Special Services
Zoom Text
Zoom Text is a powerful computer access solution designed for the visually impaired. It provides screen magnification and screen reading, it allows you to see and hear everything on the computer screen, providing complete access to applications, documents email and the Internet. It is available on one of our PCs in the Lending Department
Services for the visually impaired
The Central Library has an audio book collection for blind and visually impaired persons. We also provide a wide range of music recordings and language learning packs free of charge to visually impaired people who are registered with the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI). We work in close co-operation with NCBI.
Scanning to voice: We provide ScannaR (scan-and-read) flatbed scanners for real-time scanning and reading in Mayfield Library, in the Central Library, and in Tory Top Library. These scanners read aloud whatever text is scanned — from letters, brochures, newspapers, books, etc.
Computer screen text to voice: For people with visual impairment, we also have three computers with JAWS software which reads out text from Internet, word processed documents, and other computer-screen images. At present we have one of these computers in (i) Mayfield Library, (ii) Tory Top Library, and (iii) the Central Library. This technology is also useful for people with learning difficulties.
Adult Education / Literacy
Cork City Libraries have an important role to play in the area of adult education. For adults involved either in self directed learning or in formal classes, the library maintains a growing collection of book-stock, educational videos, microfilm materials and photocopying facilities. In the cultural area, exhibitions, book displays, talks and recitals are a recurring feature of the City Libraries service. In association with the City of Cork VEC, Basic English classes are held in the Central library on Monday mornings. These include classes specifically aimed at foreign nationals. The Library also acts as a referral service for literacy organizations. Reading materials suitable for literacy students are available for personal use or for block loans to literacy groups. Literacy students may avail of these services free of charge.
Browsealoud...Making Websites Talk
Browsealoud is a computer program that reads aloud all website content including PDF and MS Word documents. As you move the cursor over words, they are spoken aloud. Browsealoud is free to the end user. Browsealoud makes using the Internet easier for people who have:
Browsealoud is a Windows browser plug-in designed for use with Internet Explorer 4 upwards or Netscape Navigator. If you install the Browsealoud plugin onto your PC, you can have the web pages on the Cork City Libraries websites read back to you. To avail of this service, the Browsealoud plugin is available for download to your browser from http://www.browsealoud.com
Bibliotherapy and the Book Prescription Scheme
What is bibliotherapy?
Bibliotherapy, the use of books and reading to help cope with emotional, physical and mental problems, is increasingly acknowledged as being of great benefit to help people deal with life’s difficulties. The Greek philosopher Aristotle viewed literature as arousing emotions within a person which had healing effects.
(Public Library Journal, Summer 2008, p. 7)
Bibliotherapy includes the use of fiction & non-fiction books and reading for pleasure to enhance people’s lives and provide means of enjoyment and respite from the daily grind. In recent times book prescription schemes have been developed in a number of countries and such a scheme is now operating in Cork City Libraries – we have copies of recommended books available in all local libraries and Central Library. Amongst the topics covered are with eating disorders, anger management, depression, OCD, sexual problems, dealing with sexual abuse, panic attacks, relationship problems, stress & anxiety, relaxation techniques and parenting skills.
How does it work?
A doctor “prescribes” a particular book (from the recommended list) to the patient to deal with a specific problem – the patient then brings the “prescription” (doctor’s note) to his/her local library and exchanges the prescription for the book. Up to 6 books can be issued at a time. If you are not already joined the library you must become a member - membership is free, however, while the patient avails of the service (remember to bring along proof of address). Membership lasts for a year and then has to be renewed – if you are still using the service just bring along another prescription from the doctor and you can rejoin for free.
Non-prescribed books can also be taken out. The loan period for the books is 4 weeks but can be renewed for a further period. If the book is out on loan to someone else at the time, the library staff will reserve it or try to get a copy from another library, whichever is the quickest. Books can be renewed by phone, on-line or by calling in to the library. A list of recommended books is available in every library and on our website www.corkcitylibraries.ie.
The service is confidential and library staff will not divulge any information about who is borrowing the book or what the book is about. Feedback from patients using schemes like this has been very positive – the selected books are relevant and practical. However if you find that the books are not of any benefit you should return to your GP or health professional for further advice. For more information contact your local library or Central Library, Grand Parade.
A downloadable copy of the Book Prescription Scheme reading list is available.
Library Link service to housebound library members
In March 2007, Cork City Libraries launched a new van-based service to bring library services to people who cannot travel to their local library. Items for borrowing include books, DVDs, video tapes and audio-books on CD or on cassette. This is a city-wide service and is free of charge. Customers can make requests for items to satisfy their personal interests. The van, manned by library staff, calls to individual homes, day-care centres, and nursing homes on a regular basis. Customers may select items from the shelves in the van or can have selections handed to them in their houses. The new van is wheelchair accessible. The service also provides block loans to institutions in the area, such as residential homes, hospitals, and day-care centres.
The van-based service was developed after the success of a car-based pilot scheme in the Mayfield/Montenotte area, begun in May 2001, which proved very popular with members of the community who could not go to the library because of mobility problems, illness, or disability. If you wish to avail of this service, please contact Sinéad Feely: sinead_feely@corkcity.ie or tel. 021-4924961 or 021-4924900.
Sinéad Feely making a call to centenarian Mrs Mary Rohan
Library Link times and locations
| Day | Library |
| Tuesday (a.m.) | Bishopstown |
| Tuesday (p.m.) | Douglas |
| Wednesday (a.m.) | Blackrock / Mahon |
| Wednesday (p.m) | Mayfield |
| Thursday (a.m.) | St Mary's Road |
| Thursday (p.m.) | Hollyhill |
| Friday (a.m.) | Blackrock / Mahon |
| Friday (p.m.) | Tory Top |