About Us

We strive to make New Hanover County Public library, our collections, and services accessible to everyone in the community. If you need extra assistance using the library, please ask a staff member and we will be happy to help you.

At the Library

• Large print collection: We have a wide variety of Large Print Books.

• Audiobooks: We offer a collection of Audiobooks on CD as well as Playaways.

Available Online

• Libby: Access to eBooks including Kindle Format, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and eFilm. Download the Libby App or view the collection in your browser through North Carolina Digital Library. 
  • Click here for Libby Accessibility details.
• Hoopla: Offers video, eBooks, audiobooks, comic books, and music. NHCPL patrons can borrow 4 items each month. Visit www.hoopladigital.com or download the app!

Many of the library's databases offer accessibility features as well.

The State Library of North Carolina Accessible Books and Library Services (SLNC-ABLS) is a special public library that circulates books and magazines especially made for persons who cannot use regular printed material because of a visual, physical or reading disability. The State Library is located in Raleigh, but offers mailing services throughout the state. To learn more and apply visit http://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/lbph.

Assistive services are located throughout the system. These resources are listed below.

• Pocketalkers (personal sound amplifiers) are available at each branch. These assistive listening devices are designed to improve communications in difficult listening situations and are especially useful for the hearing impaired.
• Magnifiers: handheld magnifiers are available at each location. The Main, Northeast, and Pine Valley Library also offer Desktop Video Magnifiers. A High-Definition Desktop Video Magnifier with OCR and Speech can be used in the Local History Room at the Main Library.
• Language Line interpretation services are available at all locations, these services provide access to live interpreters in 240 languages by phone. Once connected, an interpreter is available to translate for the customer, ensuring business is able to be conducted without compromising the level of service received. Sign language video interpretation through an app is also available for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Magnify Desktop App is available on all of our public computers.
• Translation options are available on the website through the Google Translate feature in the top right corner. The library's catalog offers French and Spanish translation options at the bottom of the page.
• UserWay Accessibility Widget provides many features to make our website more accessible. Select the following icon on the bottom right corner of our website for details.