Libraries and leisure

Services for people with visual impairments

Hertfordshire library service has a wide range of services for people who have difficulty reading standard-sized print:

• All libraries lend large print and audio books
• Magnification and screen-reading computer software that can magnify text and read out what is taking place on the screen is available at 22 libraries across the county. The software can be used with computer applications such as Word, e-mail and the internet. It is available at the following libraries: Berkhamsted, Bishops Stortford, Borehamwood, Bushey, Central Resources Library, Cheshunt, Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Hitchin, Hoddesdon, Letchworth, Oakmere, Oxhey, Rickmansworth, Royston, St Albans, Stevenage, Ware, Watford, Welwyn Garden City and Hertfordshire Archive and Local Studies
• The following libraries have electronic magnifiers that can magnify print: Berkhamsted, Bishops Stortford, Borehamwood, Central Resources Library, Cheshunt, Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hitchin, Hoddesdon, Letchworth, Oakmere, St Albans, Stevenage, Rickmansworth, Royston, Ware, Watford and Welwyn Garden City
• All libraries have a hand-held magnifier. Ask a member of staff if you would like to use it
• Cassettes For Blind People is a free service that lends books and information on audio cassette to people who have vision of N12 or less. Click on the link on the right
• A wider range of titles in large print, Braille and Moon is available via the inter-library loans service. Ask at your local library for details
• Many DVDs now have audio description. This provides additional narration describing all the visual information such as body language, scenes and action to make the viewing of films more enjoyable. The RNIB website has an up-to-date list of titles with an audio described soundtrack. Click on the RNIB link on the right for further details. Nearly all these are available for loan from the library service.

People with disabilities are entitled to a range of exemptions from library charges. Click on the library concessions link to the right for more information.

For further advice and support click on the visual impairment on the community directory link.

If you are unable to reach your local library because of your disability, the Home Library Service can deliver books and recordings to your home free of charge.