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We want to make it easy for Montgomery County residents with disabilities to use our programs, services, and collections.
This page tells you how to ask for an accommodation and explains the assistive technologies and services we offer for residents who have disabilities. If the topic you are interested in is not here, please call 240-777-0001.
If you want to know what is available at a particular branch of the library, contact that branch directly.
Captioning and sign language interpreting services can be requested by completing the request form. Contact the Assistant Facilities and Accessibility Program Manager at 240-777-0002 with all other accommodation requests. Please make your request for accommodation at least five days before the library-sponsored program you plan to attend.
Most branches have an assistive technology workstation with a height-adjustable table, a magnifier that reads aloud printed text, and a computer with a large print keyboard. If you would like to use this workstation, please choose the "ATW" queue when signing up to use a public computer.
Please note that all public computers at MCPL have the built-in screen reader Narrator and the built-in magnification software Magnifier. Narrator and Magnifier can be accessed by pressing the Windows key, typing the name of the program, and pressing enter. They also have the screen reader NVDA installed, which can be started by pressing INSERT + N and stopped by pressing INSERT + Q.
An audio loop system, which can be used by people who have hearing aids with a telecoil switch, is available in the meeting rooms listed below.
This free service sends library materials to the homes of Montgomery County residents who cannot visit the library because of a physical disability, health issue, or frailty. Materials are mailed to and from the customer’s home through the United States Postal Service in postage prepaid reusable mailing bags.
After acceptance into the service, Books@Home customers can receive up to 5 items a week, to a maximum of 20 total items checked out, for a 6 week checkout period. They can participate in the What Do I Check Out Next? online program, or call their assigned branch to get recommendations and place holds on items. They can also put materials on hold by logging into their account online.
Montgomery County residents who are interested in this service should download and complete the application below. A healthcare provider, social services provider, or clergy person must sign the application, certifying that the applicant cannot come to the library.
Questions about the service can be directed to your local library branch.
The Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library offers extensive digital resources about Deaf culture, including e-books, online journals, and videos.
If you like audiobooks, we have them on CD and as downloads. If you like large print materials, we have them in print, as e-books, and as magazines.
Children's braille books are available at the Connie Morella, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Olney, Rockville Memorial, and Silver Spring branches.
People who have print disabilities may qualify for library service from the Maryland State Library for the Blind & Print Disabled.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, service animals are dogs that perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals are allowed in all Montgomery County facilities, including libraries, and in Maryland, state law includes service animal trainers accompanied by a service animal in training. The service animal must be under control of the handler at all times; if the service animal becomes disruptive, staff will ask that it be removed from the facility. For more information, visit the Montgomery County ADA Compliance office page about Service Animals, or contact the Montgomery County ADA Compliance Team at adacompliance@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-777-6197.
