The Access Center is a Houston Public Library facility that opens the door to a world of information. This special center offers full library service to the visually and hearing impaired in Houston, Texas at no charge. The Access Center houses unique and critical services for its users including online access to the Internet in a private and secure area. Trained librarians are available by appointment to help customers utilize the specialized equipment seven days a week during regular library hours.
To speak with library staff regarding services for persons with disabilities, please contact Central Library Reference at (832) 393-1313. TTY users, please call TTY(832) 393-1539 for information and any special assistance you may require in using the library or our collections.
The Houston Public Library has both pedestrian and non-pedestrian book drops available for after hours use at the Central Library's Jesse H. Jones Building. Both are ADA accessible; the specific location and service hours for each are listed below:
Pedestrian Book Drop is available on the plaza,
Monday through Thursday 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM,
Friday and Saturday 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and
Sunday from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Non-pedestrian Book Drop is available on the street, on the 1000 block of Bagby and is open 24 hrs.
Computer Work Stations - Computers with text magnification and synthetic speech screen reading capacity.
Large Print Collections - More than 9,000 books available system-wide covering the spectrum of fiction genres and non-fiction subjects.
"Open Book" Reading Machine - A reading machine which scans and converts printed materials to synthetic speech in English or Spanish providing people with direct, personal access to information.
Electronic Magnifier - A closed circuit TV system, which enlarges print and photographic images up to 45 times.
Perkins Braille Typewriters
"Talking Book" Audio Players - Plays 4-track cassettes.
Resource Material - Books, magazines, newsletters, and catalogues pertaining to blindness, hearing impairment, living aids, and school programs.
A librarian who is proficient in American Sign Language is on staff. Other library services to the hearing impaired include:
Closed-caption Video Catalogue - Available at all branches. Request videos through our video library's voice line (832) 393-1640, or TTY phone line (832) 393-1457.
TTY Phone Booth - Located on the first floor of the Central Library downtown.
TTY REFERENCE/INFORMATION - Please call TTY(832) 393-1539 for information and any special assistance you may require in using the library or our collections.