Accessibility Statement

Our Commitment

At The Hound Books, we believe that literature should be accessible to everyone. Just as we curate books that give voice to diverse perspectives, we're committed to ensuring our digital space welcomes all readers, regardless of ability or the technology they use to browse and shop.

We recognize that accessibility is an ongoing journey, not a destination. We're actively working to make thehoundbooks.com as inclusive as the literary community we serve.

What We're Doing

We're working to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA standards, which provide a framework for making web content accessible to people with disabilities. Our efforts include:

  • Clear navigation and structure so screen readers can easily interpret our content

  • Descriptive alt text for all book cover images and artwork featured on our site

  • Keyboard navigation support for users who cannot use a mouse

  • Color contrast compliance to ensure text is readable for users with visual impairments

  • Scalable text that works with browser zoom and assistive technologies

  • Form labels and instructions that clearly explain what information is needed

Current Status

The Hound Books is partially conformant with WCAG 2.2 Level AA. "Partially conformant" means that some parts of our content may not fully conform to the accessibility standard yet. We're actively identifying and addressing these areas as part of our ongoing commitment to improvement.

Known Issues We're Working On

We've identified some areas that need improvement, and we're actively working to address them:

  • Some older product images may lack comprehensive alt text descriptions

  • Certain interactive elements may need enhanced keyboard navigation

We review and update our accessibility features as part of our site maintenance.

How to Navigate Our Site with Assistive Technology

  • Use headings navigation to jump between sections quickly

  • Product pages include detailed descriptions that work well with screen readers

  • Our search function is keyboard accessible and includes clear labels

  • Shopping cart and checkout processes are designed to work with assistive technologies

We Want Your Feedback

Your experience matters to us. If you encounter accessibility barriers while browsing The Hound Books, we genuinely want to know about it. Accessibility challenges help us improve not just for you, but for all our customers.

Contact us about accessibility:

  • Email: info@thehoundbooks.com

  • Subject line: Accessibility Feedback

  • Phone: 607-290-4088

When reporting an accessibility issue, it's helpful (but not required) to include:

  • What assistive technology you're using, if any

  • What browser and device you're using

  • A description of the problem you encountered

  • Which page or section of the site was affected

We aim to respond to all accessibility feedback within 5 business days and will work with you to find solutions.

Getting Books in Alternative Formats

While our website focuses on physical books, we understand that not all formats work for every reader. If you need assistance finding books in alternative formats (large print, audiobooks, digital editions), please reach out to us. We're happy to help connect you with resources or check if publishers offer accessible versions of titles in our collection.

Third-Party Content

Some features on our site, such as embedded social media content or third-party booking systems for events, may not be fully under our control regarding accessibility. We work with vendors who share our commitment to accessibility and advocate for improvements when possible.

Regular Reviews and Updates

We conduct regular accessibility reviews of our website and update this statement as we make improvements. We also stay informed about new accessibility guidelines and best practices in the industry.

Additional Resources

If you need assistance with web accessibility in general, these organizations provide helpful information:

This statement was created on September 17, 2025..

The Hound Books LLC is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all users. We view accessibility as an essential part of creating an inclusive literary community, both online and in our physical bookstore in New York's Western Catskills.