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Library resources for persons with visual
impairments
 The
Tacoma Public Library does not discriminate on the basis of race,
color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment
or the provision of services. If, because of a disability, an
individual requires assistance to fully participate in a library
program or special event, or needs assistance to use library services,
please call the Library's ADA office at (253) 591-5602 two weeks prior
to the library program or special event..
To
assist patrons with visual impairments effectively use the many
resources of the Tacoma Public Library, the following assistive
reading equipment is now available:
- Kurzweil
Reader.
This easy-to-use reader scans printed text pages (books,
newspapers, magazines, etc.) and reads them back to the user.
Available at the Main Library (2nd Floor).
- Mentor
Horizon Low Vision Magnifier.
This machine scans printed text pages (books, newspapers,
magazines, etc.), them displays the text in various sizes by line or
page. Available at the Main Library (2nd Floor).
- Large screen
monitors which display information from the TOPCAT (the
Library’s computerized card catalog) in large print. Available
at all locations
- CCTV (Closed
Circuit Television) magnification units which can enlarge any
image (color or black/white), to virtually any size. Available at
the Main Library’s Reference Department (1st Floor) and at the
Northwest Room/Special Collections (2nd Floor); as well as at the
Moore Branch Library and the Anna Lemon Wheelock Library.
- Large
tabletop magnifiers to assist patrons in reading books and
other printed material. Available at all locations which do not have
CCTV.
- Portable
illuminated hand-held magnifiers to assist patrons in reading
books and other printed material at tables, study carrels, etc.
Available at all locations
- A voice
enunciator in the Main Library’s elevator that provides
clear, easy-to-understand directory information when stopping at
each floor.
Library
staff is happy to provide information and assistance in using the
equipment listed above. For additional information, please call the
Community Relations Office at (253) 591-5688.
The
purchase of this equipment was made possible in part through funds
provided by the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA)
administered by the Washington State Library.
Other library resources of interest to persons
with visual impairments:
- Large Print
Books. Over 5,000 large print books are available to
patrons-from the latest best sellers and classic fiction to a
variety of non-fiction books. Available at all library locations.
- Books On
Tape. Curl up and listen to a good book! Books on audio
cassette tapes are available at all library locations.
- Quick
Information. Have a question? We’ve got the answer! Our
telephone reference service can provide answers to almost all your
questions, large or small. Just call 591-5666. Telephone reference
service is available from 9 AM through 9 PM on Mondays through
Thursday, and from 9 AM through 6 PM Fridays and Saturdays.
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