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, Nancy Lanning. You may also ask for staff member Suzanne Martell,
who can explain the program and will pass your message along to Nancy. Suzanne
can also be reached by email at bfl_mail@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 an Optelec
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 VITAL Coordinator. You may also email Carla at
cburke@clamsnet.org.
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