ADA Statement

The Salem Public Library affirms its support of equal access for persons with disabilities and will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Salem Public Library seeks to make its services, facilities, and programs accessible to the public.

Service Accessibility

The Salem Library has policies, practices, procedures, and routines that govern our operation. When those policies, practices, procedures, or routines create a barrier to persons with disabilities, the Library must make “reasonable accommodations” to allow library patrons with disabilities to have the same access to the Library’s services, programs, and activities as patrons without disabilities. Accommodations will be reviewed with the library user to find the best approach. Most accommodations can be made easily at the staff level and involve minor adjustments in procedures or providing extra assistance to a library user. Other accommodations may require more detailed discussions with the library user, depending on the disability, and may need to involve the ADA Coordinator.

A map that identifies accessible facilities and services at the library is included on the library’s website, is displayed on each floor of the library and is available at all service desks.

To request an accommodation, alternative format of communication, and/or modification of policies and procedures in order to access and benefit from a Library program, service and activity, a library patron must submit a request for reasonable accommodation. The Request for Reasonable Accommodation Form is available on the City’s website. (Alternative formats for the form are also available upon request.) The request for reasonable accommodation must be submitted at least five business days before the scheduled event. If a patron submits a request for reasonable accommodation less than five business days before the event, but the accommodation can still be made before the event begins, library staff will make good faith efforts to provide the accommodation. For questions on a particular accommodation request or for further information on requesting a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Library ADA Coordinator at 503-588-6064.

Complaints about Accessibility

Any person who believes that he or she or any other program beneficiary has been subjected to unequal treatment or discrimination in the receipt of benefits or services from the City because of a person’s disability may file a complaint with the City’s ADA Coordinator. The Complaint of ADA Non Compliance Form is available on the Library’s website.

Informal Resolution

Every effort will be made to obtain early resolution of complaints at the lowest level possible. The option of informal meeting(s) between the Library’s ADA Coordinator (Kelley Jacobs, 503-588-6064), City staff, or other affected persons may be utilized for resolution. If informal resolution is not successful or the complainant wishes to proceed with a formal investigation, then the complainant may appeal the matter to the City’s ADA Coordinator who shall proceed with a formal investigation.

Formal Resolution

The City’s ADA Coordinator (Constance Munnell, Human Resources Department Director) receives requests for formal complaints of ADA non compliance and proceeds with an investigation of the complaint in accordance with the City of Salem’s Americans with Disabilities Act Grievance Procedure.

Complaint of ADA Non Compliance Form