For those in Centre County who are blind or have a visual disability, the joy of reading and of books can be delivered right to their homes.
Schlow Centre Region Library is working with the state’s libraries for the blind and physically handicapped, with locations in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, to help people become aware of the services available.
“We know that there is a need for services like the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in our community, but many may not be aware that something like this exists, or that it will mail materials directly to your home,” said district library consultant Brady Clemens.
Through the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, materials and equipment can be delivered to homes free of charge. People who are eligible to participate in the Talking Book Program can borrow audio recordings of many popular books and magazines. The books and magazines are recorded on a digital cartridge that can be played on a digital talking-book player.
Those same materials also are available for download in braille formats. Braille readers can use a refreshable braille display, which allows devices to be lighter and more user-friendly. The digital talking-book players are lightweight, portable and durable. They have high-quality sound, built-in audio instructions, variable-speed controls and a sleep button.
NLS has more than 14,000 children’s books in its braille and talking-book collection, so young readers who are blind or physically handicapped can enjoy reading.
The services available through NLS also can help veterans who have difficulty reading regular print, those with a physical disability that makes it difficult for them to hold the printed page and students who are blind, have low vision or have difficulty reading printed materials because of a physical difficulty. These services also are available if blindness or physical handicap is temporary, such as following a surgery.
Schlow Centre Region Library offers a Library by Mail service to people who are permanently or temporarily homebound, but who may not have a disability that qualifies them for the services from the Library for the Blind. This free service is offered to any resident of Centre, Clearfield, Juniata or Mifflin county. Library materials are delivered to homes for free, and materials can be mailed back and returned to the library for free.
To apply for the Library by Mail service, complete and submit the online application available at www.schlowlibrary.org.
For more information, visit the reference Desk at Schlow Centre Region Library, call (888) 657-7323 or visit www.loc.gov/thatallmayread.
