As part of a recent series of services designed to expand the library, the South Orange Public Library (SOPL) has started to offer a reading service for the visually impaired.  The New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center’s (TBBC) “Outspoken Library” kiosk is now available for residents in need.

Users apply for a free digital player provided by the Library of Congress.  The books are loaded onto a USB card that users can plug into the player.  TBBC offers a selection of 1,800 books.

In addition to TBBC, users can access the National Library Services Braille and Audio Reading (BARD) program with their players.  Through BARD, users can choose from a selection of 18,000 titles and 42 downloadable magazines.

“We are one of the few libraries in Essex County to offer this valuable resource and we are happy to make it available to all eligible individuals in the surrounding area,” Ellen Columbus, Head of Adult Services in the SOPL, said in a statement.  “It will help us to easily meet the needs of this segment of our population and will complement the other resources we have for people with visual disabilities, such as JAWS (Screen Reading Software) and other screen-reader and screen magnifying software.”

Residents who want to participate in the program can come visit the library at 65 Scotland Road or may call 973-762-0230 for more information.