Local Services

VictorReader Stream

The Library’s Outreach Services Department offers visually impaired customers, including those who are homebound, in nursing homes, and belong to senior bookclubs, access to VictorReader Stream digital talking book players.

Books and videos

A browsing collection of recorded and Braille books and described videos is available at the Main Library. A number of DVDs in the Library’s collection provide an audio description option. You can browse a selected list of these titles and can also perform a search in the Library’s catalog to locate additional DVDs offering the audio described option. To search the catalog, limit the basic search to media type "DVD." Select a "word or phrase search." Use either the term "audio described" or "described video," or "described for the visually impaired." Please call 513-369-6900 for additional information.

Books by Mail

Outreach Services also offers a "Books by Mail" service which provides for books and other Library materials to be sent to individuals in Hamilton County who are confined to their homes and do not have access to the Main Library or a branch. Please call 513-369-6963 for additional information.

Adaptive Technology

The Library offers access to a variety of adaptive equipment:

• A refreshable Braille display which acts as a tactile monitor for navigating and reading information in dynamic Braille. This adaptive equipment is available on a computer in the 2nd floor of the Main Library’s South Building.
• SARA (Scanning and Reading Appliance): Enables the reading of printed material and works like a computer scanner that recognizes text, translates it into speech, then reads the text aloud. Available on computers in the 2nd floor of the Main Library’s South Building.
• ZoomText: Designed for the low vision user, magnifies the contents of a computers screen. Available in all branches.
• CCTV (Closed-circuit television): Employs a video camera lens to enlarge text from normal text size. Users can change background and font colors. Available on computers in the 2nd floor of the Main Library’s South Building, and the College Hill. Covedale, Deer Park, Forest Park, Hyde Park, and Symmes Township Branches.
• Options for enhancing sound and vision for individuals at events and programs are also available. Please contact the Programs/Exhibit Office at 513-369-6900 for details.

State-wide Services

Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of Congress provides free recorded and brailled books to eligible adults and children. The Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled, located in Cleveland, Ohio at the Cleveland Public Library, provides information and applications to all Ohio residents. Detailed information about the Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped and the services provided are available on the Cleveland Public Library's website, opens a new window.

Contact Information

If you are interested in learning more about or applying for this service, or have questions about your existing service, please contact the Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled at:

Toll free phone number: 1-800-362-1262
Email: olbpd@cpl.org, opens a new window

Mailing address: 17121 Lake Shore Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio 44110-4006

Phone: 216-623-2911
Toll free: 1-800-362-1262