Accessibility Services

Small collections of books embossed with braille. Mostly children's titles. These are listed in the library catalog.

​Each building has either automatic doors or doors that open with the push of a button. Internet terminals at a height outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act are available at each location. Some buildings have computer tables that can be adjusted to various heights.​

​At Dakota County Library, we want everyone to feel welcome and part of our library community. As part of this mission, we offer calming spaces at our Galaxie, Heritage, Kaposia​ and Pleasant Hill locations. These spaces​ are specially designed for individuals who need a comforting space to regulate while at the library. The calming spaces are especially designed for those with autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing differences or other disabilities. The calming spaces are available for all ages.

Each space is equipped  with tools and manipulatives, which include:

• Comfortable seating
• Adjustable lighting
• Sound machine
• Noise-reducing headphones
• Weighted blanket
• Visual timer
• Fidgets
• Tactile objects

Each space has a calming space guide that explains how to use the items available in the calming space. In addition, calming space social narratives are available online to help prepare individuals for locating and using the calming space.

Galaxie Library

• Galaxie Calming Space Social Narrative

Heritage Library

• Heritage Calming Space Social Narrative

Kaposia Library

Update in progress

Pleasant Hill Library

• ​Pleasant Hill Calming Space Social Narrative

When used with a closed-caption decoder, these videos display dialogue and narration on the screen. They are listed in the library catalog. You can also search by title.

All ​locations provide Curbside Pickup service. Schedule an appointment to pick up books and other library materials. If you are unable to use Curbside Pickup, you may qualify for our Books by Mail​ service.

These videos include a verbal description of the setting and action. Descriptive Video Service (DVS) video titles are listed in the library catalog.

High-visibility keyboards are available at all locations. They are a standard layout keyboard with contrast color combinations and extra-large keys that are easier for low-vision individuals to see.

Materials in larger type face are available in fiction and nonfiction books and magazines. These are listed in the library catalog. You can also search by author and title.

Four different themed Life Skills Kits include materials that help develop social and life skills. Search the catalog to place a hold. Learn more on the 2Go Kits page.

• Windows Magnifier available on all public internet terminals.
• All public internet terminals offer built-in sticky key functionality. 
• Magnifying glasses are available at all buildings.

All ​​library locations have at least one accessible parking space in library parking lots.

Personal PA devices are available at all ​locations. We have signage posted indicating that the system is available for those who need it during library programs.

Service animals can accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the library where members of the public are allowed.

To request a sign language interpreter for an event, please email Ask a Librarian. Requests must be made two weeks in advance. ​

Video Relay Service is available at the Wentworth Library for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who are in need of American Sign Language interpreters in order to communicate via phone.

Our website is designed to reduce barriers for those who rely on screen readers.​​

All ​locations have wheelchairs and walkers onsite for customers to use during their visit.