Notice: Warming Centers in Kalamazoo: KPL is not equipped to operate as a warming center or provide the extended hours and support required during extreme weather events. Here is a list of warming centers in Kalamazoo.

Notice of Public Meeting: Kalamazoo Public Library Board of Trustees | December 9 | 5 pm | Central Library/Van Deusen Room. The packet of information for the meeting can be found on the library’s website

See the latest updates about Alma Powell Branch.

Accessibility and Adaptive Technology


Accessibility Policy

We strive to make our website as accessible and usable as possible. We do this by following Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0) produced by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C, the web’s governing body).

Section 504 is a legal requirement and WCAG is a set of checkpoints and guidelines that help ensure that websites are designed and written properly. For example:

  • Images have alternative text (so if you can’t see the image you can still read the text).
  • Color contrast between the foreground and background is sufficiently strong.
  • Text resizes according to user preference.
  • Headings are correctly used (they’re not just ordinary text made to look big and bold).
  • Links make sense by themselves (e.g. no links that just say “Click here” or “More…”).
  • Tables are used for laying out tabular information and have proper headings and summaries.
  • All functionality of web content must be navigable and operable through a keyboard interface.

For those familiar with Section 504 and WCAG, we aim for AA compliance across our site. We also look for opportunities to meet AAA compliance.

Feedback

If you have a problem using our site, please contact us and provide the URL (web address) of the material you tried to access, the problem you experienced, and your contact information. We’ll attempt to provide the information you’re seeking.


PCs with Windows 10, Microsoft Office, & Adaptive Apps and input devices

How to use JAWS screen reader (PDF)

JAWS (“Job Access With Speech”) is a computer screen reader program for Microsoft Windows that allows blind and visually impaired users to read the screen either with a text-to-speech output or by a refreshable Braille display.

How to use ZoomText (PDF)

ZoomText Magnifier is a fully integrated magnification program tailored for low-vision users. ZoomText enlarges and enhances everything on your computer screen making text easier to read.


iPad with Accessible Case and Adaptive Apps

Magnify and Zoom (PDF)

Zoom is a screen magnification app built into the operating system of all iOS products designed to help make devices more accessible to persons who are visually impaired.

NaturalReader (PDF)

NaturalReader is a text-to-speech app that reads webpages, documents, and ebooks aloud with quality, natural-sounding voices.


Prodigi Document Reader

This is our new electronic document magnification system for the patron area on the 2nd floor. This system is designed allow users to magnify text that could otherwise be small or difficult to read, as well as read text out loud.


Hearing Loops

KPL has installed hearing loops in both the Board Room and the Van Deusen Auditorium. The loops function by transmitting sound signals from an audio source, such as a presenter’s microphone, through an amplifier and then wirelessly to users.

Patrons and visitors with T-Coil equipped hearing aids or cochlear implants can now seamlessly receive transmissions broadcast through the loop without the need to use any additional devices.


Personal Listening Systems

For patrons with hearing loss who do not have a T-Coil equipped personal device of their own, we have discreet receivers and headphone sets available for use, which connect to the loop.

Loop systems are universally recognized with a symbol which will be posted on the rooms in which the technology is available.


For questions about Adaptive Technology, please contact the library’s Reference Desk: (269) 553-7801


Large Print Books

Large print book

Large print book

Large print book

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Video Recordings for People with Visual Disabilities

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Video Recordings for the Hearing Impaired

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