Audiobooks

The library offers audiobooks in two formats: CDs and downloadable eAudiobooks. Both are listed in the library catalog by format. You can also search by title and author. Downloadable eAudiobooks are also available directly from the library's two platforms, CloudLibrary and Library2Go. The CloudLibrary and Libby apps are also available to download from the Apple App Store or the Google Play store.

Braille Books

The library has a small collection of braille books, mostly for children. These books are listed in the library catalog by format under "Braille." 

Closed-Captioned Videos

Closed-captioned videos display dialogue and narration on the screen.

Many closed-captioned movies are available on DVD and can be found in the library catalog. DVDs with closed-captioning are listed under the genre "video recordings for the hearing impaired."

Closed-captioned streaming videos are also available through Kanopy. Review instructions for enabling closed captions, subtitles, and transcripts.

Described Videos

Described videos include verbal descriptions of settings and actions for people with visual disabilities. DMany described videos are available on DVD and are listed in the library catalog. Described videos are listed under the genre of "video recordings for people with visual disabilities" or "DVS."

Downloadable eBooks

The library offers downloadable eBooks with accessibility features, such as font size and typeface options.

• CloudLibrary includes Text-to-Speech, font size and typeface options, and OpenDyslexic font. More information about CloudLibrary.
• Overdrive and Libby offer screen reader compatibility, PDF and EPUB formats, font size options, and the OpenDyslexic font. For more details, visit the Libby help portal.

Large Print Materials

Books in larger typeface are available in fiction and nonfiction. These are listed in the library catalog by format as "Large Print" or "Book (large print)".

Talking Book and Braille Services

Oregonians with visual, physical, or reading impairments may also be eligible for the Talking Book and Braille Services program from the State Library of Oregon.

To learn more or to check if you qualify, call 800-452-0292 or visit the Talking Book and Braille Library website.

Staff at the Salem Public Library can help you in enroll in this program. Call 503-588-6089 for assistance.

ll library entrances have automatic doors or doors that open with the push of a button.

The Main Library meets accessibility standards. It has two elevators, and room signs include Braille. Loucks Auditorium offers wheelchair-accessible seating and stage access.

The West Salem Branch has an accessible book drop during open hours. After hours, the exterior book drop can only be reached by using a stairway.

Library events are open to the public and held in accessible locations. Special accommodations are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. You can request services such as sign language interpretation or translation into languages other than English.

To request accommodations or services, please call Library Administration at 503-588-6315. If you use a relay service, dial 711. Please make your request at least two business days before the event.

Loucks Auditorium and the Anderson Rooms have assistive listening systems available for patrons who use hearing aids.

The library offers sign language interpretation and interpretation in languages other than English for its programs and services. If you need language interpretation, please call Library Administration at 503-588-6315. You can also use the relay service by dialing 711.

Some staff members speak multiple languages and can help you in Spanish and other languages besides English.

The Library of Things offers a variety of useful items for accessibility, including:

• Document, book, and image scanners
• Portable CD players
• Reading magnifiers
• Digital audiovisual converters
• Laptops and hotspots
• Blood pressure monitors
• Air quality monitors
• Trekking poles
• Oversized games including giant checkers, tic tac toe, yard dice, Jenga, Uno, and Sequence.

Main Library

Main Library accessible parking by permit is available in two locations. Multiple spaces are available in the surface lot (use Liberty Street entrance and turn right). One space is available in the bus turnout lane off Commercial Street.

Salem Public Library is located on Cherriots Route 21.  

West Salem Branch Library

West Salem Branch Library accessible parking by permit is available on the north side of the building. The north side entrance has a wheelchair-accessible ramp.

The nearest bus stop is the West Salem Transit Center on Cornucopia Street NW on the east side of the library.

All public computers at Salem Public Library have Windows accessibility tools. These tools include Magnifier, Narrator, and contrast adjustments. Each computer is equipped with headphones, and some have high contrast keyboards. You can request additional high contrast keyboards if needed.

Computers 4, 8, and 16 in the computer lab have Dragon Naturally Speaking speech-to-text software and headsets. To use the software, click the Dragon icon in the upper left corner of the desktop. After speaking for one minute, the software will be ready to use.

You can borrow earplugs and noise-canceling headphones from the Ask Here Desk on the first floor.

If you believe you or any program beneficiary has been subjected to unequal treatment or discrimination in the receipt of benefits or services from the City because of a disability, you may file a report of concern with the Title VI / Section 504 Coordinator.

Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available on all three floors of the Main Library and in Loucks Auditorium. Single-stall restrooms are available on Floor 2.

A single-stall wheelchair-accessible restroom is available at the West Salem Branch Library.

All are welcome to use the restroom that aligns with their gender expression or identity.

Service animals and service animals in training are allowed in the Library. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained (or in training) to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.

The library's catalog offers an Accessibility Mode. Click the icon to enter Accessibility Mode. The library catalog is also offered as a mobile app for Android and Apple users.