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New York State Library Policies

Accessibility at the NYS Library

The New York State Library (NYSL) is committed to assuring equal access and opportunity to all people. This commitment extends to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities so they can participate in all NYS Library programs and services.

Building

  • The Cultural Education Center entrance, located on Madison Avenue, has automatic doors.
  • Elevators have braille elevator buttons.
  • Restrooms with stalls that meet ADA compliance are available on the 1st, 7th, and 11th floor.
  • The lobby of the Cultural Education Center may be loud at popular visiting times because of reverberation.
  • There is currently construction on the outside terraces of the building that requires the use of heavy machinery. Noise from the construction can be heard outside the building and on the 7th floor.

Services and Equipment

  • Most of the library’s collections are in closed stacks and items will need to be requested at the Circulation desk and retrieved by staff. Some collections are available for visitors to browse on the 7th floor. Staff are available to assist visitors retrieve items on the 7th floor in addition to the items in closed stacks.
  • The Reference desk and the Circulation desk on the 7th floor is standard height. The Circulation service desk on the 7th floor has a lower section to accommodate a wheelchair.
  • The Reference desk on the 11th floor is at a lower height to accommodate wheelchairs.
  • Public computers are available on the 7th and 11th floors. Computers on the 7th floor are stationed at desks with adjustable height. Chairs for public computer stations are on wheels and do not have chair arms.

Programs

  • Onsite programs may be conducted in one of the many program spaces within the Cultural Education Center or the program may be a tour where participants are guided through the collections available on the public floors.
  • The Librarians Room on the 7th floor has wooden chairs with and without arms.
  • The Redmond Room is equipped with tables that easily move and chairs without arms.   
  • Online programs are conducted using Zoom Webinar, Teams Webinar, or Webex Webinar. Guides and interpreters may be available by request.

Requests for accessible versions of materials, modification of services, and guides or interpreters for programs should be made submitting an Accessibility Request.

Updated on 6/18/2024