The Dakota County Library is committed to creating an inclusive environment, so all individuals can access and participate in the library.
Audiobooks
Audiobooks are available on CD and downloadable formats. They are available for checkout at all buildings. They are listed in the library catalog. You can also search by title and author. See the lists of new audiobooks in the
New Materials section of the catalog.
Find out more about audiobooks.
Books by Mail/Home Library Services
If you are disabled or otherwise unable to come to the library in person, you may call any library branch to apply for
Home Library Services.
Books by Mail service is available for residents who are unable to visit the library and use Curbside Pick-up due to illness, disability or visual impairment.
Find out more about Books by Mail.
Braille Books
Small collections of books embossed with braille. Mostly children's titles. These are listed in the
library catalog.
Building Accessibility
All Dakota County Library buildings are ADA compliant. Each building has either automatic doors or doors that open with the push of a button. Each building has at least one internet terminal at a height as outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act. Some buildings have computer tables that can be adjusted to various heights.
Calming Spaces
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 and Pleasant Hill locations, which 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
Heritage Library
Kaposia Library
Pleasant Hill Library
Closed-Captioned Videos on DVD
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.
Curbside Pick-up
All locations provide
Curbside Pick-up service. Schedule an appointment to pick up books and other library materials. If you are unable to use Curbside Pick-up, you may qualify for our
Books by Mail service.
Described Videos
These videos include a verbal description of the setting and action. Descriptive Video Service (DVS) video titles are listed in the
library catalog.
Service Animals
Service animals can accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the library where members of the public are allowed.
Keyboards
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.
Large Print Materials
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.
Life Skills Kits
Magnification Devices
- 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.
Parking
All library locations have at least one accessible parking space in library parking lots.
Personal PA System
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.
Sign Language Interpreters for Events
To request a sign language interpreter for an event, please email
Ask a Librarian. Requests must be made two weeks in advance.
Video Relay Services
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.
Website and Web Accessibility
Our website is designed to reduce barriers for those who rely on screen readers.
Wheelchairs and Walkers
All locations have wheelchairs and walkers onsite for customers to use during their visit.