Merrimack Street Construction Projects

A new sidewalk and street project in front of the Library and City Hall on Merrimack Street is underway. The project timeline extends into October, as the contractor is working in localized phases to try and minimize impacts to City Hall employees and visitors and to keep on-street parking available where possible. Visitors should pay attention to posted parking restriction dates on Merrimack Street, Market Street and Cardinal O'Connell Parkway. At times, there may be some short-term traffic and pedestrian detours or closures. For the most up to date information, visit  City Hall Project 2026 | Lowell, MA

Library Blog

Accessibility Resources and Services

The Pollard Memorial Library has resources for people in our community that live with disabilities and/or accessibility needs. This blog highlights the many resources and services we offer. Please reach out if you are interested in more information or if you have suggestions of other ways we can improve our accessibility resources and services.

ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES AND SERVICES

The Pollard Memorial Library is committed to helping all patrons access our materials through our collections, services and equipment.

  • Colburn entrance of the Main Library is accessible via a ramp from the sidewalk.
  • Handicapped parking spaces on Merrimack and Colburn
  • Automatic door openers at Colburn entrance
  • Elevator to reach all floors (Please check our website as the elevator will be out of service for repairs starting May 14.)
  • Accessible service desks, print stations and restrooms
  • Library staff is available to help with locating and retrieving items from our collection

LIBRARY EVENTS

We offer FM receivers and headsets that will offer a direct connection to a microphone worn by the person who is presenting or speaking.

Do you need a sign language interpreter to help make the most out of events hosted by our library?
Please contact Community Planning at 978-674-1546 or gjunghanss@lowelllibrary.org. Due to high demand for interpreters, please give your request 30 days in advance. The library can accommodate requests received as little as 14 days in advance.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Sorensen Ntouch video phone with video relay service (located on the First Floor) – Deaf and hard of hearing individuals who use sign language can call hearing individuals using a videophone that is routed through the Video Relay Service. Calls are connected to sign language interpreters who interpret and relay the communication between the two parties.

Video magnifier (located on the First Floor and in the second-floor reference room) – The magnifier is located on a tabletop and is large enough to be used with books, documents, and other objects. The magnifier offers options for changing contrast, brightness, and color schemes.

Low-Vision Workstation (located on the First Floor) – The low-vision workstation is equipped with an articulated monitor, large format keyboard, and magnifying software. The workstation offers options to magnify what is on the screen, adjust contrast, change color, help user to interact with the computer, and, if needed, has a screen reader component. 

Navilens is a free app that is designed to provide information and descriptions. It can be used by anyone, and even includes options to translate the text into a variety of languages. There are Navilens codes throughout the library that provide information about the collection and services available at that location and prompts to help the user navigate around the library.

Make our/your devices work for you! – Additional adaptive software is available on other library computers and can be added to your own device.