Access Services
The Access Services Department of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library is dedicated to ensuring that the library remains accessible to everyone regardless of specialized or adaptive needs.
As the Fredericksburg Subregional Library, CRRL was among the first adopters of Gutenberg machinery and operates the Talking Books and Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) programs for the Cities of Fredericksburg, Manassas, and Manassas Park; Counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, Westmoreland, Caroline, Culpeper, Orange, Fauquier, King George, and Prince William; and Military Bases of Quantico, Dahlgren, and Fort Walker.
Our Hours, opens a new window
- In Person: Monday-Thursday, 9am-1pm (located within the Howell Branch)
- By appointment only: Friday 9am-5pm
- By Phone or Email, opens a new window: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Lunch & Learn: Quick Learning For You!
BARD: Braille & Audio Readers
Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD)
Lunch & Learn: Quick Learning for You!
Lunch & Learn: Quick Learning For You!
BARD: Braille & Audio Readers
Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD)
Lunch & Learn: Quick Learning for You!
Talking Books & BARD Programs
Both free programs, with no late fees or wait lines, Talking Books and BARD allow individuals with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, physical or print disability to have books, magazines, musical scores, and more read aloud to them from a freely provided machine or from a downloadable app.
There are over 100,000 titles available in the Talking Books catalog, including Braille and foreign-language materials. You can also see the latest additions to the Talking Books catalog in the Talking Books Topics magazine.
The Central Rappahannock Regional Library is one of only 97 libraries nationwide that serve as a National Library Service Subregional Library for the Blind and Print Disabled. It is also one of nine Talking Book libraries nationwide that volunteers to test the WebReads ILS system used by Talking Book libraries. CRRL was also among the first adopters of Gutenberg machinery.
Through the Subregional Library, people with the qualifying disabilities* who live in the Cities of Fredericksburg, Manassas, and Manassas Park; Counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, Westmoreland, Caroline, Culpeper, Orange, Fauquier, King George, and Prince William; and Military Bases of Quantico, Dahlgren, and Fort Walker can receive free braille and talking book materials and equipment. Schools are strongly encouraged to allow students to enroll individually so that the students may continue to receive services in the event of graduation or transfers.
*Qualifying veterans get priority service; special ed students with print/reading disabilities may utilize this as part of their IEP; and qualified international language speakers may use this service.
Apply
Apply for Talking Books
Those who meet the above qualifications can apply for Talking Books, through which books on cartridge and machine players that will read them aloud are sent to users free through the mail. Upon completion of the application, it can be returned to the Subregional Library by e-mail, fax, or by mail.
- E-mail: PDF/set of pictures to talking-books@crrl.org
- Fax: 540-834-0767
- Address: Access Services Department, 806 Lyons Boulevard, Fredericksburg, 22406
To apply for this service, fill out the appropriate application below.
Note there is a certification portion: while librarians can certify individuals, it is preferred that a professional certify when possible.
*For applications for those Individuals or Institutions serving qualifying individuals
Once you're a Talking Book member, you can qualify for:
- Bookshare, an online audiobook collection commonly used by students.
- NFB-Newsline, a service offered by the National Federation for the Blind that provides audio versions of newspapers, magazines, weather alerts, and more.
- Xavier Society for the Blind, which focuses on Christian-interest materials.
- Jewish Braille Institute, which focuses on Jewish-interest materials.
- Bibles and Other Sacred Writings in Special Media
Reading Lists for Talking Book Customers
Apply for BARD: Braille and Audio Reading Download
Those who meet the above qualifications, have a working email, and have already enrolled in Talking Books may also apply for the Braille And Audio Recording Download (BARD) program.
BARD is a free mobile app that allows users to directly download and listen to books for free on an Android or Apple/iOS smartphone or tablet. Note: There is also a Windows version of BARD, but this can be harder to use.
Applying for BARD services
- Enroll in Talking Books using the applications above.
- Mark your email on the application. If you have already enrolled in Talking Books and wish to have BARD added, you may either enroll directly online or contact the Access Services Department and tell them your email.
- Once Access Services has your email, they will enroll you in BARD.
- Upon enrollment, you will receive an email stating you are enrolled, as well as a temporary password that lasts 10 minutes to use to log in and establish a permanent password. For privacy purposes, librarians are not allowed to create or store permanent passwords, though they can reissue you a temporary one.
Watch an instructional video on how to use the BARD mobile app or BARD for Windows below. These videos are led by former NLS Consumer Relations Officer Judy Dixon, who is herself blind.
Electronic Braille Readers (e-Readers)
We are proud to provide NLS Humanware braille eReaders. Braille eReaders are devices with small pins that electronically move up and down through holes representing a braille cell. Users move their fingers across the cells to read the electronic braille (ebraille), and the pins change as the user reads.
The NLS braille eReader by Humanware has a 20-cell braille display, eight-key Perkins-style keyboard, and can download electronic braille through BARD or transfer from cartridges sent through the mail.
If you are interested in receiving a NLS braille eReader, please fill out the “Talking Books” application above, including an email address. Once you are enrolled, please reach out to the Access Services Department to sign up for the ereader specifically. Ereaders are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Instructional videos on how to use the Humanware Ereader can be seen on YouTube. You may also Read the eReader HumanWare User Guide online. These videos are led by former NLS Consumer Relations Officer Judy Dixon, who is herself blind.
NLS: US Currency Reader Program
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) partners with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) in support of its US Currency Reader Program. Their goal is to provide currency reader devices, free of charge, to eligible individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The currency reader, called the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier, announces a note’s value in one of three ways: voice, pattern of tones, or pattern of vibrations. Just insert a note into the device and press the button on the side to have the denomination identified. The currency reader does not identify foreign or counterfeit banknotes. The size of a key fob, it can be carried in a pocket or purse, clipped to a belt, or attached to a keychain or lanyard. It operates on a single AAA battery, which typically lasts for more than a year. The initial battery is included.
Eligible individuals who wish to receive a free currency reader may download an application at bep.gov/services/currency-accessibility/us-currency-reader-program. Note the application does ask for certification; if a medical professional or a social/caseworker is unable to sign, the Access Services Librarian is able to do so.
More from NLS
The NLS has a series of newsletters and listservs that share information about their latest resources and events. These include:
- Collections Connections, a free email monthly newsletter from NLS Collection Development that highlights fiction and nonfiction titles focused on a timely theme
- Events and Exhibits, where you can learn about recent and upcoming NLS events, both in-person and virtual, and the latest schedule of where NLS will be exhibiting
- Music Notes, the NLS Music Section blog that highlights recent acquisitions and items of interest in the world’s largest collection of accessible scores and instructional materials
- NLS News, a quarterly publication where you can read about the latest NLS products and initiatives, achievements of notable patrons, special events, historic milestones, and more
- Overseas Outlook, the semiannual newsletter for NLS patrons living abroad
- Patron Announce, a regular email listserv that includes timely information about NLS program, services, and products, with new announcements arriving a few times a week.
You can check out and sign up for most newsletters at their linked websites. The Overseas Librarian automatically subscribes patrons using the Overseas service to the listserv. To learn more about the service, contact Babak Zarin.
NLS also offers a series of regular programming, including:
- Quarterly Patron Corner and The Many Faces of BARD, two regularly scheduled online programs. You can also enjoy streaming audio from past online events at their website!
- That All May eRead focuses on using the NLS Braille eReaders and happens on the last Tuesday night of each month. The sessions begin with a brief demonstration of a feature before opening up to patron questions about any aspect of the Zoomax or HumanWare Braille eReaders.
- Smart Speaking to the Smart Speaker assists patrons using the My Talking Books skill on their smart speaker. The program is held on the third Thursday of each month.
NLS Informational Publications
Explore the variety of NLS publications on issues related to blindness, visual impairment, or physical disabilities, as well as compilations of current resources on many topics of interest to NLS patrons and those who provide services to them. Ask a Librarian can help answer questions related to these NLS publications and NLS service.
Accessibility
Location Accessibility
The library tries to make it easy for library customers to move through its branches by offering:
- Accessible parking spaces, ramps, and restrooms at all branches.
- An open-floor, easily traversable layout at its branches, with no interior stairs at any branches except the Fredericksburg Branch, which has elevator* access to all floors.
- Drive-up book drops and wheelchair-accessible doors at many branches.
- Walkers or wheelchairs are available at many branches upon request.
- Porter & Howell elected to put needlepoint bipolar ionization systems, opens a new window, which kill the COVID-19 virus within an hour.
- Curbside Service is available at most branches.
- Location pages on the website have information about what accessibility features are at each branch.
Please contact your local library branch if you have questions about specific features at that location.
*The elevator at the Fredericksburg Branch is out of service due to a replacement project. Read more about it here.
Library Collection Accessibility
The digital collection offers the following accessibility features:
- eBooks allow the reader to change the background color, increase text size, change line spacing, and choose the font (letter style) - including OpenDyslexic.
- Kanopy Streaming Video offers streaming films and documentaries with closed captioning.
- Other online research resources with built-in accessibility features including language translation, closed-captioned videos, and text-to-speech articles.
The Access Services department is also proud to offer the following additional services at our in-person location:
- JAWS: JAWS is a screen-reading software that allows blind individuals to use a computer with a set of headphones.
- Braille: We have a limited capacity to Braille documents.
- Sorensen: Insignia is a videophone, provided by the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, which is available for individuals who use sign language to conduct outgoing calls on.
- Sign language interpretation for programming.
Accessibility in the Catalog
Accessibility Statement
The library is committed to providing customers with equal access to:
- library collections and services
- programming and events
- facilities and branches
The library honors these commitments by offering the programming and services described on this page. CRRL also tries - when possible - to acquire resources and technologies that are in keeping with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, and attempts to provide reasonable accommodations to customers with disabilities upon request.
To help the library in honoring these commitments, we ask that you contact:
- Your local library branch, at the phone number or email listed here, can answer any questions regarding specific requirements or adjustments necessary for your visit. Library staff will attempt to accommodate the needs of users who identify as having a disability.
-
Or Access Services at (540) 372-1144, ext. 7454 or 1-800-628-4807, or talking.books@crrl.org, opens a new window with any suggestions or comments about your experience using accessibility features at the library.
Programs & Services
Books-by-Mail Service
Books-by-mail is a service that sends library materials by mail to those who cannot physically come to the library due to temporary or permanent health, mobility, transportation, or age-related disability. Requested titles are checked out for one month and mailed directly to your home. You are responsible for returning them to the library, including any necessary return postage.
If you or someone you know has difficulty visiting the library and would like more information about receiving materials by mail, please email the Access Services Librarian at babak.zarin@crrl.org, or call Access Services at (540) 372-1144, ext. 7454 or 1-800-628-4807.
Library on the Go Services: We bring the library to you!
Explore the exciting ways the library brings its services to you! With our Lobby Stops service, we visit more than a dozen assisted living facilities and senior apartments, including those in the Lake Anna area. At these residential facilities, CRRL staff bring browsing materials and requested items directly to customers, customizing our selections and services to meet the needs of these special audiences.
To accommodate those who are in rural areas of our service area, we have two satellite locations open once a week in Spotsylvania County. They provide various services, such as checking out books, providing Internet access, and more.
Our newest addition to Library on the Go services is the Westmoreland Programming Van, which visits 10+ assisted living facilities, senior apartments, community centers, and more throughout Westmoreland County, twice monthly.
Cognitive and Emotional Impairment Offerings
CRRL recognizes that not all impairments are visible. Those with cognitive and emotional impairments - also known as “invisible” disabilities - are welcome to utilize CRRL services and spaces.
- Memory Café: A Memory Café is a comfortable, supportive environment where people with dementia and their family caregivers can socialize, build support networks, and enjoy meaningful dementia-friendly activities together. CRRL offers two quarterly Memory Cafés for those with early-stage dementia or Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
- Time with a Therapy Dog & PAWS for Reading: Read or relax with a therapy dog (Grades 7-adult) or practice your reading with therapy dogs (Grades K-6). Call or visit the branch to book your time.
- Alzheimer Caregiver Support Groups: If you need support from others during a difficult time, this group is for you. Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association.
- Sensory Time: Stories, songs, and activities to support early literacy practices in an environment that adapts to youth with developmental challenges.
Resources
The Deaf Culture Digital Library
The Deaf Culture Digital Library was established in 2021. It is dedicated to providing visitors with assistance and guidance in offering resources about deaf culture; acquiring and preserving an excellent collection of deaf resources in digital formats; furnishing access to information regardless of location; and providing highly competent assistance to Virginia residents and library staff in local public library systems, academic librarians in colleges and universities, and other libraries in the state of Virginia.
Assistive Technology
Many popular browsers also offer built-in accessibility tools, and many assistive technologies are available at little to no cost.
Browser Accessibility
- Internet Explorer Accessibility Information
- Firefox Accessibility Information
- Chrome Accessibility Information
Accessibility Software
- Adobe Reader Accessibility website
- Latest Version of JAWS for Windows
- Latest Version of NVDA for Windows
- Latest Version of VoiceOver for Mac OS X
Assistive Devices
Local & State Agencies
Local and state agencies also offer assistive technology and services.
The disAbility Resource Center of the Rappahannock Area, Inc.
Virginia Department of Blind and Visually Impaired
Virginia Department of Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services
You can also learn more about the Virginia Disability Service Agencies through their Document Repository, which includes more detailed forms and applications.
Hadley Helps
Hadley, opens a new window promotes independent living and lifelong learning through distance education programs for people who are blind or visually impaired, their families, and blindness service providers. This includes resources that can help users earn a high school diploma, find employment, and live independently, as well as on additional topics.
Hadley works closely with the National Eye Institute and the National Eye Health Education Program, as well as many other national and international organizations that also serve older adults adjusting to vision loss.
Contact Us
Access Services loves to hear from those who use or would like to use our services. We welcome invitations to present informational programs and participate in community events.
You can reach us by:
- Phone: 540-372-1144, ext. 7454 or 1-800-628-4807
- E-mail: talking-books@crrl.org
- Visit: 806 Lyons Boulevard, Fredericksburg, 22406
Partnership & Donation Information
Access Services joins the library in working alongside our community partners. For more information about who these partners are and how to become one, read more here.
Access Services also joins the library in accepting donations. You can find a complete statement of the library donation policy here.
Note: We ask that donations specifically for Access Services have features such as descriptive audio, captions, Brailling, or other accessibility features.
