The
Library staff will assist any patron with special needs, enabling everyone to
enjoy full use of the Library's resources. The Library has a sizable
collection of large print books, Playaways, and books on tape and CD. We also
have a collection of NLS Talking Books and players. A Talking Book and player
may be used while at the Library, or checked out to enjoy at home. The Library
has a special radio that patrons may borrow to listen to programming from
Audible Local Ledger, the Cape affiliate of the Massachusetts Radio Reading
Service. We have a collection
of audio-described videos, which have narration inserted between the dialog,
describing the film’s action and other key elements. The Library is fully
accessible for individuals who have difficulty with mobility. The elevator
stops at all floors of the Library. Staff members will be happy to retrieve
materials, make photocopies, fill out request forms or assist library users in
any way. Please let us know how we can help!
This
service of the Friends of the Brooks Free Library provides home delivery
of Library materials for Harwich residents who are not able to come in to
the Library due to illness, injury or other circumstances. Library
materials are delivered and picked up in person by our volunteers twice a month.
This service is offered year round and is free of charge. Participants can
request specific titles, suggest subject areas of interest or ask our volunteers
to recommend and select titles for them. For more
information or to be added to the list of participants, please call the Library
at 508-430-7562 and leave a message for the Friends’ Books on Wheels
Coordinator. You may also ask for staff member Suzanne Martell, who can explain
the program and will pass your message along to the Friends. Suzanne can also be
reached by email at brooksfreelibrary@clamsnet.org.
The
Library has designated computers with the following access
software:
·
JAWS
screen reading program
·
ZoomText
magnification/reading program
·
Kurzweil
1000 scanning/reading program
·
Dolphin
Guide magnification/reading program
(Our
Guide program also offers voice recognition with a bridge to the Dragon
Naturally speaking software program.)
·
Duxbury
Braille Translation program, used with our Juliet Pro60 Braille
embosser
We offer
free, one-on-one instruction in the use of our access software programs to
individuals with sight loss. Never used a computer before? Don't let that stop
you! We even have someone who will teach you to keyboard! We have a desktop
video magnifier for use in the Library and a portable video magnifier, called
Max, which can be checked out and used with your TV at home. For Braille users
there is a Perkins Braille Writer and a slate & stylus. The VITAL resource
area contains brochures, handouts, and catalogs of special interest to people
with vision impairments. Our VITAL Center is located on the second floor of the
Library, in the Reference Dept. If you'd like more information about VITAL
services, training on the VITAL equipment or software, or are interested in
training to be a volunteer tutor, please call the Library at (508) 430-7562 and
speak to Carla Burke, our Assistive Technology Coordinator. You may also email
Carla at cburke@clamsnet.org.
Check
out this
video from Harwich Channel 18 on our VITAL program.
Click
here to return to the Brooks Free Library homepage