The following is a list of equipment that helps people with disabilities to use library resources. Please check with the library location to ensure availability of the equipment.
Large screen computer monitor | Text magnification | Mini-Reader System | Books for the Blind Players
Public use computer with large screen monitor
- Clayton has one computer with a 20" monitor
- Concord has two computers with 20" monitors
- Orinda has two computers with 20" monitors
- Pleasant Hill has one computer with a 20 " monitor
- Pittsburg has one computer with a 20" monitor
Text Magnification Machines for Use in the Library
- Vantage Print Enlarger by Telesensory Systems Corp. Available in the Crocket and Danville libraries.
Projects printed text onto a viewing screen. It displays the normal black print on a white background, or inverse letters (white letters on a black background). This equipment is several years old.
- Optelec Spectrum (no model number) Available at the El Cerrito Library.
A closed-circuit television (CCTV) system, it uses a stand-mounted video camera to project a magnified image onto a 20 inch color monitor. It magnifies up to 70x. It has focus, contrast and brightness control, and background and foreground color options. This system was received in 1998.
- Optelec Spectrum 517xl Available at the Moraga Library.
One places the reading material on a platform that moves. It projects the text onto a monitor, enlarging it to about 3 inch letters. (Gift from an anonymous donor).
- Optelec Spectrum (no model number) Available at the Orinda Library.
One places the reading material on a platform that moves. It projects the text onto a monitor, enlarging it to about 3 inch letters. (Gift from a convalescent hospital)
Portable Mini Reader System by Magnisight, Inc.
The Mini Reader System includes a Mini Camera plus a 4.5-inch black and white monitor for viewing. It has a rechargeable battery and charger (for 5 to 6 hours use) and an AC adapter for household use. Text is scanned using a hand-held reader and the letters are projected onto the small T.V. The Portable Mini Reader System is in a carrying case.
It may be borrowed from the Pleasant Hill Library.
Books for the Blind and Handicapped Cassette Players
The Pleasant Hill Library has two cassette players used for Books for the Blind recorded books. There is also a small selection of approximately 30 cassettes in green returnable by mail cases. Ask for assistance at the Information Desk.
All branches have applications for patrons to register with the California State Library Braille and Talking Book Library to have tapes and equipment made available to them.