Accessibility and Support
Disabled access
We offer services for people who have problems with sight or hearing, learning disabilities, or difficulty getting to the library.
Many resources are available at your local library. We can also order books from other libraries, and deliver them to you.
Library buildings
Most libraries are accessible by wheelchair. Some have limited disabled access. Find out more on our local library pages. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Each library has a computer with a large screen, large print keyboard and access to an on screen keyboard, screen magnifier and accessibility settings for the mouse.
Home library service
We run a free home library service for people who cannot easily use a library due to disability or frailty, or are caring for someone who cannot be left.
Resources for disabled people
Visually impaired
If you have a problem with your sight, we offer:
- Large Print books
- Audiobooks - CD and eAudio
- Bookstart packs containing touch and feel books for young children
- ClearVision books with Braille and printed text for children
- audio described films on DVD or CD
All library computers have SuperNova magnifying and screen-reading software installed. Some libraries have larger, easy-to read Dolphin keyboards.
Bexhill, Eastbourne and Hastings libraries have specialist visual impaired equipment including:
- Eye-Pal SOLO- reads any text aloud giving you access to every book and newspaper in the library. You can also bring your own letters and reading material in to be read on the machine.
- Prodigi machines- a text and visual magnifier. You can use this machine to enlarge personal photos, reference material, or books and magazines. It also reads text aloud.
You can get audiobooks by post from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) library (this is a free service) and Calibre Audio Library (subscription free with a joining fee).
Hearing impaired
If you have a problem with your hearing, we offer:
- DVDs with subtitles
- hearing loop systems at all of our libraries
- Bookstart packs containing baby sign books and touch and feel books.
Learning disabilities
We have special resources for people with learning disabilities that you can find and reserve online.
- Bag Books storytelling kits – for families, carers and respite centres to use with severely disabled children, young people and adults.
- Books Beyond Words picture books – stories in pictures to help people with learning and communication difficulties understand and cope with their own experiences. They include love and relationships, health, death and crime. We run groups for sharing these books at Seaford and Uckfield libraries.
Bus passes
You can get forms for bus passes for older and disabled people in libraries. Library staff can help you complete the older person’s application form. You need to bring a passport style photo with you and original documents.