Services to Special Needs Populations

The Greensboro Public Library maintains special collections for residents with disabilities. These collections include:

Large-Type Books
More than 13,000 titles comprised of classics, current fiction, biography, non-fiction, etc. Housed primarily on the first floor of the Central Library, this collection is rotated among the Greensboro Public Library branches.

Braille Books
Child educators often make use of this assortment. By touching and feeling the Braille alphabet, numbers, and music scores, children are able to realize how difficult it is for a visually impaired person to learn to read and gain knowledge. Ask for Belinda Lam at the Information Desk to check out some of the books for class presentations.

Audio Books
This popular collection includes classics, current fiction, non-fiction and works produced specifically for this format. Children's titles are also available at the Children’s Room on the first floor.

Closed Captioned Videos
Many titles in the video collection are closed captioned for the hearing-impaired. Captioning is usually noted on the cover. Ask at the Circulation Desk if you are uncertain.

Compact Discs
More than 2,000 CDs of classical, jazz, show-tunes, bluegrass, and country and western music are included in this assortment. The BBC Sound Effects collection is another interesting tool to utilize for a vivid and lively presentation.

DVD
The Library offers DVDs. The video playback quality of this high-capacity disc is far better than videotapes and laser discs. 

Books-by-Mail
This is a special service designed for our library customers who are unable to access or have difficulty accessing our library holdings. The Library mails LT books, CDs, audiotapes, or videotapes to customers who meet the requirements for this service. Call Belinda at 373-2169 for an application.

Talking Books Service
The Library also provides access to the Talking Books Service, a federally funded program that supplies cassette players and sends sound recordings by mail to those with vision impairments and certain physical and learning disabilities. Ask Belinda at the Information Desk for an application form or call the State Library at 888-388-2460. State Library Talking Book Service.

DVS Movies
DVS movies have an extra voice on the sound track describing action, scenery, setting, and actions during the time when there is no dialogue. When time permits, the Library will show DVS movies while the Greensboro Council of the Blind holds its monthly meeting at the Central Library.These movies are available through the DVS Club of the Friends of North Carolina Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

Audio Books on Compact Disc
Our audiobooks in CD format feature non-fiction, popular fiction and young adult fiction. 

Open-Captioned Media Catalog
Another exciting service provided by the Library is the Captioned Media Program (CMP) catalog. The CMP has more than 4,000 free-loan open-captioned videos. Videos can be ordered for you upon request.