Accessibility
West Warwick Public Library is committed to providing free and equitable access to a variety of materials and services, and to making these accessible to as many as possible regardless of ability. The library aims to comply as fully as possible with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2.
Library Facilities
There are two accessible parking spaces in the library parking log. The Library is accessible by RIPTA routes 13, 23, 12x, and 242 Flex.
The library building covers three floors, all of which are accessible by both elevator and stairs. Each floor has at least one all-gender bathroom that does not require a key to access.
Water filling stations are located in the Youth Department and on the downstairs level outside the Champlin Room. The library operates a free community pantry and fridge in the Circulation Department, and food may be consumed at the cafe tables in the tiled library foyer.
Materials
The library offers materials in a number of formats. These include:
-
Large print adult fiction and nonfiction
-
Braille books for children
-
Audio Playaways for adults and children
-
Some books on CD for adults and children
Magnifiers are also available for use, and a Scanmarker Pal reading pen can be checked out from the Library of Things. The Library also participates in the Talking Books program through the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services.
For those who are homebound, the library offers delivery services through the Homebound Delivery Service. Many digital materials such as audiobooks, ebooks, and magazines can also be checked out through the Libby app, which offers text resizing, increased contrast, and adjustable audio speed.
Programs & Services
All library events, programs, and services are open to all patrons of the intended age group, regardless of ability. Patrons are welcome to browse for any materials in their preferred interest or reading level, but should be aware that some spaces in the library are designated for youth and their families only, regardless of ability.
Many library events take place in our largest program rooms: the Champlin Room and the Nash Room. These are located on the bottom floor of the library, accessible by elevator and by stairs. Other events may take place in the Mini Lab or the Innovation Lab, located on the top floor of the library, also accessible by elevator and by stairs.
Notary Services are provided on the main floor of the library. Passport services, the Innovation Lab makerspace, and computer access for adults are located on the second floor of the library, accessible by elevator and by stairs.
Web Accessibility
The library aims to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA set by the Web Accessibility Initiative of the World Wide Web Consortium. Digital communications subject to this standard include the library website, email newsletter, online catalog, digital calendars, and social media postings.
In its efforts to improve digital accessibility the library is committed to:
-
Providing alt text for images and descriptive text on buttons and hyperlinks
-
Providing captions on library-created video content
-
Using easily readable fonts and reasonable contrast in digital communications
-
Structuring the library website for navigation by keyboard and other adaptive devices
Please note that digital accessibility may vary where the library uses third-party providers for certain services. This may apply to the library catalog, online calendars, social media, and other platforms. Library communications may also link to external webpages that meet different standards.
Please direct any questions or concerns about the library's digital accessibility to the Technology Librarian at
401-828-3750 or kristen@wwpl.org.
Service Animals
Trained service dogs may accompany a patron to the library. Per the ADA and the RI Governor's Commission on Disabilities, emotional support animals are not considered service animals and are not permitted in the library.
While in the library, staff may ask 1) if the dog present is a service dog, and 2) what work or tasks the dog has been trained to perform.
Accommodations
If you or someone in your care requires additional accommodations to participate in library programs or use a library service, or if you have questions or concerns about library accessibility, please contact the Library Director at 401-828-3750 or info@wwpl.org.