Talking Books
Anyone in our service area who is unable to read or use standard print materials due to temporary or permanent visual, physical or learning disability may be eligible for talking book service. Eligible individuals and institutions may borrow for one month books on cassette or disc and receive reference service via phone, letter, or in person.
Information, applications, and materials are available from the Outreach Department at 372-1144. Applications can also be obtained by mail or at any of our branch reference desks. We will also accept the National Library Service's application, which is available as a PDF on the NLS Web site. This application can be completed online, printed out and delivered to us for processing. The library offers talking book service as part of the network of libraries in the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of Congress.
Writing aids and a library of games for loan to patrons with vision loss were purchased by the Fredericksburg Host Lions Club.
The Lions and the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Friends of the Eagles have also purchased copies of descriptive videos for loan. Additionally, the library has tabletop magnifying lenses and a small collection of large print and cassette material on issues related to vision loss. The Fredericksburg Host Lions Club also contributed to the purchase of a closed-circuit TV (CCTV) magnifier for use in the Headquarters law library. Donated CCTVs from Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging and private groups are located near Reference at the Porter, Salem Church, Snow, and Cooper branches.
A grant project funded the purchase of a Reading Edge or Kurzweil reader. It is located in the Outreach office of the Headquarters branch. Staff can assist users in the operation of the reader, which will read most standard typed text.
The Fredericksburg Host Lions Club continues its support of our patrons with the gift of a braille printer and the software to translate print to braille. If you need a document brailled for school, church, or business use, we are happy to perform this service, but please call the Outreach Department (372-1144, x234) to arrange for printing two weeks in advance of your deadline.
