We’re here to keep you reading
Shirleyann was a lifelong “voracious reader.” Two years ago, she began losing her sight and was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration.
“I was devastated when I found out I was losing … my ability to read, and I became depressed,” she says.
A librarian came to her rescue. Shirleyann could get audiobooks through “Library By Mail,” she advised and helped Shirleyann sign up.
“I had no idea the service was available,” Shirleyann says. “It’s been a real blessing. It really did give me back my life.”
She’s one of 24,535 customers who received materials last year through Mid-Continent Public Library system’s Library By Mail program. Shirleyann shares her story to publicize what libraries offer. There’s an abundance of services offering reading and other resources at no charge to visually impaired metro area residents.
“A good first place to look is your local library,” says Christin Devonshire, Johnson County Library information specialist.
JCL has books-by-mail service, HomeConnect, for Johnson County residents; large-print collection; audiobooks; eBooks and eAudiobooks, and can procure items like large-print, Spanish-language or Braille books through interlibrary loan. Librarians help patrons use eBooks and eAudiobooks and connect them to other services.
They’re information navigators, basically a version of Google search, says Emily Brown, Mid-Continent public relations coordinator.
“We jokingly refer to librarians as the original search engine,” she says.
They’re very in tune with their communities and able to help patrons find what they need, she says of staff at Mid-Continent’s 31 branches in Clay, Jackson and Platte counties.
Mid-Continent’s Library By Mail program for library cardholders sends large-print books, eReaders, eAudiobooks, movies, music and audiobooks on CD.
“It’s really been transformational for them,” Brown says. “The materials come right to their home, which is fantastic.”
Mid-Continent also offers digital downloads of eBooks and audiobooks, including Spanish-language, and works with other library systems via interlibrary loan and reciprocal agreements to provide requested materials.
Kansas Audio-Reader serves visually impaired and print-disabled Kansas and western Missouri residents. Every day, volunteers read newspapers, magazines, best-selling books and grocery ads.
The readings are broadcast on closed-circuit subcarriers of public radio stations 24/7. The reading and information service loans the specially-tuned radios to eligible individuals. Programming is streamed online, too. Audio-Reader sends program guides in large print and Braille.
Audio-Reader’s telephone reader service offers audio recordings of newspapers, general-interest magazines, books and other periodicals. It’s partnering with VFW Magazine to offer the publication online through telephone reader service and CD recordings mailed to listeners.
“We’re trying to fill a gap. We generally focus on things people aren’t getting from other sources,” says Nick Carswell, University of Kansas Audio-Reader network program manager.
There’s a special request program for listeners interested in specific publications, such as textbooks, instruction manuals, trade journals, study guides and special-interest magazines.
Audio-Reader provides trained audio describers for productions at Kansas City’s Starlight Theatre and the Lied Center in Lawrence, Kan. They describe the action on stage, sets, costumes and other details that someone who’s visually impaired would miss.
Kansas Talking Books gives visually or physically impaired Kansas residents of all ages access to books and magazines in audio and Braille formats through the mail or via download on the patron’s mobile device. Spanish-language materials are available, and the service is recording bilingual children’s books.
KTB services also include loan of playback equipment, readers’ one-on-one advisory and large-print and Braille vocal and instrumental sheet music.
“We also connect people with other resources across the state,” says KTB director, Michael Lang. “We have a bilingual staff member, and applications and brochures in Spanish. We’re happy to get you started. We’re here to keep you reading and keep you happy, and we’ll tailor service to anyone who qualifies.”
Editor’s Note: 2más2KC withheld Shirleyann’s surname to protect her identity.
