Libraries - Special Needs Services

The library service aims to offer services to all people, including those who are unable to access services easily for a particular reason. 

Buildings Access

The majority of library buildings have access suitable for the physically disabled and wheelchair users, the only exception being Monk Bretton. 

Both our mobile libraries are purpose built and have access lifts for wheelchairs.

Disabled toilet facilities are available at Central, Cudworth, Darfield, Goldthorpe, Penistone, Roundhouse, Thurnscoe and Wombwell.  The Central Library has lift access to all floors, ramped access to the lecture theatre and a hearing loop.

Services for the visually and hearing impaired

Collections of large print books and spoken word cassettes are available from all service points except Kendray.  In addition the Central Library has a collection of spoken word titles on CD.  These items are available free of charge to visually impaired borrowers.  A wider range of titles in large print, braille or audio format can also be requested through the inter library loan service.

In addition the Central Library has a Horizon Reading Magnification Machine for public use, which will enlarge the text of a normal print book.  Magnifying sheets are also on sale.

DVD collections are available in all service points except Kendray and videos are available in some service points.  Many of the titles have either the closed caption or subtitles facility.

Portable hearing loops are available in all libraries

Assistance dogs are permitted in all service points

Computer Facilities

PCs with screen magnification software and voice facilities are available at all libraries via Windows 2000.  Equipment to aid people with PC use is also available - specialised keyboards, keyboard gloves, trackerballs and wrist supports.

A PC with internet access and possessing a large touch-screen facility is available at the Central Library.  This PC is on a height adjustable table for wheelchair access.  

Home Delivery and Community Collections Service

These services operate from Penistone Library.

Books and other items are chosen by specialist staff based on individual requirements and delivered into the homes of those residents who are unable to access static or mobile library services.  In addition collections of material are delivered to residential homes, sheltered accommodation and day centres.

For enquiries about these services please contact Penistone Library 01226 762313.

Other Services

• Foreign language materials - books for adults and children in some foreigh languages; some foreigh language newspapers; cassettes, CDs and books on learning and improving your English.
• Key Skills collections - books to help with basic English, Maths and Study Skills
• First Choice and Quick Reads collections - selections of titles specifically aimed at adults who are not confident readers
• Self Help collections - self help titles on a wide range of subjects
• Citizenship collections - a selection of titles on life in the UK and information to help with citizenship

Please note these collections are not available in all libraries.

Useful Websites

Revealweb: a web-based service which brings together a wealth of information about materials in accessible formats.  Details of over 100,000 titles together with the organisations which hold them.

AbilityNet: a national charity helping disabled adults and children use computers and the internet by adapting and adjusting their technology.  Whatever your health, condition or age you can find a solution that will help you stay in touch and enjoy life to the full.

BBC Ouch: a website from the BBC that reflects the lives and experiences of disabled people.  It has regular columns, features, quizzes, a monthly near-cult podcast, a blog or two and a community message board amongst other things.

Speaking Volumes: a website all about the enjoyment of reading for the visually impaired.  There are lots of reading suggestions, local reading related events, reviews of talking books and a noticeboard to give you the chance to swap views and opinions with other readers.  You can hear a reading group in action and if you are interested, find out about local groups you can join.