Shetland Library staff are showcasing cost-free accessibility to reading, information and support during the annual Hi VIS Fortnight from 1 – 14 June 2023.
Hi VIS fortnight focusses on the importance of accessible libraries and reading for anyone with visual impairments.
The availability of alternative formats through libraries helps ensure that people who have sight loss or anything that stops them from using standard print can access and enjoy a diverse range of reading.
Shetland Library has alternative formats and services to support those with vision problems. In addition to wide range of large print books and audiobooks on display in the Library, there is also a big selection of eBooks and eAudiobooks available online. The text size of eBooks can be varied on devices and the display changed according to the viewing needs of the reader.
The Library also produces the Talking Newspaper service, making audio recordings of The Shetland Times. The paper is read and recorded by volunteers at the Library every Friday and posted out to visually impaired users. This free service was maintained all through the recent Covid lockdowns with staff recording the local news from home.
The theme of this year’s Hi VIS fortnight is ‘Cost of Living’ and the Library are highlighting the great choice of freely accessible services and support there is out there, with no need to ‘break the bank’ to get access to information and reading.
During Hi VIS fortnight the Library will be hosting a Vision Services Information Drop-in session on Monday 5 June 2 – 4pm in partnership with the Macular Society Shetland. This is for anyone to find out more about support for visual impairment.
Adult Learning staff will be present at the event to demonstrate accessible ICT tools and give information about financial support available. Library staff will also be on hand to give information about the Library’s audiobooks, large print, talking newspaper and eServices.
There is more information about vision services on the Shetland Library webpages
Ends.