference services
Patrons can email their reference questions to NorthlandAdults@northlandlibrary.org or NorthlandKids@northlandlibrary.org. Patrons can also Chat With a Librarian 24/7.
Walkers
Adjustable two-wheeled walkers are available on each level of the Library for patrons to use. A two-wheeled bariatric walker is available on the upper level of the Library and a two-wheeled standard walker is available on the lower level of the Library. Patrons can request a walker by visiting any public desk or by calling the Library ahead of time at 412-366-8100.
Walking Cane
An adjustable walking cane is available on the upper level of the Library for patrons to use. Patrons can request the walking cane by visiting any public desk or by calling the Library ahead of time at 412-366-8100.
Wheelchairs
A standard wheelchair is available on each level of the Library for patrons to use. Patrons can request a wheelchair by visiting any public desk or by calling the Library ahead of time at 412-366-8100.
File an ADA Complaint with the Library
Do you wish to file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in the provision of services, activities or programs by Northland Public Library? The complaint should be in writing and contain information about the alleged discrimination such as name, address, phone number of complainant and location, date, and description of the problem. The complaint should be submitted by the grievant and/or their designee as soon as possible but no later than 60 calendar days after the alleged violation to:
ADA Coordinator
300 Cumberland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
motenk2@northlandlibrary.org
412-366-8100 ext. 146
Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the complaint, the ADA Coordinator or her designee will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and the possible resolutions. Within 15 calendar days of the meeting, the ADA Coordinator or her designee will respond in writing, and where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant. The response will explain the position of NPL and offer options for substantive resolution of the complaint.
