Shetland Library staff are gearing up to celebrate this year’s Hi VIS Fortnight, focussing on the importance of accessible libraries and reading.
The availability of alternative formats through libraries is important for people with vision problems, says Support Services Librarian Catherine Jeromson:
“The library service helps ensure that people who have sight loss, or indeed any difficulty using standard print, can access and enjoy a diverse range of reading. We have alternative formats and our staff can help. In the new library we have large print books and audiobooks on display. We also have a big range of eBooks and eAudiobooks online, free for members to borrow. The text size of eBooks can be increased on the device you read them on, and the display changed according to the needs of the reader.”
The Library also produces the Talking Newspaper service, making audio recordings of The Shetland Times. The paper is read and recorded by volunteers every Friday and posted out to visually impaired users.
An afternoon tea was held this week at the Library to thank the volunteers for their contribution. It was the first opportunity for everyone to meet together as a team since the beginning of the pandemic. Fiddlers Emma Leask and Ellie Nicolson played music which included the talking newspaper signature tune.
During Hi VIS fortnight, from 6th -19th June 2022, the Library will be linking with the Macular Society Shetland to host an information drop-in session on Monday 6th June, from 2 - 4pm. This is for anyone wishing to find out more about support for visual impairment. Library staff will also be available to give information about the Library’s audiobooks, large print, talking newspaper and eServices.
There is more information about vision services on the Library website.