Birmingham Public Library P R E S E N T S
	Barbara McBride-Smith
	THURSDAY – NOVEMBER 1 North Birmingham Branch Library – 9 a.m. Avondale Branch Library – 1 p.m. FRIDAY – NOVEMBER 2 Wylam Branch Library – 9 a.m. Five Points West Branch Library – 1 p.m. Southside Branch Library – 4 p.m. SATURDAY – NOVEMBER 3 Birmingham Public Library Central – 10 a.m. Springville Road Branch Library – 1 p.m.
	Barbara McBride-Smith performances are a blend of entertainment, education, and humor. She is a comedian, historian and storyteller all rolled into one. Author of several books and tapes, McBride-Smith was recently selected for a NSN storytelling Circle of Excellence Award. Call the library for additional information.
	F R E E   A N D  O P E N   T O   T H E   P U B L I C

	Contents
	Meet	Jefferson County Libraries Your Special Needs
	BY DENNIS NICHOLS, HOMEWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY
	Public libraries of Jefferson County provide a myriad of services to assist our library users with special needs. Whether the library user’s special need is low vision/blindness, hearing impairment, learning disability, or physically challenged.....there is a library in the county that can meet your need. For patrons with low vision problems, large print books are abundant. A majority of libraries offer large print books, both fiction and nonfiction, for the adult population. Several libraries offer large print books and "Big Books" especially for children. Most libraries offer audio books. Fiction and non-fiction audio books are available in both abridged (a shorter and edited version of the original work) and unabridged (the complete original work). Audio books are entertaining and convenient! The Regional Library Computer Center, located in the Linn-Henley Research Library at Birmingham Public Library, offers self-paced training computer tutorials. Register through the Regional Library Computer Center (226-3798) to use the self-paced instructional site for help in learning how to use Microsoft Office products. Low vision patrons now have access to larger monitors, large print keyboards, and screen readers at two locations in Jefferson County. Two work stations with adaptive technology are available at the Regional Library Computer Center (226-3798) and one workstation is available at the Hoover Public Library (444-7800).  Check out the new Quick List Books-By-Mail program, a unique service provided by the Jefferson County Library Cooperative and the Birmingham Public Library. Participation is limited to Jefferson County residents who are unable to visit a public library in person. It’s as easy as filling out a form…. checking your favorite author or category and format, such as large print or books on tape. Children’s materials are also available. Books are mailed to users for a checkout period of four weeks. All postage is free of charge. When materials are returned, another selection of materials will be sent. For more information on the Books-by-Mail program, call 925-6176.  Don’t forget to log on to our Web site at www.jclc.org and click on the Alabama Virtual Library for electronic resources that you can access at home. Please refer to the front-page article of this issue for other "Do It Yourself" tips! In addition to the libraries of Jefferson County, the Alabama Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, located in Montgomery, offers equipment, materials and services for patrons with special needs. To qualify for services, the individual must be legally blind, visually impaired, have a learning disability or physically unable to use standard print material. Materials available include recreational reading, cassette and Braille with special listening equipment formats. Call toll free 1-800-392-5671 for specific information.  Don’t forget our slogan, One County-One Library Card. Your library card will be honored at all 41 Jefferson County member libraries. Let your public library be your first stop!

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