'Outspoken' Library Helps Those with Disabilities

A new kiosk at the main library allows patrons with disabilities to download and enjoy printed materials with ease.

The Outspoken Library kiosk allows patrons with impaired vision, a physical disability that makes it difficult to hold a book, or a learning disability, to download thousands of audiobooks and dozens of magazines and local and regional newspapers.

Potential users must fill out an application prepared by the New Jersey State Library's Talking Book and Braille Center (TBBC). Certain library staff members can authorize someone with certain physical limitations, such as a visual handicap, to use the kiosk. Only medical or osteopathic doctors can certify someone with a reading disability to use the kiosk.

Once users are certified by the TBBC they will receive a login identification and password and a free digital player that reads a book aloud. Users may access the service at the kiosk; they need to bring an empty flash-drive with at least two gigabytes of memory with them to download their materials.

The kiosk offers users a centralized location to download periodicals and newspapers, including the New York Times and The Record, from Audiovision, a streaming audio news service, and books from the Braille and Audio Reading downloading service.

"Having the Outspoken Library kiosk available at the main library will allow the library to more fully serve the citizens of Wayne by providing local access to the Talking Book & Braille Center resources," Jody Treadway, Wayne Public Library Director, said in a statement.

For more information call the library's reference desk at 973-694-4272, ext. 5401.