Outreach & Accessibility

Outreach and Accessibility

The Harborfields Public Library is ADA compliant and wheelchair accessible. We make every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you need to request specific accommodations when attending a program, please contact the library at 631.757.4200 ext. 124.

The library’s website features the ReachDeck Tookbar, which provides text-to-speech, reading, and translation to many languages. Click the ReachDeck icon at the top of any screen to have screens read aloud or to translate into another language.

In addition, Harborfields Public Library has collections of materials that will assist patrons, such as large print books and magazines, audiobooks on CD and Playaway, and downloadable audiobooks and eBooks.

Access our Services for Seniors brochure here

A large print version of the library’s monthly newsletter is available upon request.

Print Magnifier

Magnifier

For patrons who are visually impaired, the library has a print magnifier, which can be used to read printed materials in the library. Patrons can bring items from home, such as mail, crossword puzzles, or photographs. The library also has a large-key keyboard that can connect to a library computer.

Assistive Devices

 Available by request:
  • Digital Talking Books player
  • Magnifying glass
  • Personal amplification devices
  • Portable digital video magnifier
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Hearing Loop system

Talking Book and Braille Service

Talking Book player and cartridge

New York Public Library's Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library operates a books-by-mail program that delivers thousands of recorded and braille titles postage-free. Long Island residents of all ages (and those in New York City) are eligible for these services if they have difficulty reading standard printed materials because of one or more of the following: blindness, visual impairment, a physical disability that limits their ability to hold a book or turn pages, a reading disability (such as dyslexia) with a biological basis.

The Talking Books are recorded by professional narrators and sent to you in a digital cartridge format on what is basically a large plastic flash-drive, which can be simply inserted into the free talking books machine sent you. The machine is simple to operate, with large tactile and high contrast buttons, self-speaking instructions, and allows you to adjust volume, tone, and speed, set digital bookmarks, skip ahead or back, and automatically save your place. When you finish, the cartridge is placed back in the blue or black plastic box it came in, the mailing label is flipped to reveal the return address, and it is put back in the mail  - no postage needed.  Service can be set up to send titles only on request, or to automatically keep you in a steady supply of your favorite genre.

For more information and to apply for this service, please visit New York Public Library's Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library website.

Harborfields retains a limited collection of Talking Books, shelved in the Media Room with the audiobooks.

Homebound Deliveries

Books by Mail Homebound Delivery Service

Harborfields residents unable to come to the Library because of temporary or permanent illness or disability are eligible for Homebound Delivery services.

Request specific items or let us know your interests and we will make selections for you. Please fill out the Homebound Delivery Application and return it to the Library. This is is a free service provided by your Library. If you qualify, we will send you materials, free of delivery charge, to your home address. 

Two days before the due date, simply put the materials back in the bag and place it in the Mail.  The Post Office will mail the items back to the Library at no charge to you.

Music & Memory

Music & Memory is a personalized music therapy program for people with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other cognitive and physical challenges to reconnect with the world through music-inspired memories.

The Library has iPod Shuffles available for adult Harborfields cardholders – either caregivers or those who struggle with a cognitive disorder- who want to enroll in the Library’s Music & Memory service. We will work with you to create a unique playlist tailored to the user’s music preferences.