Services for Persons with Disabilities

Updated December 2024

Denver Public Library is committed to providing fair and equal access for all people who wish to use the library and its collection with adaptive technologies available at the Central Library and many branches.

To request ASL, CART, or other disability related accommodations, contact info@denverlibrary.org or call 720-865-1111. Please allow a minimum notice of 5 business days.

Questions/feedback may be submitted on our accessibility form.

Visual Access
Physical Access
eBooks, Audio eBooks & Streaming Movies
Other Denver Public Library Special Services
Local
Colorado
National

Visual Access Workstation Equipment

Jaws for Windows Screen Reader

This screen-reading software works in conjunction with a speech synthesizer to assist the person who is blind by speaking what is on the computer screen. Jaws for Windows can also be used to browse the Internet.

Merlin ultra – Full HD Video Magnifier

Merlin ultra enables individuals with low vision to read print books and magazines, view photos and more – in color, black-and-white, or enhanced high-contrast positive or negative viewing modes. Merlin ultra has 3 different preset color combinations for both text and background to provide improved viewing when reading plus ability to enlarge or reduce the image in seconds. (Available only at the Central Library, Reference Services, Floor 3).

Dragon Dictate Voice Recognition Software

Voice recognition technology allows users to speak directly to their computers and is helpful for people who have significant difficulty using the traditional mouse and/or keyboard. Dragon Dictate offers the capability of using the computer completely hands-free.

The equipment listed above is available at the following locations (unless otherwise indicated). For further information please call or visit:

Community Technology Center 720-865-1706
Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library 720-865-2401
Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales Branch Library 720-865-2370

Physical ADA Workstations

Available at Blair-Caldwell, and Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales. Hardware includes trackball mice, large print keyboards, headphones/microphones, and adjustable tables.

Equipment for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing Customer​

ASL Interpretation

American Sign Language (ASL) video calling via Sorenson ntouch or Purple at ADA workstations in the Central Library's Community Technology Center. 

eBooks, Audio eBooks & Streaming Movies

Overdrive eBooks and Audio eBooks

Overdrive* offers several Accessibility Features including the ability to:

*Library card required

Kanopy Streaming Video

Kanopy* offers the following Accessibility Features:

  • Enable closed captions, subtitles, and transcripts
  • Use Kanopy's website and video player with screen reader technologies on desktop browsers, and iOS and Android devices
  • Use the tab key to navigate the Kanopy website 

*Kanopy is limited to Denver residents with a library card

Other Denver Public Library Special Services

Program Accommodations 

For accommodation requests regarding library programs, please contact programs@denverlibrary.org.

Home Delivery Programs

We offer Home Delivery service to anyone in the City and County of Denver who is unable to get to a library. To get started, call 720-865-1351 or email homedelivery@denverlibrary.org. Learn more.

Bookmobiles

The Denver Public Library has two bookmobiles that make scheduled stops around the City and County of Denver for the convenience of those who are unable to visit the library. Please view the schedules online or call 720-865-1114.

Service Animals 

The Denver Public Library welcomes service animals to our facilities. Per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are canines and miniature horses ONLY. All service animals must always be under the handler’s control and they must have a harness, leash, or other tether unless handler’s disability prohibits their use or if the animal’s tasks would be directly hindered by such equipment. 

An animal that primarily provides emotional support, comfort and/or companionship for a person with a disability is not considered a service animal and is not allowed at the Denver Public Library due to safety concerns. 

Service animals that enter any library are expected to behave. If a service animal misbehaves and/or creates an unsafe environment for customers and staff, Library staff reserve the right to ask the handler to leave and return without the service animal.  This can include barking, growling, jumping, running, being over-friendly or relieving themselves.  

Visit denvergov.org for more information and guidance on service animals.

Local Agency Resources

Accessibility Services
Disability-related information and resources to help you plan your visit to the Mile High City, including the Denver Disability Resource Guide.

Atlantis Community
info@atlantiscommunity.org  303-733-9324 or 1-877-262-6525 (Voice)  720-386-1633 (Video Phone for D/deaf and hard of hearing users only)
Provides support service for people with disabilities including housing resources, financial management, advocacy, peer counseling, resources, independent living skills training, and moving people from institutions into homes of their own.

Denver Division of Disability Rights 201 West Colfax, Dept. 1102 Denver, CO 80202.
DisabilityAccess@denvergov.org  720-913-8475 (TTY)
Coordinates the City and County of Denver’s efforts to ensure compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Denver Office of Sign Language Services 201 West Colfax, Dept. 1102 Denver, CO 80202.
720-913-8487 (Voice)  720-458-8486 (VP)  720-913-8484 (TTY)
Ensures access for Deaf, Deaf-blind, and hard of hearing people to all Denver government programs, services, and events by providing sign language interpreters, Computer Access Real-time Translation (CART), and assistive listening devices for amplification, upon request; as well as system advocacy, and comprehensive information and referral resources.

Colorado Talking Book Library 180 Sheridan Blvd. Denver, CO 80226.
303-727-9277 or 1-800-685-2136 (Voice)
Dedicated to providing free library service to individuals who, because of a variety of disabilities, are unable to read standard print books.

Assistive Technology Clinic
Call 303-315-1280 for an appointment.
CIDE's Assistive Technology Clinic provides one on one services for individuals with disabilities to improve the overall health and function of children and adults across the lifespan through the acquisition and use of appropriate assistive technology.

Additional Resources for Assistive Technology in Colorado

Rose Medical Center 303-320-2121

The Children's Hospital 720-777-1234 or 1-800-624-6553 720-777-6050 (TTY)

Easter Seals Colorado 303-233-1666

Rocky Mountain ADA Center 1-800-949-4232

National Resources

Disabilities Information from the National Library of Medicine

Center for Parent Information & Resources (CPIR)

CPIR Services for Adults with Disabilities

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

National Library Service Bibliographies for Adults and Kids