Berks County Public Libraries has announced the expansion of its Accessibility and Supportive Learning Collection to include 30 new books in braille. Excellent tools for those who are blind, those who have low vision, or those wanting to practice reading braille, these specialty books are translated titles that use a braille embosser to “print” braille on heavier weighted paper.
Now approaching the third anniversary of this special collection, the library system’s recent addition of braille books serves as the latest installment of accessible materials available free to Berks County Public Library patrons.
“The Accessibility and Supportive Learning Collection allowed us to bring adaptive materials closer to those in Berks County who would benefit from them,” said System Administrator Stephanie Williams. “While we already offer a variety of braille materials, this is the first time we’ve been able to provide braille translations of full-text novels for the public to borrow.”
The county library system launched its accessibility collection in December 2020 with the goal of making inclusive and specialty tools closer to Berks County residents. Six months later, Berks County Public Libraries introduced EnChroma color blind glasses to its collection—the first institution in Pennsylvania to offer these glasses free for public use.
“This collection is meant to expand and evolve to better serve those in our community,” said Williams. “We encourage library patrons to explore the 276 accessible items currently available and consider submitting suggestions for future additions through our survey on the Accessibility and Supportive Learning webpage.”
Library cardholders can borrow braille books and other accessible materials by placing a request in the shared countywide catalog. Available book titles include: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton, The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn and The Maze Runner by James Dashner.
Visit www.berkslibraries.org/supportive-learning for more information about materials in the Accessibility and Supportive Learning Collection.
