Vision Services
Talking newspapers online
The Shetland Times and The New Shetlander are recorded by volunteers as 'talking newspapers' for the visually impaired.
Listen for free to the latest editions here:
The Shetland Times Extra Features - monthly
Anyone who is not online can sign up to our postal service. We can post them a USB memory stick of each edition to listen to, which they then return to us in the padded envelope provided (it comes with areversible label). We lend simple USB players for listening on. Just ask at the Library if you want to use this service.
During Make a Noise in Libraries fortnight in June 2019, we launched the theme music to our talking newspaper. The music, ‘Uncle Lolly’s Shining Silver’, was written by Jenny Henry and is performed on our recordings by Maggie Adamson on fiddle, with Emma Leask accompanying on piano.
The Library also provides
Large print books
Audio books on CD
Downloadable eBooks, eAudio books, eMagazines, eComics and eNewspapers
You can change and enlarge the font of ebooks to suit you.
Magnifiers: we have a table-top specialized magnifier you can use in the Library. It is very good for looking at small print in maps or newspapers. We also have several hand-held magnifiers you can try.
Useful websites
practical and emotional support for everyone affected by sight loss.
if you're struggling to read because of your sight this site offers solutions.
an information site created to support anyone interested in helping people with sight loss get access to reading and reading services.
an online questionnaire to help find books, newspapers and magazines in a suitable format for people with sight loss. Library staff will be pleased to help you.
Local help
Hannah Bateson, RNIB Vision Support Officer
Tel: 01595 745900
Duty Occupational Therapy
Tel: 01595 744319
Education Services Childrens’ Vision Service
For children and young people with visual difficulties.
Contact: 01595 745588 email: freda.leask@shetland.gov.uk