Accessible Spaces and Services

For library accessibility-related questions or concerns, please use our Chat Now tool, contact library staff at [email protected], or visit the Library Services Desk on the 1st floor and we can help direct your inquiry.

For accommodation requests, please reach out to Disability Resources.

Spaces

Floor Maps

Our Floor Maps have clear labels to help with your goals when visiting and using our resources. 

Parking and Entrances

Information about accessible parking can be found on the University’s Transit and Parking page.

For accessible entry, the exterior doors of the Kathryn A. Martin Library have accessible push buttons to enter the red concourse and the library.

Elevators

We have two elevators at the front of the library so you can access any of the floors easily.

Restrooms

There are bathrooms on each floor at the front of the building. In addition to the bathrooms offered on each floor, there are designated Gender Neutral Bathrooms towards the back and in 260 & 460. Please review the maps or ask at the Library Services desk if you're looking for them! The first floor bathrooms have the push button door opening for more accessibility. The first floor restrooms also have changing tables. Menstrual supplies are also provided for free in the bathrooms.

Nursing Parents Room

There is a nursing room available for parents that offers privacy and a comfortable space to nurse. The key is available at the Library Services desk.

Meditation & Reflection Room

This is a room available on the first floor available to check out. It has a small bench to take off shoes or to use for sitting, 2 big pillows for sitting or kneeling on, a small area rug and floor padding for comfort, and battery-powered candles for alternative lighting. Please check in at the Library Services desk to get the key to use the room.

Adjustable Height Desks

There are marked height adjustable study carrels available. This allows for more room and wheelchair accessibility when studying. These carrels do not have chairs at them, and are clearly marked with a Wheelchair sign.

Standing desks are also available in select study rooms.

Sensory Spaces

Quiet/Talking Floors

The first and second floor of the library are designated Talk Zones. These zones are designated for conversation and group work whether you're a student, faculty, staff, or visitor. The third and fourth floors are focused on quiet study space. 

Sensory Study Rooms

All study rooms on the fourth floor are equipped with an exercise ball, balance disc and weighted lap pad. Exercise balls and balance discs help with focus, balance, posture, and core strength, while the weighted lap pad provides deep-touch pressure which can have a calming effect and improve focus.

Clear bags with fidget devices in them

Fidget Kits and Noise-Cancelling Headphones

These are available for checkout from the Library Services desk. Fidget kits include a variety of fidgets to help with sensory processing. 

Calm Corner

Calming activities are provided such as coloring, puzzles, and spirographs. These are swapped out regularly. This spot is available anytime the library is open!

Services

Assistance Searching the Catalog

Library staff can assist with catalog searching at the Library Services Desk.

Assistance Retrieving Items from the Stacks

If you stop at the Library Services Desk, we can retrieve materials from the different floors of the library for you, or help place requests for materials from other libraries.

Proxy Borrowing

Library users are able to designate a proxy to pick up requested materials on their behalf. Get more information by calling 218-726-6120 or stopping by the Library Services Desk.

Home and Office Delivery

University affiliated users can request items be delivered to their home or office when placing a request in the library catalog.

Let's Talk

Let’s Talk offers free and confidential consultations and support available through brief, informal, drop in consultations. No appointment necessary, students are seen for 15 minute consultations on a first-come, first-served basis. Open to UMD undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in classes.

More Resources

Disability Resources

Office for Digital Accessibility (ODA)

Service Animals

Please see the University of Minnesota’s policy for Animals on Campus.

Wheelchair Checkout

UMD's Transportation & Parking Services now has free checkout of scooters, wheelchairs, and rolling backpacks. You can pick up the equipment at the Transportation & Parking Services office located in Kirby Student Center by the bus hub, or staff will deliver the device to your campus location. Call 218-726-7433.