Accessibility

Tuscaloosa Public Library (TPL) strives to provide equal experiences to all community members through accessible physical spaces, materials in a variety of formats, and assistive technologies.

TPL meets the standards required by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for accessibility of facilities, programs and services by persons with disabilities. If you need accommodations or have general questions regarding accessibility at TPL, please call us at (205) 345-5820.

All library buildings are fully accessible and ADA compliant. Library buildings are equipped with:
  • Designated accessible parking spaces
  • Wheelchair accessible restrooms
  • Wheelchair accessible computer in Computer Lab
  • Wheelchair accessible catalog desk
  • Automated doors (Main Library only)
  • Elevator access (Main Library only)

Wheelchairs are available to use for no cost at the Main Library. Please ask the front desk for assistance. Employees of the Tuscaloosa Public Library are not allowed to assist patrons with these devices. All devices must be returned to the front desk ten minutes before closing. At large events for children and families, we provide a quiet sensory friendly space.

TPL wants everyone to feel welcome and comfortable at the library. If you experience sensory overload and need a quiet space, please speak with a staff member at any service desk.

Ease of Access Microsoft accessibility features are available on all public internet computers. These include a magnifier, text-to-speech, on-screen keyboards, and high-contrast viewing.

The library has a collection of large print books and audiobooks for the visually impaired.


Patrons unable to use standard print materials due to a visual or physical disability qualify for the services offered by the Alabama Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, located in the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) facility in Montgomery. The service provides special format reading materials, playback equipment and other library resources to qualifying users. Qualifying disabilities include blindness, low vision, arthritis, paralysis, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome. Reading disabilities resulting from an organic dysfunction such as dyslexia also qualify. Free mailing privileges are provided by the United States Post Office. There is no charge for any part of this service. Interested persons should call APLS at 1-334-213-3900 or 1-800-723-8459 or by visiting the APLS website.


The Bookmobile travels to provide library resources to patrons at convenient locations throughout the county. For Bookmobile services, please call (205) 345-5820 ext. 1151. Through the Books-By-Mail program, patrons can receive materials at home through the mail.  For Books-By-Mail services, please call (205) 345-5820, ext. 1122.

TPL welcomes service animals in all of its facilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service animal as “dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.”


Emotional support animals do not qualify as service animals and therefore cannot enter the library. The ADA states that “the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship does not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of this definition.”


Under ADA regulations, staff may ask 1) if an animal is required because of a disability, and 2) what work or tasks the animal has been trained to perform.

More information on the ADA Regulations for Service Animals can be found HERE.