Low Vision Services

The Park Ridge Public Library offers various services and materials to library users who have low vision.

Special Services Room
Located on the second floor behind the Reader Services Desk, this room offers specialized equipment for the visually impaired. Funding for this room generously provided by the 20th Century Club of Park Ridge.

Low vision equipment included in the room:

• Large magnifying machine that enlarges print and pictures in full color up to 64 times

• Computers with software for the visually impaired: JAWS (software that reads aloud Internet screens, e-mail and documents); ZoomText (screen magnification program that enlarges text on screen); OpenBook (software and scanner that reads aloud printed material)

Low Vision Support Group
Join us to exchange and share ideas, discuss new research, and listen to guest speakers. New members are always welcome. For more information and future meeting dates, call Library Outreach Coordinator Cathy Thompson at (847) 720-3382.

Large Print Books
With a type size larger than regular print, these books make reading "easy on the eyes." Bestsellers, classics, mysteries, romances, westerns, and non-fiction materials are available in Large Print. Readers' Digest magazines also available at the Library in Large Print editions. 

Audiobooks
With titles available on a variety of formats, including CD, cassette, Playaway, and even digital download, the Library's collection of audiobooks allows low vision users to continue to experience the joy of reading. We have a large selection of fiction and non-fiction audiobook titles for your listening pleasure.

Hand-held Magnifiers
Available in various strengths, including several with lights, for extended checkout. 

Large CCTV Magnifying Machines
These machines, with a 14 to 17 inch screen and movable tray, are available for extended checkout. For your convenience, the Library will deliver the machine to your home.

CRIS (Chicagoland Radio Information Service)
This service reads current newspaper and magazine articles over the air - including the Park Ridge Herald newspaper.