Accessibility Services
The Colonie Library is committed to providing an accessible website for users of all abilities. We are continually improving the user experience by striving for clarity and applying relevant accessibility standards. See our full website accessibility statement
For Checkout
Audiobooks
We offer audiobooks on CD (adults), Wonderbooks (kids), and downloadable digital audiobooks (all ages). There is a small backlist collection of CD audiobooks and Playaways (mp3 audiobooks) for children, but they are no longer being purchased.
All physical audiobooks can be found in the far left corner of the library, near the music and DVDs. Digital audiobooks can be found on Libby and Hoopla.
Large Print Books
Our Large Print Books collection includes popular fiction and non-fiction and is located on the ground floor between the paperbacks and regular print fiction. See what’s available for:
The text size on digital books can be changed, so ask at the Information Desk about e-books.
Digital Books, Magazines, and Newspapers
Digital books and magazines allow the reader to adjust the size of the text, and most digital audiobooks let the reader adjust the speed of audio playback.
Digital books can be enjoyed on your computer or mobile device, though some e-ink devices cannot play audiobooks. See our Digital Collections page for more information.
Books by Mail
If you have difficulty getting to the library due to loss of vision or other disability, you may be eligible to receive large print books or audiobooks on CD by mail at no cost to you under the USPS Free Matter for the Blind program. Check out our Books by Mail page for more information.
Text to Speech
The library has two C-Pen ReaderPens that can be checked out at the Information Desk. Slide the ReaderPen along a line of printed text to have it read out loud. Works with earphones. A library card is required for checkout.
Talking Book and Braille Library
The New York State Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) is a free library service for eligible residents of upstate New York who are unable to use standard print materials due to a visual, physical or reading disability.
The TBBL collection includes print Braille books, as well as digital fiction and nonfiction audio and braille books, with over 70 magazine subscriptions available.
Also available: Braille on Demand National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.
Library Use
Adaptive Mouse
The Library has an adaptive mouse available for checkout within the library
Adaptive Keyboard
The library has an adaptive keyboard available for checkout within the library
Speech to Text
The library keeps a set of speech recognition headphones at the Information Desk for checkout within the library that can be used for speech-to-text capability on our computers or laptops. A library card is required for checkout. For use within the library.
Listen IR
Assistive listening devices with ear speakers that fit over the ear.
- Patrons may use their own earbuds or headphones, must fit a 3.5 mm output jack.
- Volume can be controlled by each individual.
- Benefits users with or without hearing aids.
- Available for use in the Stedman Room and Activity Room. Ask library staff for assistance.
Magnifiers
A magnifying glass and a portable magnifying stand are available at the Information Desk. For use within the library.
Wheelchair
Aside from having accessible parking in front of the Library, we also have a wheelchair available in the vestibule. For use within the library.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are located on the first floor (near the Information Desk) and in the Children’s Room (near the Activity Room). Family bathrooms are available in both locations.
Elevator
The elevator is located along the main walkway in the library. It is on the right, after the Information Desk and before The Cube (teen room).