The visually impaired patron will find a variety of resources available at Boise Public Library, including large print books, recorded books, movies, and music. In addition, Homebound Services, a digital talking book service, and various onsite aids help make library services more accessible.

Large Print Books

The Library has over 5,000 large print books, including both fiction and nonfiction titles. The majority are complete, unabridged editions of the works of popular authors.

Large print books can be found in the Library's catalog by choosing the large print category option. They are physically located in shelves on the north wing of the first floor, close to the restrooms and elevator.

Digital Talking Books

Boise Public Library is one of five public libraries offering a digital talking book library in partnership with the Talking Book service of the Idaho Commission on Libraries (ICFL).  Called the Lobe Library, this  pilot project delivers audio books to the visually impaired using MP3 players, which are much smaller and more portable than those used to play cassette tapes. The audio books are of digital quality and are downloaded from Audible.com. For information, call 562-4002. Idaho is one of only six states participating in the Lobe Library beta test.

Library staff is also glad to refer patrons to the ICL Talking Book program. We provide application materials for the program, and can forward completed applications to ICL.

Recorded Books, Movies and Music

Boise Public Library has over 5,300 recorded books in its collection, including adult fiction and nonfiction, young adult fiction and children’s fiction. The majority of these are unabridged. The collection contains both CD and tape formats.

The library collection also includes over 12,750 movies and films, including features and nonfiction, and juvenile and adult titles. Most are in DVD format. We also offer close to 12,000 music CDs, with selections for juveniles, young adults and adults.

Recorded books, movies and music can be found in the Entertainment Express area on the first floor of the library.

Homebound Services

Library staff and volunteers regularly take library materials to homebound persons in Boise retirement apartments, nursing homes, assisted living and individual residences. Materials include large print, hardback and paperback books, recorded books, music and movies. For more information, see Homebound Services or call 562-4002 (TTY:  1-800-377-3529).

Other Aids and Resources

The library provides several additional aids to assist patrons with visual or other physical impairments:

• Handicapped ramps give an alternative to stairs at the main entrance to the library and at the outside auditorium entrance.
• An elevator provides easy access to the library’s second and third floors.
• A lighted, oversized magnifying glass is available to assist in reading books and personal materials. It can be found in the Large Print Books area, where it is permanently mounted on a desk for public use.
• Library personnel staff desks on all floors to assist customers in finding materials and information.
• Requests can also be made by telephone, at 384-4076 or 384-4200 (children’s area). Materials can be reserved by phone and mailed to library-card holders for a small fee.  (TTY: 1-800-377-3529)

Last Updated: 12/12/2008