Accessibility

Last updated: 4/7/2026

Skokie Public Library is committed to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive online environment that serves a wide range of communication needs, including those who use assistive technology. 

We rely on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and WAI-ARIA to work with the particular combination of web browser and any assistive technologies or plugins installed on a user’s computer.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) defines requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. It defines three levels of conformance: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA. We are making every effort to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 level AA. This is an ongoing process of improvement. We will continue to adapt and improve as new criteria emerge and as new features and enhancements become available.

• Our website provider, Library Market, is at the forefront of work in this field and keeps current with all federal guidelines. 
• A group of our staff across departments have been working together for more than three years to identify and address areas of need on our website. They have received extensive training in best practices and continue to stay current so that we can continually adapt based on the latest available information.
• We use a combination of automated and manual tools to test our site’s performance and conformance including a variety of screen readers, adaptive tech, and third-party accessibility tools such as PDF checkers.
• Our website includes links to third party sites and products. While we cannot control or correct any issues with this content or its accessibility, we have reached out to our third-party vendors to inquire what strategies they are employing, pass along known issues, and urge them to adhere to the highest accessibility standards.
• We have also implemented design and review procedures that will align future features and development with the standards, included accessibility as a key component of our internal policies, and provided for ongoing training in this area.
• We stay in conversation with our community partners to identify specific digital issues members of their networks are experiencing and address those issues promptly.

This is an ongoing process and the work continues. We welcome your questions and feedback. 

• Phone: 847-673-7774 
• E-mail: TellUs@skokielibrary.info
• Postal address: 5215 Oakton Street, Skokie, Illinois 60077

• Our building is fully accessible, with electronic entry doors and wheelchair-accessible restrooms, drinking fountain, and elevator.
• A restroom near the Café has an adult changing table.
• A wheelchair and an electronic scooter are available.
• We can mail copies of reference materials.
• Home delivery of books, CDs, movies, magazines, and audiobooks is available to those who are homebound.

• Library events on Zoom include live captions.
• Hearing loop technology, which sends sound directly to people whose hearing aids have telecoils, is provided in the Business and Community Center, Cosmos Room, Activity Room, Storytime Room, Radmacher Room, and Petty Auditorium.
• We provide closed–captioned videos on our website and YouTube channel.
• Sign language interpreters can be provided for library events with at least two weeks advance notice before the event. Call 847-324-3121 to request a sign language interpreter.

• You can check out large-print books and magazines, download books and audiobooks, or check out books on CD.
• We offer a monthly Low Vision Support Group and a Talking Books Discussion Group.
• We can make referrals to the State of Illinois Talking Books and Braille Service.
• We offer computers and laptops with NonVisual Desktop Access, a free and open-source, portable screen reader for Microsoft Windows.
• TOPAZ OCR Desktop Video Magnifier and SARA and SOLO LV reading machines are available.

• Prepare for your family's visit to the library by reading our social narrative for both kids and teens.   
• Use our Sensory Break Room to help manage meltdowns, calm anxiety, or bring your child’s energy level down.  
• Ask for an activity bin or sensory kit at the Kids Desk to use while in the library. Each container has a variety of switch-activated toys, fine-motor manipulatives, and sensory-input devices.
• Depending on your child’s reading needs, check out braille, large print or e-books.
• Listen to books by checking out read-along books, book with CD sets, and e-audiobooks.

Young people ages 11-15 are invited to meet new people in a supportive environment during Friend Squad. Trained peer volunteers assist with activities, and social workers from Niles Township for Special Education support the program. Autistic youth and young people with developmental and intellectual disabilities are especially welcome. Contact the teen team to learn more.

Families and individuals who need a quiet, uncrowded environment are invited to use the library one Sunday a month, an hour before we open. Enjoy games, crafts, the Studio, and the option to interact with Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy dogs. Find an upcoming early entry event. 

The second floor Quiet Room is for patrons who may need to take a break and be alone for a little while, or who need a place to pray. It has adjustable lighting and bench seating. Please ask at the second floor Help Desk for access to this room.

The Sensory Break Room in the Kids Room offers three types of seating, adjustable color-changing lights, calming storybooks, and sensory supports. Caregivers can use this room with children to help manage meltdowns, calm anxiety, or bring a child's energy down. Please ask at the Kids Desk for access to this room. Read the Sensory Break Room guidelines.

If you have a Skokie Public Library card but can't visit our building because of age, illness, or a temporary or permanent disability, our staff and volunteers will help you choose materials and deliver them to your home every four weeks. Call us at 847-324-3133 to sign up.