Prince William Public Library System (PWPLS) is committed to providing its users with the services and devices needed for patrons requiring visual, hearing and physical adaptive services. Outlined below is a listing of the free aids the library provides to insure patrons with special needs can use our materials and services easily and comprehensively. Please stop by the Information Desk at one of our full service libraries, Bull Run, Central, Chinn Park or Potomac when needing assistance.
Services for the Hearing Impaired

TTY Phone Lines

All full service libraries have TTY lines available.

Bull Run Regional Library: 703-792-4524
Central Community Library: 703-361-7572
Chinn Park Regional Library: 703-792-4876
Potomac Community Library: 703-494-8129

Sign Interpreting Services

PWPLS offers American Sign Language at all library sponsored programs and events for hearing impaired patrons. Requests should be made three weeks in advance by calling the branch library number or TTY where the event or program is taking place.

Phonic Ear

Bull Run Regional Library, Central Community Library, Chinn Park Regional Library and Potomac Community Library all have phonic ear devices available for use by persons who are hearing impaired. Devices are for in-library use during events and programs scheduled at these facilities.

Closed Captioned Videotapes and DVDs

All library branches within PWPLS provide educational and instructional videos, many of which have the closed captioned feature. Branches also have DVD collections that offer text language options on many titles. Titles can be found using our online catalog and searching under the subject heading “Videorecordings for the Hearing Impaired.”

Services for the Visually Impaired

Magnifiers

Our community and regional libraries all have a variety of portable magnifiers, including bar, sheet and hand held magnifiers that can be used while visiting the library. In addition, each full service library has a portable electronic magnifier which can be used for both reading and writing.

Talking Books

All full service libraries have application forms for the free library services offered by the Virginia Department for the Blind and Visual Impaired, which is a member of the National Library Service for the Visually and Physically Handicapped . County residents receive services through a state affiliated library, located in Fredericksburg. Materials include cassette books and CDs, large print books, Braille books and videos. Additional information can be found on the department’s website.

Large Print Collections

All ten branches within PWPLS have collections of large print materials that can be checked out for a three week loan period. Titles can be found using our online catalog searching under the subject heading “Large Type Books.”

Audiobooks

All ten branches within PWPLS have collections of audiotapes and CDs which check out for a three week loan period. Titles can be found using our online catalog and searching these subject headings: “Books on Tape,” “Books on CD,” and “Playaways.”

Other Assistive Services

Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters

Both our regional libraries, Bull Run and Chinn Park, have wheelchairs and Chinn Park also has an electric scooter. Please stop by the Information Desk of the libraries to use these devices.