Visual Impairment

All libraries have collections of books in large print, as well as talking books on cassette and CD. People who have difficulty reading print or handling books can get free reservations on large print books and talking books, and are not charged for the loan of talking books.

Some of our larger libraries also have extra facilities for the visually impaired, such as video magnifiers (allowing print to be magnified to large sizes), Pronto Reading Machines (converting the printed word into synthetic speech), Supernova and various computer software enabling computer text and the internet to be available in magnified and synthetic speech formats. Libraries have a hand-held magnifier or magnifying sheet available for use on site.

There is a special Visual Impairment collection at Library Headquarters, and items from this collection are available through any library in Cheshire East, where a catalogue can also be found. The collection consists of audio-described videos, which are designed to enable people with a visual impairment to enjoy film again with the help of added sound, and a range of leaflets from the RNIB and elsewhere.

The library can provide information on other talking book services and general services - both local and national - for visually impaired people.