Medical equipment and supplies

Many Library locations offer access to a variety of devices and services that provide patrons with disabilities easier access to Library resources. For assistive technology information, call the Office of Community Outreach at 212-592-27552 or email accessibility@nypl.org.

Accessibility at NYPL Locations

The New York Public Library strives to ensure that its buildings are fully accessible in support of our mission to provide valuable resources and services to all New Yorkers. This commitment includes making every effort to improve accessibility in older branches with architectural challenges (NYPL has branches over 100 years old), and working to acquire the funding necessary to make key improvements.

Browse our directory of locations to find branches that are currently fully or partially accessible. If you have questions about accessibility at a particular branch, please contact Ask NYPL.

Accessible Resources

For more information or for an accommodation, please email accessibility@nypl.org. To learn more about the accessibility of NYPL websites and mobile applications, see our Web & Mobile Accessibility Policy.

Find programs and services below for our community members with disabilities:

Print Disabilities or Visual Impairment

Talking Books, Bookshare

Videos and DVDs with descriptive text

JAWs screenreading software, MAGic screen magnification software, and personal reading machines such as SIBL's Da Vinci video magnifier with Text-to Speech and an "Eye-Pal Solo" reading machine

Technology workshops, braille study groups, and more

Learning, Cognitive, or Developmental Disabilities

Movie screenings, art workshops, computer classes

Sensory-friendly storytime and playtime for children

Online resources for video storybooks and animated picture books

Free talking books and players

Deaf or Hard of Hearing

ASL interpretation and CART real-time captioning

Assistive listening devices, hearing loops

Captioned videos and DVDs

Physical Disabilities

Books by Mail

Talking Books

Maxi-Aids has been an established special-needs provider for over two decades. In that time, we have evolved into the world’s leading provider of adaptive products, products for independent living and products designed to enhance your lifestyle simply by making your every-day tasks easier. Look to Maxi-Aids when you’re in need of any special needs item. Why? Because we listen to the people who matter the most… our customers! We base our ever-growing, ever-changing line of products on what our customers need and want.

Durable medical equipment

Call for details

Programs that pay for or provide necessary in-home hospital equipment, monitoring devices, respiratory aids, prevention kits and other medical supplies that are required by people who want to prevent the transmission of an infectious disease, are coping with the effects of a chronic health condition or disability or are convalescing following surgery or illness. Included are programs that provide medical equipment on a loan basis as well as those that provide equipment that people can keep.

A loan cupboard stocked with walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, and canes

Rent or buy a Wheelchair Ramp and Portable Showers. Offers new and used equipment.

The NYS Energy Research and Development Authority operates EmPower New York, which is a service that provides new Energy Star replacement refrigerators and freezers. The program will also add insulation to homes and offer tips on how to save energy. The program does not provide roofs, windows or stoves. Eligibility: The homeowner must be eligible for HEAP. Those who heat with other sources of fuel should send a copy of their HEAP benefit letter along with the EmPower application.

Offer assistance with various financing options including State aid, VA reimbursement, and leasing.