Special Needs

Tempe Public Library has equipment and materials of interest to our visually impaired patrons, such as special magnifying devices, large-type books and magazines, recorded books and a small Braille collection.  Also, all of the Library's public computers have Zoom Text screen enlarging software installed, in addition to the standard Microsoft Windows accessibility applications.

The Library is also a service pickup location for talking book machines supplied by National Library Service Talking Books.  This is a free library service available to U.S. residents and citizens living abroad whose low vision, blindness, or physical handicap makes it difficult to read a standard printed page.  More information about Talking Books service for Arizona residents can be found at the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records Braille and Talking Book Library Division.  Printed application forms are available at our Customer Service desk and at the State Library, and printable version of the application form may be downloaded from the State Library's web site.  For more information, contact Tempe Public Library Customer Service at (480) 350-5577.

Homebound Service is available to any citizen of Tempe confined to home by illness or handicap for a period of three months or longer.  Library staff and trained volunteers deliver library materials to homebound patrons on a regular, mutually convenient schedule.  For more information, telephone us at (480) 350-5509 and leave a voice mail message.

A wheelchair is available in the Library for our patrons' use; just ask at the main desk.  And, of course, please don't hesitate to ask a Library staff member for help in retrieving books from shelves that are out of  reach.