Pennsylvania Check Out Your Library! More than a Great Read.

GIF photo of three young women with different skin tones in black and white and differing abilities including Down syndrome are smiling at a library table with books. In the top right corner is a GIF of the word library changing from cream background with blue letters to blue background with cream letters.

Blame it on being a 90s kid in Pennsylvania (PA) with full access to PBS (public broadcasting station) if you like, but a part of me still thinks libraries are magical places. Maybe it was LeVar Burton’s introductions to the world through books, sniffing mysteries with a Jack Russel Terrier named Wishbone, or this catchy song from Arthur Read.

Fast forward through the decades and our libraries are still an essential part of our community. Did you know that the state of PA has 474 public library buildings?! If you count branches and bookmobiles bump that to around 630. Now, you could take trips to visit neighboring facilities and meet new people, especially consider impressive buildings like the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. (The one located on Forbes Avenue has a Museum of Natural History!) However, this article is to remind you that libraries are in the digital age too AND they are very into accessibility.

Reaching People with Vision Disabilities Nationally

The National Library Service (NLS) at the Library of Congress provides free audiobooks (talking book library) and a braille library. Who is eligible? The service is for people with a temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical limitation that prevents them from reading or holding regular printed materials. The national network of cooperating libraries, share books and magazines in braille or audio formats. Eligible people can download content to their own devices or receive by mail, free of charge. NLS originally started services in 1931. Start receiving services by applying at NLS registration website.

Lighting the Way for Pennsylvanians

Specific to Pennsylvania residents, LAMP/Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians connects people with disabilities to resources. People who face challenges like low vision, blindness, reading disabilities (like dyslexia), or physical limitations that make it difficult to read standard print are eligible. They just need to register with a certification from a librarian, doctor, social worker, or other designated professional.

What kind of materials are available?

Braille
Digital audio recording cartridges
BARD (Braille and Audio Recording Download service)
Large print
Described movies

Indeed all services are offered for free, even the specially-provided equipment to use the audios and downloadable braille. Furthermore, they even promise no postage or overdue charges. LAMP is made up of two National Library Service network libraries: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and the Free Library of Philadelphia. Start your LAMP journey by completing the application form at https://mylamp.org. For more details, play the video below: More Than Just Books: How LAMP is Making Literacy Accessible to All.

Contact LAMP/Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians

1500 Spring Garden Street, Suite 230
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Toll Free in Pa 800-222-1754 or 215-683-3213

4724 Baum Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-1389
Toll Free in Pa 800-242-0586 or 412-687-2440

Photo of a black man who is blind smiling in a library touching a braille book. A magnified circle photo in the middle shows a close up of his finger skimming the raised dots on the page.

Photo of an elderly white man sitting in a wheelchair wearing headphones and holding a flat digital device like an iPad. The green book graphic is pointing to the screen illustrating that he is listening to an audiobook.. Full library shelves can be seen in the background.

Connect to POWER and Libby

Everyone in Pennsylvania, regardless if they qualify for LAMP or not, can benefit from the POWER Library. This is Pennsylvania’s electronic library which means it is a statewide digital portal. You can have 24/7 access to online journals, e-books, and other educational resources. Additionally, with Transparent you can learn over 140 languages, including American Sign Language (ASL). There are all kinds of helpful resources tailored for kids, teens, finding a job, and even automobile information. All of the resources available in the POWER Library are free with your local PA library card or E-Card. To start connecting digitally, sign-up for a free POWER E-Card. Remember that in-person and borrowing services must go through your local library card.

Lastly, don’t forget about the Libby App. The Libby app is free and available for Android and iOS (iPhone/iPad/iPod touch). Audiobooks, ebooks, and now magazines are available right on your favorite pocket device using Wi-Fi or mobile data. Moreover, you can also download them to use offline.

In Conclusion

Pennsylvania has a lot of beautiful brick and mortar libraries in its communities where they each have unique events and opportunities. Libraries are passionate about making resources available to everyone, no matter their ability. Don’t miss the accessible resources that are out there for FREE. Now, if you excuse me, I’m going to keep singing. “Having fun isn’t hard when you got a library card!”

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