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Spotlight: Books-by-Mail, Talking Books programs keep book lovers in touch

By KATHY MAYO (Contact)

Monday, April 9, 2007

When Grace Walker recently had back surgery, she could no longer make her weekly trips to the library for bestsellers and biographies. High-schooler Jimmy Washington is receiving treatment for cancer while being schooled at home. His visiting teacher gives him lists of books that she wants him to read. Also, Jimmy spends plenty of time in bed and needs activities other than TV and video games. Nathan Spaulding developed macular degeneration and can no longer drive or read standard print.

Submitted photo

Lisa Cooke, Books-by-Mail coordinator, processes bags of returned books.

What do Grace, Jimmy, and Nathan have in common? They all love to read! Instead of having to rely on friends and family members to take them to the library or select materials for them, they get assistance from two free services from the Lee County Library System.

Books-by-Mail and Talking Books provide books and other materials to persons with special needs. These services let people maintain their independence while connecting them with the resources of their local library.

Books-by-Mail is a fast, convenient service that supplies library materials to children and adults who are unable to use the library system due to temporary or long-term physical and medical disabilities. Even their caregivers are eligible. Individuals can receive all types of books, audio books on CD, videos, DVDs, and music CDs.

Books-by-Mail sends materials through the mail in zippered nylon bags to registered customers. Individuals may request items by phone, mail, or e-mail. Library staff help readers make selections based on books they have enjoyed in the past, keep them up to date with their favorite authors, and alert them to new arrivals through a quarterly newsletter. Applications are available at any public library or by calling Books-by-Mail in Estero at 390-3232.

Children and adults who have a visual or physical disability that prevents them from holding or reading conventional print, are eligible for service from the Talking Books Library. The library mails books and magazines in audio format and patrons return them postage free.

With more than two million book titles and 73 magazines available on audio cassette, the talking book service can satisfy most reading tastes. When eligibility has been established, the library loans the new patron a four-track cassette player for reading the books.

In addition to audio materials, the Talking Books Library loans descriptive videos. These are feature films and PBS programs with a voice-over narration that describes the action and scenery on the screen. They are designed to help persons who have low vision or blindness to enjoy popular films without missing the visual elements of the story. To receive more information and an application, contact the Talking Books Library in North Fort Myers at 995-2665 or toll-free at 1-800-854-8195.

If your club or organization is looking for speakers for a future meeting, the library system is happy to provide presentations on these and related services. Contact Kathy Mayo to arrange for a speaker: 390-3234 or kmayo@leegov.com.