Vision Impaired Resources
The American Foundation for the Blind provides several excellent resources for adults new to vision loss, and their support network.
This is a free service.
Digital books, magazines, and web Braille are now available for download, free of charge, from the BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) website to your iPhone or Android device. There are currently more than 25,000 digital books and over 40 magazines from which to choose. All active patrons are eligible. Find out more about how to use this service at blindlibrary.utah.gov/bard.html.
While not affiliated with libraries, the Be My Eyes app has the potential to be a great help to the visually impaired. Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers and company representatives for visual assistance through a live video call.
The Lookout app, from Google, "Lookout uses computer vision to assist people with low vision or blindness get things done faster and more easily. Using your phone's camera, Lookout makes it easier to get more information about the world around you and do daily tasks more efficiently like sorting mail, putting away groceries, and more. Lookout is available in English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish on all Android devices running Android 6 and above, with more than 2GB of RAM."
The National Library Service (NLS) for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in Washington, DC has a wonderful collection of music education materials and instruction such as:
- Braille — music scores and books about music
- Large print — music scores and books about music
- Audio self-instruction courses, books, and other materials
Please contact NLS directly by calling 1.800.424.8567 or emailing NLSM@loc.gov.
The Palmer Library has a large collection of audiobooks on CD. Holds may also be placed on titles from most other libraries in the state, to pick up in Palmer. Library staff are happy to assistance in placing holds.
The Palmer Library has a selection of large print books available in both fiction and nonfiction.
Large print fiction is located on the first shelf between Adult Fiction and Mystery.
Large print nonfiction is shelved throughout the nonfiction section with a large print sticker on the spine.
This is a free service.
Phone: 1.888.820.4525
Website: talkingbooks.alaska.gov
Email: tbc@alaska.gov For general questions about talking book services and for prospective patrons to apply for library services.
Talking books are available on loan with special playback equipment to eligible individuals. Any U.S. citizen or resident who cannot hold a book or read standard print can apply to borrow these materials. Books, magazines, and playback equipment are mailed postage-free directly to the borrower.
Visit the Alaska State Library Talking Book Center website for more information on free services for Alaskans with vision impairments, eligibility requirements, application for services, a comprehensive list of resources, and more.
Contact Information
Palmer Public Library
137 E Arctic Ave
Palmer AK 99645
Phone: (907) 745-4690
Hours:
Tuesday - Thursday - 10am to 6pm
Curbside: 9:30am to 4pm
Friday & Saturday - 10am to 4pm
Curbside: 9:30am to 3pm
Sunday & Monday - Closed