Dublin City Libraries is committed to promoting a culture of inclusion and providing an accessible service for everyone. In this regard we offer a range of assistive technologies, large print and audio books and other multimedia, as well as mobile and home delivery services.
Wherever branches are wheelchair accessible, the wheelchair logo is indicated on the library's webpage. Similiarly the hearing loop and assistive technology logos indicate their availability.
Transit wheelchairs are now available in the Central Library, Cabra Library, Raheny Library, Coolock Library and Walkinstown Library.
Library Access Programme (Built Environment)
Nine libraries are scheduled to have access works carried out as part of Dublin City Council's programme to meet the requirements of the Disability Act 2005. Rathmines, Pembroke , Ringsend, Ballyfermot, Drumcondra, Phibsboro, Cabra, Marino and Charleville Mall are the libraries scheduled for works in the first phase of the project. During the public consultation phase of the project, plans went on display at branches and were also viewable on the DCPL Library Access blog. A consultation panel, which comprises library users with a disability was formed to help inform the design process.
Download Dublin City Council's Framework Implementation Plan (PDF, 677 KB) Cannot access PDF?
Assistive Technology
Dublin City Libraries offers a wide range of assistive technology and computer-based solutions to assist:
- Blind and visually impaired people
- People with learning/intellectual disabilities
- People whose first language is not English
- Technologies available include MAGIC, JAWS, Kurzweil 1000, Kurzweil 3000, Affinity CCTV, Optical Scanner PC, large key keyboards, Induction Loop and assistive technology mice.
- Hearing loop systems and magnifier aids are available in all branch libraries and mobile services.
Further information on assistive technologies available at your library.
Books and Multimedia
Dublin City Libraries stocks an extensive large print collection and a wide selection of talking books on CD, cassette and MP3 player. To retrieve a list of large print books perform a keyword search of the catalogue using keywords large and print. Browse a list of large print books in our catalogue.
A range of closed caption DVDs and videos are available for borrowing. To retrieve a list of closed caption DVDs and videos perform a keyword search of the catalogue using keywords subtitled and hearing. Browse a list of closed caption DVDs and videos in our catalogue
Mobile Services
The Mobile Libraries service operates throughout the Dublin City area serving those areas not presently served by branch libraries.
The mobile libraries have wheelchair access and a hearing loop installed.
The Learning Bus takes computer and Internet training on the road and into your community. The Bus is equipped with 6 Internet ready PCs, wheelchair access, hearing loop and audio equipment. More information on the Learning Bus.
Home Delivery Service and Block Loans
Dublin City Public Libraries provide a home delivery service to individuals and a block loan service to institutions across the city. More information on our home delivery service.
Bibliotherapy
The North Inner City Book Prescription Scheme allows GPs and other professionals working in Primary Care the option of confidentally recommending / prescribing relevant books to their adult patients with mild and moderate psychological problems. It allows large numbers of patients in the area to have easy access to this form of psychological treatment through their local libraries. More information on Bibliotherapy.
Participating libraries are the Central Library, Ilac Centre, Charleville Mall, Drumcondra, Marino, Phibsboro, Cabra and Mountjoy Prison(s).
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In recognition of our commitment to providing an accessible service Dublin City Public Libraries has won awards at the inaugural NDA Excellence through Accessibility Awards and at the 02 Ability Awards 2007.