Trial Program At Library Benefits Low-Vision Readers

By Nancy K. Crevier

Along with a comprehensive selection of large print fiction and nonfiction books, and two large-print readers for onsite use, the C.H. Booth Library is currently taking part in a trial program providing an alternative for enhancing the reading experiences of low-vision patrons.

Through April 1, two portable magnifiers known as the “MonoMouse” by Bierley, a California company based out of the United Kingdom, are available for a one-week loan period, with a library card.

MonoMouse looks like a large computer mouse, and is controlled in the same manner. By plugging a power adapter into an electrical outlet, connecting a cable into the MonoMouse cable, and plugging the connector into the television video jack, text over which the MonoMouse is scrolled is enlarged to a comfortable reading size on the television screen.

Newtown Lions Club member George Arafas suggested to the library that they take part in the trial program, said library director Janet Woycik. A key role of all Lions Clubs is to prevent blindness and to assist those with vision problems. Ms Woycik is excited about having yet another option for low-vision patrons, and looks forward to input from those who borrow the MonoMouse, as to its capabilities.

“No one has checked one out yet,” said Ms Woycik, Wednesday, February 17, “but I don’t think that many people are aware that we have them.”

The C.H. Booth Library services for the low-vision patron are popular, Ms Woycik said. Visually challenged readers will find an entire room of large-print fiction near the main circulation desk, and a wide selection of nonfiction books in an area adjacent to that room. The library also subscribes to the large-print edition of Reader’s Digest magazine.

The large-print readers, one of which is located on the second floor, and one in the reference section of the library on the third floor, are used on a regular basis, said Ms Woycik. Users place the reading material underneath a magnifier that projects the enlarged text onto the screen.

While the library will probably not purchase MonoMouse for borrowing on an ongoing basis, Ms Woycik said that the trial program is important so that avid readers with visions issues have the opportunity to try a product that will allow them to comfortably read bills, magazines, newspapers, and books at home. “If they borrow one and find that they do like it, then they can decide if they want to purchase one for their own use,” she said.

A number of MonoMouse products are advertised at the bierley.com website, with prices ranging from $198 to $298.