Accessibility
at the Boise Public Library
The Boise Public Library’s mission is to provide access and opportunity for everyone by connecting people to ideas, information, and community. We welcome visitors of all abilities to our five branch locations, creating respectful, safe and inspiring spaces for the entire community. Below are just some of the ways we are supporting that commitment for Library users with disabilities. For more information about accessibility at the Boise Public Library, email askalibrarian@cityofboise.org or call 208-972-8200 or TTY:711.
Physical access and building features
- Accessible parking, step-free entrances, automatic doors, ramps, accessible restrooms, all-user restrooms, and some lowered circulation/reference desks at all locations. The Downtown Library is the only location with multiple stories and an elevator. The Downtown Library also has public PC tables and study tables that are height adjustable.
- Drive-up book drops at the Downtown Library.
- Accessible meeting rooms at all Library locations and a tele-appointment pod at the Downtown Library.
- Accessible computers with large-type keyboards at all locations. This includes “Accessibility Options” folders where you can enable a screen reader, magnifier, on-screen keyboard, and dark-mode options. Physical magnifying glasses are also available.
- Wheelchairs you can borrow at the Downtown Library and the Library! at Bown Crossing.
- Service animals are allowed at all Boise Public Library locations. Note that service animals are defined as dogs individually trained to perform specific tasks or work for a person with a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These animals are not pets but working animals. Examples of trained tasks include guiding a blind person, alerting a deaf person, assisting with a seizure, or providing physical support.
- Valley Regional Transit’s Access Paratransit and Beyond Access services provide transportation to the Boise Public Library. To book a ride, please call 208-345-7433.
Services
- Curbside Hold Pick-up Service – All five Boise Public Library locations offer Library users the opportunity to pick up their books and other materials curbside. You simply request your item through the online catalog or Library staff and then, once your item is available, you will receive notification that your materials are available for pickup. Curbside pickup is available until 6 p.m.
- Holds Mailed Service – Library cardholders may request to have items placed on hold to be mailed to your home for a charge of $2.00 per item.
- Home-based Services – The Home-based Services team makes regular deliveries to Boise Public Library cardholders who are unable to visit our locations. We serve residential communities, public gathering places such as the Dick Eardley Senior Center, and individuals and their caregivers.
- Accessible Materials -- Large Print books, audiobooks and downloadable e-audiobooks and e-books are available for all ages.
Communications Access
- Website accessibility – The Boise Public Library’s website is accessible, such as higher contrast, optimized code for keyboard navigation, and better compatibility with screen readers.
- Real-time voice and text translation help is available for more than 90 languages. Just ask Library staff for assistance.
Additional Accessibility Resources
- Library users may request reasonable accommodations, such as a language interpreter, accessible seating and more, from the City of Boise to facilitate participation in Library programs and events. If you require assistance with accommodation, please contact the City’s Office of Community Engagement at CommunityEngagement@cityofboise.org or call 208-972-8500 or TTY:711
- American Library Association accessibility resources