Ventnor opens 'Outspoken Library'

The Ventnor Branch of the Atlantic County Library System now has a kiosk where disabled and vision-impaired patrons can download digital audiobooks.

Branch Manager Ellen Eisen said the "Outspoken Library" program made its debut in Ventnor because of its proximity to the Atlantic County Nutrition Center at the Ventnor Senior Center and current vision-impared patrons. Several more kiosks are slated to arrive at other locations in Atlantic County later this year, she said.

While the library already stocks large-print books, as well as cassette and CD audiobooks, Eisen said offering the digital downloads - available to those with a certified condition that inhibits their ability to read physical books - is a big step forward.

"Now with this new service, you can put them on your flash drive," she said. "It's very unique, very 21st century. I wonder what the future will be."

Adam Szczepaniak, Director of the Talking Book and Braille Center in Trenton, said such kiosks extend the reach of the program to residents without a reliable Internet connection. The state also provides audio players and flash drives that can hold approximaltely 80 hours of audio to qualifying patrons.

"It also has the ability to allow the public libraries in New Jersey to demonstrate what's available to people eligible for the program," he said.

The kiosks also aid caretakers.

"A mom walks in with a child with dyslexia or a daughter with elderly parents, they can use the program to download books for their mom or dad or son," Szczepaniak said.

A diverse array of publications is available to eligible patrons, including the latest bestsellers and readings from the daily local and national newspapers.

Szczepaniak said 22 such kiosks have been installed statewide, with more on the way.

There are potentially hundreds of thousands of state residents who are eligible for the program and simply don't know about it, he said. Kathleen Quish, county director of disability services, said she's trying to get the word out about the new service.

"For anybody who has vision impairment or any type of disability that makes it hard to read a book, now the technology is there to really enhance those services," she said.

And for those with high-speed Internet access, the books can be downloaded at home.

"As soon as you understand how to use it, you don't even have to go to the library," she said.

Contact Wallace McKelvey:

609-272-7256

WMcKelvey@pressofac.com

To learn more

For more information, see njsltbbc.org or call the Ventnor Branch at 609-823-4614.