Disability Services
The Metropolitan Library System is committed to providing access to information and services to all library customers in our community. MLS endeavors to consider diverse perspectives and offer programs, services, and collections that meet the needs of each customer’s perspective. Library staff are empowered to put forth their best efforts in accommodating reasonable requests for assistance in accessing and making use of library resources, materials, and services.
Library customers who encounter any difficulty in accessing library facilities, materials, or services are encouraged to contact the library and allow us to make reasonable accommodations.
Each of the Metropolitan Library System locations have accessible parking onsite or available at a nearby parking facility or meter. Necessary ramps, door openings, and bathroom accommodations are also available to library customers at each of our library locations. The Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library and Belle Isle Library locations have elevators to make all collections accessible.
Drive-up book drops are available at Belle Isle Library, Midwest City Library, Northwest Library and Southern Oaks Library locations.
MLS provides library materials through the mail for individuals living in Oklahoma County who are 65 years of age or older or homebound. Please visit Library by Mail for more information.
We host on-site libraries at more than 90 facilities in the Oklahoma County area. Please visit On-Site Libraries for more information.
Interpreters can be arranged for programs and services available through the library system. Contact us for more information.
Public Computers
All public computers use the Microsoft Windows operating system and are equipped with necessary ADA compliant technology. For more information on how to use Microsoft’s screen readers, visit their website.
Magnification
We have two Microscope Endoscope Camera Magnifiers used to magnify library materials. These are available by request at the Northwest Library. In the OverDrive application, eBook publications can be enlarged to make the font more easily read.
Assistive Listening Systems (ALS) are available at the Downtown Library, Northwest Library, Capitol Hill Library and Bethany Library. These devices amplify sound for people with impaired hearing or auditory-processing disabilities.
People attending meetings or programs at these locations can arrange for use of assistive listening devices by contacting us at least one week in advance of the event.
Information for People with Service Animals
The Metropolitan Library System welcomes library customers who have a service animal. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to an individual’s disability and comply with all state and federal laws, rules, and regulations regarding the use of service animals by persons with disabilities.
A service animal is defined as any service dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.
Service animals are limited to the animals defined under the ADA and does not include any other species of animal, wild or domestic, trained or untrained. A service animal does not include an animal used or relied upon for crime deterrence, emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship.
Other Resources
Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Hearing Loss Association of America (Central Oklahoma Chapter)
Mortgage and Finance Guide for People with Disabilities
Home Remodeling and Modifications for People with Special Needs
National Funding Sources for Home Accessibility
Wheelchair Financial Assistance
Purchasing a Handicap Accessible Van with Assistance, Grants and Subsidies
Life-changing companions: How to afford a service dog
Budget-Friendly Smart Home Accommodations for Seniors and Individuals with Special Needs
How to start a special-needs trust to save for your child’s future