A donation from the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph is helping Visiting Library Service patrons enjoy audiobooks in a way that works for them.
For patrons who are blind or have low vision, the size, weight and design of an audiobook player can make a big difference. A lighter device with fewer buttons may be easier to hold, learn and use independently, making it simpler to enjoy a favourite book from home.
Thanks to the generous support of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, the London Public Library has added Envoy Connect audiobook players to its Visiting Library Service collection. More players will be added next year, allowing the service to support even more patrons.
The new players began circulating in August. Smaller and lighter than the Victor Reader devices already available through the Library, the Envoy Connect has fewer buttons for patrons to learn and remember.
For Vladimir Sorak, Public Service Librarian with Visiting Library Service, adding the new players is about giving patrons more choice. “It’s about preference,” he says.
Some patrons prefer the lightweight Envoy Connect and its simpler controls. Others are more comfortable with the larger Victor Reader, which offers more space between its buttons and can play audiobooks on disc. One patron is currently trying both devices before deciding which one works best for her.
By offering both options, Visiting Library Service staff can help each patron find a device that suits their individual comfort and needs.
“We pride ourselves on providing the best personalized service possible,” says Vladimir.
Staff can load the new players with accessible audiobooks from the Centre for Equitable Library Access, also known as CELA. They join the Library’s existing collection of Victor Readers and audiobook discs, giving patrons several ways to continue enjoying books when visiting a Library location is not possible.
The donation comes at a time of continued growth for Visiting Library Service. Last year, the service supported approximately 520 patrons, the highest number in its history, and staff are working toward reaching 600.
Visiting Library Service brings books, audiobooks, DVDs and other Library materials to Londoners who are homebound for three months or more because of disability, health concerns or other barriers. Staff work closely with patrons to learn about their interests and select materials that reflect their individual preferences.
The addition of the Envoy Connect players builds on that personalized approach. For patrons who find a smaller and lighter device easier to use, the new players offer another way to keep listening, discovering new stories and enjoying the Library from home.
The London Public Library is grateful to the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph for helping make accessible reading available to more members of our community.
Find more information about our Visiting Library Service here on our website.