Old Bridge, NJ – May 4, 2016 – As part of its ongoing quest to serve as many members of the community as possible, the Old Bridge Public Library has partnered with The New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center (TBBC) to serve patrons whose ability to read may be affected by a physical or visual impairment or reading disability.
Anyone who cannot read standard print or hold or turn pages of a book may be eligible for services of TBBC’s Outspoken Library program, which include: audiobooks and players, Braille books, access to downloadable audiobooks, magazines and Braille, and the 24/7 audio news reading services, Audiovision and Newsline. Patrons interested in these services should contact the Library for more information about eligibility, to obtain an application, and/or to listen to a demonstration of the audiobook players. Librarians are able to issue a certification of eligibility to those patrons with visual impairment (including blindness) or physical handicap. Patrons with reading disabilities must receive certification from medical doctors or doctors of osteopathy.
The TBBC is a NJ regional library of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, which is a division of the U.S. Library of Congress. The audiobooks and players are provided free to libraries and patrons by the Library of Congress. All materials including equipment, books, catalogs and magazines are sent directly to readers by mail at no cost and can be returned in the same manner. Registered TBBC members are entitled to long-term loans of audiobooks and players, and can also download materials from the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) web site of the National Library Service. Once registered for a BARD account, users can also download a BARD app to play files on a mobile phone or tablet.
“We are happy to work with the TBBC to make these innovative services available to so many residents,” noted Library Director Nancy Cohen. “TBBC’s resources allow access to thousands of books, magazines and news sources that can greatly enhance the quality of life for those with visual or physical limitations.”
The Old Bridge Public Library was recently voted “Best Public Library in Middlesex County” by the readers of the Home News Tribune. The Library is open seven-days-a-week and is located at 1 Old Bridge Plaza at the corner of Rt. 516 and Cottrell Road in the Municipal Center. More information about this and other Library programs can be found at www.oldbridgelibrary.org or by calling 732-721-5600 x5033. The satellite Laurence Harbor branch is located at 277 Shoreland Circle; phone: 732-566-2227.
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