SECRETS OF THE LIBRARY: Something for everyone at the library

In these difficult economic times, it’s good to know that your public library is there for you and your family, and it’s still absolutely free. Here’s a brief look at some of the many diverse offerings your public library has for you — along with the books!

Speaking of books, your library is trying to expand its collection of CDs; there are still audio cassettes on the shelves, but publishers are not publishing more of them. There is an exciting newcomer, however, in the field of audio books: downloadable audio books. Here’s how it works: You visit the library’s web site at cclva.org and click on “OverDrive Audiobook Downloads.” Search for a title to check out. You will need to download, install and activate the OverDrive Media Console, a type of software that allows you to check out the audio file and transfer it to your computer. You may then listen to the book on your computer, or you may choose to transfer it to an MP3 player or an iPod (if available), or in some cases you may burn the book to your own CD. Through the library’s partnership with the Handley Regional Library System, we are able to afford a top company known for offering the best selection of adult fiction and non-fiction titles in addition to books for teens and children. Library Director Susan Keller is available to speak to groups and demonstrate this exciting technology.

In the audio-visual field, don’t forget that the library has not only DVDs but a number of VHS tapes, so dust off your old tape player and watch – among other things — some classic movies.
Along with its collection of large print books, the library offers several devices which can help the visually impaired. For patrons with macular degeneration, there are magnifiers and then there’s the “MonoMouse” which connects to a television, scans printed material, and then presents text or images, enlarged, on the computer screen. There’s also the “Magna-Sight Magnifier”, where the patron places a book underneath the machine and what’s on the printed page appears, magnified, on the screen above.

Of particular interest to the hearing-impaired and to their families is the “Pocket Talker”, which is a voice enhancer or magnifier. The library has four of these remarkable devices which work like this: the hearing-impaired person puts on a lightweight set of headphones which are attached by an 8-foot cord to a pocket-sized unit; this unit magnifies the voice of its wearer to the headphones. With its lengthy audio extension cord in place, the Pocket Talker may also be used in large meetings or, more usually, placed next to the TV or radio. Patrons may check out Pocket Talkers at no charge, a good way to see if a Pocket Talker or similar device is a solution to their hearing-related problems.

Finally, don’t forget the library’s bilingual collection. For children, especially English-to-Spanish (and vice versa) there are picture books plus four computers programmed to teach either language in a lively way.

And don’t forget the books!