Libraries for Everyone
"We are committed to providing services for everyone without discrimination on any grounds. We respect and value individuals and communities supporting learning and development opportunities for people of all ages and all abilities. We seek to promote equality and diversity throughout all our services." (Dublin City Libraries Equality Statement).
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessibility
It is our aim to make branch libraries accessible and welcoming for everyone. If a branch library is wheelchair accessible we display the logo on the branch webpage and on library leaflets. Please contact your local branch library for more details and local information.
Assistive technologies
If you have a disability, if English is not your first language or you find it hard to read, assistive technologies can help.
There are several assistive technologies available in the Central Library (Ilac Centre) as well as Cabra, Kevin Street, Walkinstown, and Pearse Street branch libraries:
- Jaws is a screen reader programme for blind people using text to speech or Braille.
- MAGic is magnification software for people with low vision, which is used in conjunction with JAWS software. A speech option is available.
- Kurtzweil 3000 is text to speech software which also has facility to assist learners of English and helps fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, study skills.
- The Magic Table (or ‘Tovertafel’ in Dutch) uses specially designed technology to help people with mid-to-late stage dementia and also adults with learning disabilities.
All of our branch libraries and mobile libraries have been fitted with hearing loops.
Age-friendly services
We have many events and activities that support Dublin Age Friendly City. You can check our Library Events for both children and teens.
Older people may be interested in our book clubs, film clubs, knitting groups, creative writing groups, exhibitions and lectures. Check your local library for the range of services and activities provided.
If you have any mobility problems you might like to use a transit wheelchair. You will find these in the following libraries:
Library Access Programme
In the past few years we have undertaken a Library Access Improvement Programme to make sure that our branch libraries are accessible and comfortable for everyone.
These works include:
- A ramp and internal lifts where necessary
- New furniture
- Full repainting, using high contrast colours
- Audio-induction loop systems
- New shelving and floor lay-outs
- Accessible public restroom facilities
Major improvement works have been completed in:
- Drumcondra
- Pembroke
- Rathmines
- Ballyfermot
- Kevin Street
- Ringsend
For more information see the Disability Act 2005 Implementation Plan for Dublin City.
Mobile Libraries
If your area does not have a local library one of Dublin City Libraries Mobile Libraries should visit. They also visit some schools across the city. Mobile library vans have wheelchair access and a hearing loop installed.
Home delivery and block loan service
You can avail of a home delivery service provided by the Mobile Libraries service. This service can be used by individuals.
Institutions (such as crèches, sheltered accommodation for older people, isolated individuals in the community, and those with a visual impairment or other disabilities) can use the block loan service. This type of loan is tailored to individual requirements; number of items, length of loan period and type of material provided (talking books, large print books, paperbacks etc.).
Block loans can also be arranged in mobile or branch libraries. Contact your local library or the Mobile Libraries for details.
Diversity
Throughout our branch libraries we provide books for children and adults in a variety of languages, as well as other services providing for and embracing the ethnic diversity of our library users.
Throughout the year we have events and programmes that celebrate inclusion and diversity. Check our Library Events listings.
Bibliotherapy
The use of books for therapeutic purposes is known as 'bibliotherapy’. Self-help books have been used in this way for many years. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties bibliotherapy books can providing psychological therapy.
Browse a list of bibliotherapy books in our catalogue.
Prison Library Service
The Dublin Prison Library Service is an agency service of Dublin City Libraries to the Irish Prison Service. The Service manages eight libraries in prisons in Dublin, providing a similar range of material and services to those provided by public libraries.