The Monmouth County Library is committed to making services and collections available to all. For those with special needs the Library has a large collection of printed materials and a wide variety of services and resources to make the library accessible to people with disabilities, their families, and caretakers. The Library offers the following services:
Assistive Listening Technology Loan Program
This program makes two types of systems available to the public: Personal FM Systems (for use up to 150 feet), and Wide Area FM Systems (for use in larger spaces). Both systems are portable and come with simple instructions. They readily connect to all types of hearing aids and cochlear implants, and also work well for people without aids or implants, via earbuds or lightweight headsets. Assistive Listening Technology Loan Program devices are available for use at library functions as well as for loan to individuals for personal use, and organizations. Either system may be reserved for up to four weeks. Repeat loans may be permitted upon availability. For borrowing information, please contact Robyn Miller (Headquarters, Manalapan) at 732-431-7220 ext. 7222.
Closed Captioned Videos and DVDs
Closed captioned videos and DVDs provide captions that can be seen with a closed captioned decoder or with a built-in decoder on newer televisions. Videos and DVDs with this feature contain the symbol (CC). The Library has an extensive collection of videos and DVDs, both educational and entertainment, which are closed-captioned for the hearing impaired.
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Awareness Program
Due to state budget cuts, this program is currently suspended. For information on the availability of Assistive Devices such as amplified/VCO telephones, baby cry signalers or bed vibrators (Sonic Alert), or for books and materials on topics releated to hearing loss, please contact Robyn Miller (Monmouth County Library Headquarters) at 732-431-7220, ext. 7222, or Traci Burton (NJ Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) at 609-984-7281.
New Jersey Relay Service
New Jersey Relay Service (NJRS) is a free, statewide phone service that enables people who are Deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled to communicate effectively over the telephone.
Using a device called a teletypewriter (TTY), a relay user types his or her part of the conversation to a Communications Assistant (CA) who reads the text aloud to any hearing person the relay user calls. The CA types the spoken reply from the hearing person back to the relay user. There is no charge for the CA to relay your conversation but rates for long distance and other standard charges apply.
Dialing 711 from most phones within New Jersey will allow you to access NJRS. Although 711 is the easiest way to reach NJRS directly, relay callers using a TTY may also dial 1-800-852-7988 and voice callers may dial 1-800-852-7897 to reach the service as well.
Sign Language Interpreters
Sign Language Interpreting services are available for library events. When sign language interpreters are needed for library programming, contact the Branch Location at which the program will be held to make arrangements for services or call the Public Relations Department at 732-431-7220 ext. 7242. Call at least three weeks before the program to allow for the arrangements to be made.
TTY (Teletypewriter)
A TTY is a device that allows persons to type telephone conversations back and forth. Conversations are read from a lighted display screen and/or a paper printout on the TTY. The Library may be reached via TTY at: 732-845-0064 (Headquarters) or 732-933-1285 (Eastern Branch). TTY devices in both locations will automatically answer calls and take messages 24 hours a day. The library also has a TTY available for loan. Please contact Robyn Miller at 732-431-7220 ext. 7222.
Audio Books
Audio Books on CD and cassette are available at all of our Branch Locations. Although these materials are not produced specifically for the visually impaired, they do provide a method of reading through listening.
Braille Books
The Monmouth County Library maintains a collection of children’s books in Braille. Books in Braille may also be found at the NJ State Library Talking Book and Braille Center.
Large Print Books
The library offers a wide variety of large print books, which are set in print that makes reading easier for some individuals. Large print books are available at all of our Branch Locations. Newly published material in large print is added to our collections on a regular basis.
Magnifiers
Hand-held magnifying devices are available for use in the library at all branches. CCTV or video magnifiers are available at the Eastern Branch and Headquarters locations. For information on specific devices available, contact your local Branch Location.
NJ State Library Talking Book and Braille Center
Residents with limited sight or reading disabilities may qualify for services from the New Jersey Library Talking Book and Braille Center in Trenton. They offer Braille, talking books, books in large print, periodicals, Audiovision (radio broadcasts of newspaper items and special interest programs, also available as an Internet streaming service), and equipment for playing recorded materials. For information, contact the library at 1-800-792-8322 or visit the Talking Book and Braille Center web site, at http://www.njstatelib.org/talking-book-braille-center.
Talking Books
People with visual or physical handicaps can still enjoy reading through the talking-book program from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), part of the Library of Congress. The NLS produces recorded books and magazines and provides all the equipment needed for listening. Talking books are available for loan to eligible readers upon completion of an application for library services and certificate of eligibility. To learn more about Talking Books, contact the Talking Book and Braille Center at 1-800-792-8322 or visit the New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center web site.
