SPRINGFIELD – The New Jersey State Library Talking Book & Braille Center and Springfield Free Public Library have partnered to bring TBBC’s no-cost services to the library.
TBBC’s services, known as the “Outspoken Library,” serve New Jersey residents who cannot read standard print or who cannot hold a book or turn the pages of a book due to a physical impairment, a reading disability or vision impairment. Anyone who has difficulty reading standard print or holding a book or turning the pages of a book may be eligible.
Once registered for the program with TBBC, residents will be able to select from any of these no-cost services: Audiobook player, Audiobooks, Braille books, Downloadable audiobooks and audio magazines, and News reading services, such as Audiovision and Newsline.
The Outspoken Library services of TBBC are provided free to libraries. All services are delivered to the homes of TBBC’s members and there is no cost to their members for any of these services.
“This initiative will help us expand the services of the Talking Book and Braille Center to new, underserved populations in New Jersey,” said Adam Szczepaniak, director of TBBC. “It will help to make a difference for those who, for whatever reason, have difficulty reading printed material. This is an important partnership for TBBC.”
Library staff will be available to help explain the eligibility criteria for TBBC’s services, provide applications and explain the application process. Staff will also be able to demonstrate the simple and easy-to-use audiobook player and audiobooks available to those registered with TBBC.
“I am very pleased to be able to bring Outspoken Library to our Springfield Free Public Library patrons,” stated Dale Spindel, Library Director. “Several of the librarians on our staff have already received training in how the system works and have expressed their enthusiasm for being on board for this project,” Spindel added.
For more information, call the Springfield library at 973 376-4930 and ask to be connected with either the reference desk or children’s services. The library is located at 66 Mountain Ave. More information can be found by visiting www.springfieldpubliclibrary.com.