Virginia Beach Public Library provides access to library services for people with
different abilities.
Talking Books
Bayside & Special Services Library, in cooperation with the
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, provides library service to Virginia Beach residents with visual and physical disabilities. This is a free library service supported by Virginia Beach Public Library. Talking books, playback equipment, magazines and catalogs are mailed directly to customers' homes by the United States Postal Service. An eligible person must fill out and submit an
application. You may also print an
application for library services. When completed, please mail to Bayside Special Services Library at 936 Independence Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.
Who Is Eligible?
• People who are blind or have low vision.
• People with physical disabilities who cannot hold a book or turn pages.
• People with reading or learning disabilities certified by a medical doctor.
Those with temporary visual or physical disability may also be eligible.
Available Materials
• Recorded books: fiction and non-fiction, best sellers, mysteries, romances, historical fiction, science fiction, biographies, cook books, bibles, religious fiction, travel, youth literature.
• These books require a special playback machine that is supplied free of charge and mailed directly to the reader's home.
• Large Print books.
• Braille materials are available from the Library and Resource Center in Richmond but users must be registered with Special Services to request and receive books in Braille.
BARD
BARD (log-in) is a free Braille and Audio Reading download service for Talking Book customers with the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Learn more about BARD. If you need assistance downloading books, please call (757) 385-2684 or email at
LibSSBH@vbgov.com.
Large Print Books
Large print books are available for many reading interests.
Find large print books in the Virginia Beach Public Library’s online catalog.
Support Group
Seeing Beyond Low Vision Support Group meets the third Friday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Bayside & Special Services Library.
Newsletter
Everybody Reads, a quarterly newsletter with updates and services for people with impaired vision. Available newsletters:
Spring 2012,
Fall 2012,
Winter 2013.
Audiobooks
Audiobooks are available in both Compact Disc and downloadable formats. To check out and use downloadable audiobooks, you will need a valid library card and the Overdrive Media Console, a free software application. Visit the Library's digital media sties for downloadable audiobooks.
Mobility Scooters
Bayside, Central and Kempsville Libraries have electric scooters for people with limited mobility. Scooters are intended for indoor use at the user's own risk.
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Assistive Technology for Public Computers
Scanners and special computer software is available at Bayside, Central and Princess Anne Area Libraries.
For additional information about accessible library services call (757) 385-2684 or email at
LibSSBH@vbgov.com.