Library Programs for Young Readers

Hi, Everybody:

I decided to blog about the assistive and adaptive programs at the Denver Public Library.  I chose this one because we looked at it briefly last semester, and our book said that a famous library personage, John Cotton Dana, started out at the Denver Public Library.  Here is the link Denver Public Library Services for Persons with Disabilities

The Library's Mission Statement about this issue is as follows:

The Denver Public Library is committed to providing equal access for all people who wish to use the library and its collection.

The user can click on Visual Access, Physical Access, and TTY.  Next follows a list of the technology with a very clear description of what each does, how to use it,  and where he library system it is available.  One example follows:

Visual Access Workstation Equipment

Chroma CCD Magnifier

This equipment allows the user to enlarge everyday printed reading materials. Simply place the book, newspaper or any printed material on a platform and the image appears enlarged on a screen above. It magnifies up to 60 times, minimizes glare and eliminates hot spots. The monitor is placed directly in front of the user for comfortable reading. (Only available at the Central Library, Community Technology Center, Level Four and Western History Department, Level Five.)

In addition, the Library offers Books by Mail for homebound users and a Bookmobile which makes stops for the convenience of users who are not able to visit the Library.  A helpful listing of further sites follows.

Comment:  I am really impressed by the really nice and respectful way users with disabilities are described by these libraries in a way which does not define them by their disability or economic or legal status alone.  The first one which struck me was on the NYPL website which said "Persons without homes" rather than "The homeless."

More tomorrow!