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 large collection of large print books, books
on tape and CD. We also have a deposit collection of Talking Books and several
players, including one that can be checked out. The Library has a collection of
audio-described video, which contains narration between the dialog describing
the action. 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!
Books on Wheels:
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 easily 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. Included among the
Library's holdings are sizable collections of large print books and books on
tape. 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 Laning. You may also ask for staff members Suzanne
Martell or Nicole Hansen who can explain the program and will pass your message
along to Nancy. Suzanne and Nicole can also be reached by email at bfl_mail@clamsnet.org.
Visual Impaired Technology
Assistance at the Library (VITAL):
The Library has a computer with Zoom
Text, a magnification program, and JAWS, a screen reading software
program. We also offer training to individuals with vision impairments to
teach you how to use this programs. Never used a computer before? Don't
let that stop you! We even have someone who will teach you to keyboard! The
Library also has a VERA reading machine, Kurzweil 1000- a scanning/reading
program and an Alladin CCTV print magnifier. For Braille users there is a
Perkins Brailler and a slate & stylus. Our resource area contains brochures,
handouts, and catalogs of special interest to people with vision impairments. A
tape player may be borrowed to listen to an NLS Talking Book while using the
Library, or users may check out a Talking Book to enjoy at home. The library
also has a collection of Audio Described Videos (which contain narration in
between the dialog, describing the action), large print and audio books. Our
VITAL Center is located on the second floor of the Library, in the Reference
Dept. If you'd like 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 Program Outreach
Coordinator. You may also email Carla at cburke@clamsnet.org.