The American Disabilities Act (ADA), established in 1990, requires any organization or business offering a service to members of the public to follow specific accessibility regulations. This is vital to ensure anyone can receive the assistance they need at their local library, whether that’s having access to audiobooks or the freedom to explore without risk of colliding with an obstruction in a walkway. The ADA stipulates:

text on signs should be large enough for visitors with impaired vision to read them, with contrasting colors aiding visibility

there should be no barriers causing blockages near entrances, exits, service desks or any other space which people would expect to be clear

lighting has to be bright without creating glare, and walls must not be overly dark (as this could impact visibility for those with poor eyesight)

stairs should be non-slip and have handrails for safe usage

These are just a few rules that should be in place at libraries to protect any visitors affected by blindness or impaired vision. Libraries can implement other accessibility measures to provide guests with a more welcoming experience, such as adding lighting to stairs to increase their safety.

A wide range of Braille books and audiobooks should be available too and thus offering a broad range of reading or research materials for those living with visual impairments or blindness.

But actually finding your way around a library can be difficult enough for people with healthy vision, let alone anyone without. Exploring stacks, finding the books you need, navigating stairways — there’s a lot to consider. What can libraries do about that?