We continue to check our website and make sure that all content is accessible to all visitors. This includes databases and content from other external service providers. Read our Website Accessibility Notice, opens a new window.
Accessibility FAQs
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General Questions
Contact the librarian offering the event no later than one week before the event. Contact information is posted on the individual event listing in our online calendar.
You may also write to access@kcls.org at least one week before the event.
You may be eligible to access collections from the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL). Learn about what they offer, who is eligible to use them, how to apply, and how we can help.
Yes. From the Setting Page, go to "Display Options" and select “Dyslexic Font” to turn on.
When this setting is enabled:
- Each letter is designed to be unique so they’re easier to differentiate.
- Letters and words have extra distance between them to help reduce reversal.
- Capital letters are bolder to help make it easier to find where new sentences begin.
Find complete instructions on OverDrive’s help article, How do I enable dyslexic font?
Yes.
Auto-generated closed captioning is available at all online events.
Closed captioning is added to all of our official videos on YouTube.
We understand the challenge in taking public transportation to locations with limited hours. Please take note of current library hours, opens a new window to ensure you arrive when we are open to serve you.
It depends on the type of accommodation you need. The best person to ask for accommodation will be different for different services.
Find out who to contact to request the type of accommodation.
You can choose from accessible formats of books, movies, magazines, and newspapers. Formats include:
- Captioned movies
- Digital collections
- Large print and
- Recorded books (audiobooks)
Learn more about accessible formats in the "Formats" section of the Accessibility page.
We will also provide reasonable accommodations for borrowing. Options that may make managing your account easier could be longer hold and loan periods.
If you cannot leave home or come to a library, you may be able to get items delivered to you by Mobile Services.
You may be eligible to access collections from the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL). Learn about what they offer, who is eligible to use them, how to apply, and how we can help.
Yes. We will provide reasonable accommodations by request. Find out how to request an accommodation, opens a new window.
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Interpreters
Yes. Spoken and sign language interpreters are available for library service. A company called Language Line provides interpreters by phone and online.
When you call the library
You can talk with an interpreter by phone.
When you visit the library
You can talk or sign with an interpreter by video or audio on an app. Or, you can talk with an interpreter by phone.
Anyone can request an interpreter for free. You don’t need a library card.
You can get an interpreter in many languages by audio. Interpreters for some languages are also available by video.
Languages include:
- American Sign Language (ASL)
- Mandarin
- Russian
- Somali
- Spanish
- Vietnamese
More languages are available. Find out if interpreters are available in your language. Check availability on the Language Line website.
Visit or call any library, opens a new window. Ask a staff member for Language Line and tell us your language.
When you call the library
We will call Language Line and invite an interpreter to join the call. You will talk with an interpreter over the phone.
When you visit the library
If your library offers video and audio interpreters, we will open the Language Line app on an iPad. You will talk or sign with an interpreter online, using the app. Or, we will call Language Line. You will talk with an interpreter over the phone.
We provide all the equipment you need to use this service.
Interpreters are available in many languages whenever the library is open. Languages that are always available include:
- American Sign Language (ASL)
- Mandarin
- Russian
- Spanish
- Vietnamese
However, some languages are only available Monday-Friday. Ask staff at your library for the current schedule.
You can get an interpreter at any library.
When you call the library
You can get an interpreter by phone when you call any library.
When you visit the library
You can get an interpreter by phone when you visit any library.
Many libraries also offer interpreters online, by video or audio. You can only get an interpreter by video or audio when you visit the library. Video and audio interpreters are available at these locations:
- Algona-Pacific
- Auburn
- Bellevue
- Bothell
- Boulevard Park
- Burien
- Covington
- Crossroads
- Des Moines
- Enumclaw
- Fairwood
- Federal Way
- Federal Way 320th
- Greenbridge
- Kenmore
- Kent
- Kent Panther Lake
- Kingsgate
- Kirkland
- Lake Hills
- Newcastle
- Newport Way
- Redmond
- Renton
- Renton Highlands
- Sammamish
- Service Center
- Shoreline
- Skyway
- Snoqualmie
- Southcenter
- Tukwila
- Valley View
- White Center
- Woodinville
- Woodmont
We’re not able to offer online audio or video interpreters at all locations. We’re able to offer this service at many libraries thanks to a grant from the Washington State Library. We selected locations based on demographic data.
You can still get an interpreter even if your library doesn’t offer online service. Interpreters are available by phone at every library.
You can also ask for an accommodation by emailing access@kcls.org.
Interpreters can help you get customer service that’s related to using the library. For example, you can use an interpreter to ask library staff for help:
- finding books or information
- getting and using a library card,
- or using any other library service.
Yes, but not through Language Line.
Contact the librarian hosting the event at least one week before. Contact information is posted on the individual event listing in our online calendar.
Or, write to access@kcls.org at least one week before the event.
Yes. You can get an interpreter by phone when you’re not at the library. When you call the library, staff will call Language Line and invite an interpreter to join the call.
You can’t get an interpreter online, by video or audio when you're not at the library.
No. You can’t install the Language Line app on your personal device or computer.
No. There is no time limit.
Yes. Your interaction with an interpreter is confidential.
Interpreters are available in American Sign Language (ASL).
If you need another type of accommodation, please email access@kcls.org.