Library accessibility

Shropshire Libraries provides an inclusive, responsive and accessible library and information service to meet the needs and demands of Shropshire’s communities, residents and visitors.

Access to library buildings and vehicles

You will find that library buildings have either flat or ramp access and many have automatic doors. Induction Loops have been provided wherever possible to help if you are hard of hearing; staff receive disability equality communication training to help them understand the needs of disabled people.

If you think visiting your library might be a problem, such as parking, please ring your local library or e-mail, and staff will be pleased to talk to you about any particular access issues you might have. Your advice and experience are very valuable and comments and suggestions about access to services are always welcome.

Mobile Library services

The Mobile Library service visits people in villages, hamlets and settlements around the county who may be unable to get to or use community library buildings. Each vehicle is provided with a step lift. In addition, a purpose built Community Care Mobile Library visits Care Homes, Day Centres and communities of older people across Shropshire on a five week schedule. It is fully accessible by wheelchair and has a very low step and ramp.

People with disabilities

All disabled people can use a wide range of free library services. All you need to do is tick a box on the Membership Form or mention it to staff on your next visit if you already have a library card. If you are visually impaired you can borrow information and reading for pleasure on tape or CD and in large print. You can use computers and the internet in all libraries including accessible software through the People's Network. If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can borrow books, DVDs, tapes and discs from the Deaf Awareness collection.

Every library and mobile library has a collection of books in large print and talking books on CD and tape. These are only a selection of the range of books available. Catalogues of the books that you can borrow on CD or on tape are available by following the link to Books on tape and CD. You can request any large print book or any talking book free of charge. Ask your local library for details.

A Disabled Users Focus Group meets to look at existing library and information services for disabled people and identify ideas for the future. If you are disabled and would like to join the group, please contact us by following the link.

Housebound people

If you are housebound because of long term illness, frailty, disability or a carer for a disabled adult or child you can apply to have a volunteer from the Home Library Service bring you books free of charge.

Volunteering

If you have time you might like to consider volunteering to deliver library services to housebound people. There is always a demand for the service. All you would need to do is fill in a Volunteer Application Form for the Home Library Service.

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