Article by Jennifer Tchida, Access Services Branch Manager
(Posted 2023 November)
Do you, or someone you know, struggle to visit a library or read library books? The Access Services Library, part of the Fairfax County Public Library system and situated at the Government Center, offers two services for residents of Fairfax County who cannot physically visit the library or cannot read a book due to a disability.
The first service is Home Delivery, which provides materials owned by Fairfax County Public Library. To qualify, a resident must have a permanent or temporary disability, or a physical limitation that prevents them from visiting their local branch. Once in the program, books and DVDs are mailed at no cost to the patron. We have reader advisors on staff to assist patrons with book selections, or the user can choose their books. For tech savvy residents who prefer to read eBooks or listen to eAudiobooks, they can qualify for a library card through our Home Delivery service and access the Libby app. Patrons will also have access to library databases, such as Kanopy, Consumer Reports, and the Washington Post, just to name a few.
The second service we offer is the Talking Books program. We work with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, a division of the Library of Congress, to mail digital books and magazines, plus braille materials. Individuals who are unable to read or use standard print due to permanent or temporary blindness, visual impairment, or physical limitations may qualify for the program. The digital books play on a machine that is easy to use, especially for those who are unsure about technology. Materials and machines are borrowed and returned by mail at no cost to the user. For patrons who enjoy using mobile devices, they can use BARD Mobile, the app offered by the Library of Congress. The mobile app is similar to the Libby app in that it provides users with access to eAudiobooks, which can be accessed on any mobile device.
Both services, Home Delivery and Talking Books, require an application. Talking Books also requires a signature from a certifying authority. For more information on either program, or to apply, please call Access Services at 703-324-8380 or email libas@FairfaxCounty.gov.
Interested in attending a library program from the comfort of your living room? Then join the All Access Book Club. Our book club is held over the phone, just like a conference call. Anyone can join, even people who are not part of our Home Delivery and Talking Book programs. We encourage friendly conversation about our featured book, but anyone is welcome to join the call and just listen.
We love spreading the word about our services, so if you belong to a community group, work for an agency that supports people who could benefit from our services, or live in a facility that allows organizations to make presentations, contact us and we would be happy to visit. Our goal is removing barriers to the library, so let us know how we can help.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).