Accessibility
Howard County Library System is committed to equitable access to our physical and digital collections, classes and services. We provide assistive tools, sign language interpreters for classes, and accommodations upon request. For accommodations, questions, or help accessing items, contact your local branch.
Request Accessible Materials
Our digital resources should be accessible to everyone. If you need any materials in an accessible format, click Contact Us then select “Accessibility” from the subject dropdown.
Website Accessibility
Howard County Library System is committed to providing an accessible online experience for all users. Our website was developed in adherence with WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines, and we continually review and improve our digital services to support accessibility and usability.
Ongoing Accessibility Improvements
Recent enhancements to hclibrary.org include:
- Added Skip to content button
- Labeled background and decorative images appropriately
- Fixed targeting for interactive components on webpages when using assistive technology and screen-readers
- Added alternative tags to images and media that was previously missing
- Fixed contrast issues with colors for buttons, links, and web components
- Added labels, titles, and location attributes to interactive filters and dropdowns on the website such as our search bar, filters on the blog and online resources pages, and dropdown accordions or interactive elements.
- Added logic to remove empty elements from a webpage if they were added but never completed when editing.
- Removal of API’s and JavaScript that were non-compliant and could not be remediated.
Accessibility Feedback
We regularly test our website using assistive technology and accessibility review tools. While we strive to provide an accessible experience, some issues may still exist. We are currently aware of a labeling issue affecting Google’s reCAPTCHA tool.
If you encounter an accessibility barrier while using hclibrary.org or need assistance accessing online content, please contact us. We welcome feedback and continuously work to improve the accessibility of our digital services.
Assistive Technology
Services for People with Visual Disabilities
- Large Print book collection for adults and children can be searched online, and can be picked up at any HCLS Library.
- Audiobooks and eAudiobooks are available.
- The Library’s DVD collection includes titles with descriptive audio.
Services for People who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- The Library’s video and DVD collection includes [titles with closed captioning]. The collection also includes a variety of sign language learning and ASL videos.
- Sign language interpretation for Library programs is available on request by completing this form. Please allow ten business days in advance of the event for your request to be processed.
- The Library can also provide information on sign language interpreters in the area.
- Browse the Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library.
- Access to all HCLS branches can be obtained through Maryland Relay by dialing #711 or 1-800-735-2258 during regular Library regular hours.
Services for People with Physical Disabilities
- All HCLS locations are wheelchair accessible. Please contact the branch location directly if you have further questions about the details of accessibility.
- Community members who can’t visit a branch can still enjoy a wide range of library resources:
- e-Resources, including ebooks, emagazines, research tools, and streaming movies, TV shows, and documentaries are easily accessible from home.
- Youth eResources, including educational games and interactive ebooks for children and teens
- Online classes, events, and book clubs—plus our YouTube channel brings the library to you, making programs and resources accessible from home.
- The STEAM Machine is equipped with a fully functional platform lift and is wheelchair accessible.
- PS5 access controller are available to request to use while gaming at any library branch.
Services for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Beyond Words is a vibrant and inclusive monthly class designed to spark joy and ignite the imagination of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
- Adult offered at East Columbia, Central and Miller branches.
- Teens offered at East Columbia and Miller branches.
- Junior (ages 6-11) offered at Miller branch.
- Each HCLS branch offers picture communication boards to support community members with speech or language disabilities with more independent communication—simply point to images or words to express needs or ideas.
- Our Educational Toys collection includes sensory-friendly options, available for checkout.