Accessibility

Building Access

  • Handicap parking spots on 6th Street
  • 6th Street ramp into main entrance
  • 7th Street wheelchair access entrance
  • Service Dogs welcome

Universal Design

  • Wide aisles for wheelchair, walker, or stroller access
  • Wheelchair-accessible restrooms with electronic assisted door openers
  • Self-check and Materials Return windows at accessible heights in open areas
  • Elevator access for upstairs collections
  • Sit-down computer stations
  • High-contrast signage for people with low vision
  • Room signage in Braille

Adaptive Technology

  • Screen reading software on all public computers. High contrast keyboard available upon request at Carnegie desk.
  • In-Library laptop checkouts to provide Internet access at any seating area in building. Headphones at workstations; also available for free checkout.
  • Handheld magnifiers and readers' eyeglasses (For use in the library; inquire at any service desk).
    • Maggie the Electronic Magnifier: Available upstairs at the Reference Desk, this device allows a person with low vision to magnify printed and handwritten materials and is available for in-Library checkout.
  • A personal amplification headset (see note) may be used during Library programs in the Community Room. Please contact Reference Desk at least five business days before the program to reserve it for your use. (Note: Currently unavailable)

Collections

  • BAM Books are designed to be of interest to adult and young adult readers at a comparatively lower reading level with simple vocabulary and syntax, short chapters, a slim page count, and gripping storylines. They are written to engage developing readers by exploring complex, age-appropriate themes in a more accessible format. Sometimes called Hi/Lo books, they are an excellent choice for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, emerging adult and teen readers, English as a Second Language learners, and more!
  • Free audiobooks are available through the State Library's Talking Books program. While library staff members can sign applications for people with visual or mobility impairments, people with reading disabilities (including dyslexia) are required to obtain a signature from doctor of medicine (MD) or osteopathy (OD).
  • Braille Books in Youth Services room.
  • Large Print Section upstairs near the fiction section.
  • Audiobook Collections on CDs, MP3 CDs, and Playaways. Downloadable eBook and eAudio collections available for eReaders, laptops, tablets, computers and smartphones. Accessibility options on OverDrive.
  • DVD and Blu-Ray films with subtitles and closed captioning.

Programming

Library staff manages events for adults with disabilities and their caregivers through our BAM program, inspired by an accessibility advisory council that meets regularly. See upcoming BAM events, and consider joining our BAM Facebook group.

Accessibility

The Library is committed to making all spaces welcoming, safe, and accessible while incorporating universal design practices into both our public and staff-facing spaces.

Access for everyone is very important to us at the Oregon City Library. In our ongoing efforts to ensure this access, our staff manages the BAM (Because Accessibility Matters) program for Adults in our community experiencing disabilities or other barriers to access.

The BAM Program is inspired and guided by the BAM Accessibility Advisory Committee that meets in a hybrid format (via Zoom and in person at the Library) throughout the year.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation today or for inquiries about accessibility for future events, please ask any library staff member, email Jennifer Giovanetti, or call 503-657-8269, ext. 1020.