All libraries have collections of
books in large print, as well as talking
books on cassette and CD. There are catalogues
of talking books available for adults and children. People who
have difficulty reading print or handling books can get free
reservations on large print books and talking books, and are not
charged for the loan of talking books.
Some of our larger libraries also have extra facilities for the
visually impaired, such as video magnifiers (allowing print to be
magnified to large sizes), Pronto Reading Machines (converting the
printed word into synthetic speech) and various computer software
enabling computer text and the internet to be available in
magnified and synthetic speech formats. Libraries have a hand-held
magnifier or magnifying sheet available for use on site.
There is a special Visual
Impairment collection at Library Headquarters, and items from
this collection are available through any library in Cheshire West
and Chester, where a catalogue can also be found. The collection
consists of audio-described videos, which are designed to enable
people with a visual impairment to enjoy film again with the help
of added sound, and a range of leaflets from the RNIB and
elsewhere.
The library can provide information on other talking book services
and general services - both local and national - for visually
impaired people.
