★★★★☆
330 Homer St.
Newton Centre, 02459
Phone: 617-796-1360
www.newtonfreelibrary.net

newton-library-and-peking-017.jpgMy friends and I recently visited Newton Free Library which is part of the Minuteman Network and were very pleased to see that it is fully wheelchair accessible. There are plenty of handicap parking spaces conveniently located close to the building. There is a front entrance that has a bricked sloped walkway leading to the front door and a side entrance as well. We entered the side door. You’ll have no problems entering the front or side entrance because both have automatic doors!

newton-library-and-peking-005.jpgAs soon as we entered I saw a book return slot that is located on the wall and is at a perfect height for me to place a book inside. The building was built in 1996 and I discovered it is very large.

We soon approached the circulation desk, which is at a good height for me in my wheelchair and asked a woman who was behind the desk if we could speak to the Director. She told us that the Director wasn’t in. We then explained that we came to review the accessibility of the library and asked if we could speak to a person in charge so we could tour the library. She called a supervisor on the phone and handed the phone to my friend Tony. Tony explained to the supervisor that we came to do a wheelchair accessibility review and hoped to take a guided tour.  The supervisor seemed hesitant to give us a tour and asked us if he could do it over the phone. He said we could just ask him the questions we wanted answers to.

newton-library-and-peking-006.jpgThe supervisor told Tony where specific places are located in the Library so my friends and I gave ourselves a tour of the place. Computers are located on the first level. Two computers have the Jaws program, which enhances lettering for the visual impaired and also reads back information on the screen. These computers are at a perfect height for me to reach and my wheelchair easily fits under the desk.

newton-library-and-peking-010.jpgThe computers also have a mouse that is large with a ball which makes it easy to navigate the cursor. The Library has other computers, called catalog computers which are all too high for me to use.

newton-library-and-peking-014.jpgThe lighting throughout the entire library is very good for visually impaired. A table with a huge magnifying glass is always readily available that is located next to the large print books.

newton-library-and-peking-016.jpgThe library doesn’t have any grabbers that will help you reach for a book on a high shelf but we were told that a librarian will always be around to help get you a book that is placed up high on a shelf.

The Library has two elevators, one on each side of the building, which are spacious and easily fit my wheelchair with my friends. One of the elevators was out of order but we told it will soon be repaired.

newton-library-and-peking-008.jpgWe then took the elevator up to the second level where you will find all kind of books fiction in one section and nonfiction in a young adult area. I was happy to see that the aisles are all wide enough to maneuver my chair. A quiet area in the rear of the library has tables that are at a good height for my chair too.

newton-library-and-peking-013.jpgThe Library also has books/videos on tapes and DVDs which are located in the Audio Visual area on the third floor that you can view on DVD/VHS player. Free or discounted passes to local museums and attractions are available at this library like all other libraries. Loaner wheelchairs are also available!

newton-library-and-peking-012.jpgMy friends and I then went to see if the restrooms are wheelchair accessible. The restrooms are spacious and have a large handicap stall with the required safety bars located at a perfect height for my wheelchair. They also have a hook at a perfect height for someone to hang their jacket or bag. The accessible sink is at a perfect height for my chair but the pipes underneath are not covered as is now ADA required. The soap dispenser, towel dispenser and hand driers are all placed too high on the wall for me to reach.

I give Newton Free Library FOUR STARS for wheelchair accessibility. In order to earn the other Star they would need to; place one of the catalog computers on a table that is a good height for a person in a wheelchair; place protective covering around the exposed pipes under the accessible sink in the restroom as is now ADA required and lower the soap dispenser, towel dispenser and blow dryer on the restroom wall so a person in a wheelchair can reach.