Adaptive Services

The Wilmette Public Library District offers many materials and services for patrons with disabilites and homebound patrons.

If you have any questions about our adaptive services, please call the library at 847-256-5025.

At the Library

WYNN Reader

WYNN Reader is a literacy software tool that scans and speaks printed text in a clear, human-sounding voice. It is available for use in the Large Print room.

Optelec Reading Machine

Enlarged text is displayed through a wide-screen Panasonic monitor. Users can manipulate the position of the text and turn pages on the illuminated platform underneath the monitor.

Ednalite Desktop Text Magnifier

A simple illuminated text magnifier available for use in the Large Print room.

Hand Magnifiers

We have a variety of smaller magnifiers available for use in the library.

Wheelchair & Walker

Both of these assistive devices are available at the circulation desk for patron use. There is no time limit.

Hearing Loop in the Auditorium

Our library has installed a hearing loop, a device that enables hearing aids to filter out background noises and reverberations, in our auditorium. A patron with a modern hearing aid connects to the loop simply by pushing the T-coil button on their hearing aid. For those who need a boost, but do not wear a hearing aid, the library provides assistive listening devices (ALDs) for use during programs held in the library auditorium.

Sensory Friendly Programming for Kids

The Youth Services department will often hold sensory-friendly movie screenings or performances for youth patrons with special needs and their families. These programs are noted with the phrase "Sensory-Friendly" in the title in our online calendar.

At Home

Large Print Collection

The library maintains a vast collection of large print books in Adult Services, and also maintains a separate collection of large print titles for younger readers in our Youth Services department.

Audiobooks

The library has a large, up-to-date collection of fiction and nonfiction audiobooks in cassette and CD formats. Audiobooks are available for checkout from both the Adult and Youth collections.

Hand Magnifiers

We have two new handeld magnifiers available for circulation They can be checked out by Wilmette and Kenilworth residents only for a period of three weeks, and may be renewed if there are no holds. They can be requested at the Circulation desk in the lobby.

Home Delivery Service

Wilmette and Kenilworth cardholders who are temporarily or permanently unable to travel to the library may request home delivery of library materials. Participants may request books, audiobooks, videos, and other materials that will be delivered weekly by staff.

Illinois Talking Book Program

Talking Books are recorded books available to those with visual, physical, or reading disabilities. This free service, through the State Library, provides audiobooks, braille books, and more to Wilmette and Kenilworth cardholders. To participate, you must submit a completed application to the Illinois Talking Book Outreach Center. For more information, visit their website or call 1-800-426-0709.