Library Services for Visually Impaired People

In partnership with The Bury Society for Blind and Partially Sighted People the Library Service provides a wide range of resources and services for visually impaired people, their families and professionals working on their behalf. Support is provided for individuals to enable them to access education, information and leisure resources

Resources are available in print, large print, tape, and Braille and links with national organisations ensure access to a wide range of material in these and other formats. Our partnership with Society for Blind and Partially Sighted People ensures a comprehensive approach to customers' needs.

Services and equipment available at Visual Impairment Units

• Books on tape and CD
• Videos with audio description.
• Compact discs.
• Information in alternative formats.
• Print to speech reading equipment
• Talking Teletext.
• Transcription to Braille, tape or disk.
• Magnifying equipment.
• Word processing with large print and speech access.
• Internet access with large print and speech.
• Confidential reading service.
• Forum for social meetings.

Visually Impaired Readers who enjoy discussing a good read whether in large print or cassette can join the VIP Reading Group which meets on the 4^th Monday in the month at Whitefield Library VIP unit at 2.30pm. The group meets to discuss the latest book they have 'read' that month (supplied by the Calibre cassette library).

Where to find the service

There are two main Visual Impairment Units with specialist equipment at Whitefield and Bury, which are staffed by a qualified librarian. There is also a smaller unit at Ramsbottom.

All the other branch libraries make provision for visually impaired people. They stock large print books, books on tape and CD, CCTV magnification equipment and computers with magnification and speech output.

Whitefield Library, Pinfold Lane
Whitefield, Manchester, M45 7NY.
Tel: 0161 253 7512
Fax: 0161 253 7514

Bury Central Library
Manchester Road
Bury, BL9 ODG
Tel: 0161 253 6098
Fax: 0161 253 5857

Appointments can be made with the librarian if these times are not convenient.

For further information, contact Anne Elton, Visual Impairment Service Librarian.
Tel: 0161 253 7512
Fax: 0161 253 7514
E-mail: vis@bury.gov.uk