Library Access for People with Disabilities

Library Programs & Services

The library's programs and services are intended to be accessible to people with disabilities. Please call if you have questions about access, and please let us know if you require assistance in the library. Call the Eureka Main Library reference desk at 707-269-1905, or call the Branch Library you plan to visit.  

Library buildings in Eureka, Fortuna, Garberville and Rio Dell are fully accessible to everyone. Libraries in other Humboldt communities are accessible to almost everyone and their access flaws are noted as we continue to upgrade.

This page gives an overview of library access. We've also got more detail on library services for you if you are blind or have low vision, or if you are deaf or hard of hearing.

Using the Library from Home, by Internet & Phone


  • Visit the eBooks page to download eBooks, magazines, and eAudio books to your own eReader or digital player. Use our free online articles and databases to do library research.
  • Call or use the California Relay Service to reserve books, movies, and audiobooks, or you may reserve them online. Come by or send a friend to the library with your library card to pick up your reserved items.
  • Use the Online Library Calendar to find out about free events in all our libraries. We offer both online and in-person events.

Requests for Accommodation


The Library is meant be accessible to everyone, and library staff strive to make this a reality. If you are unable to enter a library due to a barrier to your disability, we will work with you to provide library materials and services. 

Curbside Service

Curbside service is an option if a barrier is found. Please get in touch with your library branch during open hours and discuss your needs so that we can make an arrangement that will work for you.

Advance Planning for Accommodations

For needs such as sign language interpretation, that require advance planning on the part of the library, please let us know at least 3 working days ahead of time (a week is better!). Reasonable accommodations can be made. 

Call the branch library where the accommodation is needed and / or discuss it with the County ADA Coordinator at 844-365-0352. 

You can also contact us by email,

Humboldt County Library, hcl@co.humboldt.ca.us

County ADA Coordinator, ada@co.humboldt.ca.us

Access at Branch Libraries

All Humboldt County Libraries are accessible to people with a wide range of abilities, but not every library meets each current Americans with Disabilities Act standard. For example, older ramps at some libraries may not meet all of today's rules about turning radius. As we find problems like this, upgrades are scheduled and performed.

Check the status of your library branch here.

Access at Eureka Main Library 


Eureka Main Library is designed to be fully compliant with the ADA and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Below you'll find details about access at the Eureka Library, or read our printable brochure (PDF).

Getting into Eureka Main Library



  • Ramps at entrance and all emergency exits
  • 4 accessible parking spaces near entry ramp
  • Handrails on all stairways as stair guides
  • Automatic sliding entry doors
  • Bus stop map

Mobility Inside Eureka Main Library


  • Elevator access to the 2nd floor
  • Scooter – a scooter is available for mobility in the library.  Ask at the Circulation Desk for the key.
  • Wheelchair accessible building and restrooms
  • Handrails in the restrooms
  • Need something reached?  Just ask.

Map of Eureka Library with Access Features


For added information about the Eureka Main Library and its access features please visit our access map page.  There you can read a full & detailed text description of what we offer and where to find it, and / or view the map showing those locations.


Getting Around


Motorized Scooter

The Eureka Main Library is a big place!  We offer a motorized cart or scooter, with a basket, for your convenience and comfort while searching for library materials. The scooter is located near the circulation desk where you enter the library. Ask at the Circulation desk for the key.

Bus Stops

The closest Eureka city bus stops now are Purple Route stops at 6th and O, at the Adorni Center (Waterfront and L Street), and at 3rd Street and T. The closest Redwood Transit stops are at 4th and Q on the Southbound route, and 5th and O on the Northbound route. You can find more detailed bus stop information at our bus stop map.

Using Library Materials & Computers


Materials Available to borrow

  • Videos with closed captions
  • Videos with audio description
  • Large type books 
  • Audio books are available on CD or for free download borrowing.

Reading Aids Available in the Library

  • Forgot your reading glasses? Ask at the Reference desk for a pair of glasses you can use while you are here.  If you prefer, we also have a magnifying glass.
  • Reading lights are installed at the counter in the Southwest corner of the adult reading area, and in daylight, good natural light is available in most library reading areas.
  • A CCTV magnifier allows readers to magnify the pages of books and other visual material to a wide range of sizes. It is available for use in Eureka Library's Humboldt Room.

Public Computers

Our public computers can be adjusted for use by people who have visual disabilities or prefer larger type. Words can be enlarged on all of our computers. Ask at the reference desk if you'd like to use the following options.

  • large type keyboard, 
  • big-ball mouse
  •  'lefty' mouse.  
  • Screen reading software is a part of the Library website, and when you are using the Internet, the NVDA Screen Reader can be used to hear the text from any website.

Access Problems with the Library Website?


It is our goal to provide a fully accessible website. If you use assistive technology (such as a Braille reader, a screen reader, or TTY) and the format of any material on this website interferes with your ability to access information, please contact us. The same goes for any other access problem you find on our site.
 
Feedback from users with disabilities is very helpful & we appreciate it.


Library Website Comment Form