Assistance Devices

The La Crosse Public Library has many assistance devices at all three library locations.  We hope these aids will give people easier access to library materials.  These products range from “low tech” items which can be used without training to “high tech” items which usually require training.  Library staff will help as needed.

“Low Tech Products”

Location:  Located at all three library locations (Main Library, North Community Library, and South Community Library) at the Circulation desks.  Some items are also available at the Reference desk at the Main Library.

Location:  There are limited accessible workstations at the Community libraries.  The other items are available only at the Main Library.

§        Walker with a basket

This is a wheeled walker with a basket so that books and other library materials can be transported around the library.  The braking system is located on handgrips.

Location:  Near the Main Street entrance of the Main Library and at both Community library entrances.

§        “Heavy” earphones-high quality headphones

These heavy duty, high quality headphones, which cover the entire ear, block out background noise.

Location:  Ask at the Circulation desk at the Main Library.

§        Public telephone with volume control

The pay phones at the Main Library are equipped so that sound can be amplified to 20 decibels.  Telephones at the North and South Community libraries have volume control handsets.

Location:  In the South foyer and near the elevator of the Main library and at both Community libraries.

§        Illuminated magnifiers

Several different magnification levels are available for the many people who have some visual impairment and often have difficulty reading the small print found in such items as telephone books, reference sources, newspapers, etc.  These lenses have halogen light and a detachable handle featuring a rheostat.

Location: At the Reference and Circulation desks at Main Library and at both Community Libraries.

§        Floor lamps with magnifiers

These are high intensity lamps with a 5’ distortion-free 2x acrylic lens attached to the lampshade.  They have a telescoping stand, a flexible chrome “goose neck” and a heavy cast iron base for easy adjusting.

Location:  Three are scattered throughout the Main Library. Ask at the Reference or Circulation desks for locations.

“Medium Tech Products”

§        TeleSensory Aladdin Closed Circuit Television

Reading Machine (CCTV)

This CCTV provides a high quality enlargement of printed material electronically onto a monitor screen.  The major components are a camera with zoom leans and a light source, a monitor, and a viewing table.

Location: At the Main Library-ask at the Circulation desk.

§        Magni-Cam magnification device

This portable television camera magnifies printed or other items from nine to 38X on a television screen.  Although quality of the magnified print is not as good as that of a CCTV, this is a nice compact supplement to the CCTV.

Location: At the Main Library near the Circulation desk with the TV/VCR setup.

§        TT/TDD/TTY-text telephone (608) 789-7073

The TTY, which includes an answering machine, allows people with hearing and speech impairments to call the library.

Location:  At the Main Library.

§        Closed Caption decoder

A closed caption decoder, which is compatible with most televisions, is available for loan.

Location:  At the Main Library-ask at the Circulation desk.

§        Television and video cassette player (VCP)

A 19” color television (equipped with closed captioning capabilities) and a basic VCP is available for in-library use to view public performance videos from the library’s collection.

Location: Near the Circulation desk at the Main Library.

§        Portable amplification system/Listening devices

“Loud-R” is a portable sound amplifier that resembles a cordless telephone.  It approximately doubles the volume of a person speaking.  It is designed for short conversations between two people who are near other.  The PockeTalker uses headphones and a microphone to enhance the voice volume.

Location:  The “Loud-R” is kept at the Reference desk on the second floor of the Main Library.  The Circulation area at the Main and South Community libraries have a AT&T PockeTalker (similar to the “Loud-R” but with headphones) at their respective public service desks.

§        Amplification system for the meeting rooms

This equipment cuts down background noise interference and amplifies primary sound.

Location:  At the Main Library in the auditorium and Trustees Room.

“High Tech” Products

§        Arkenstone Optical Character Recognition System-scanner, voice synthesizer, and microcomputer

The software used on the Arkenstone system is called An Open Book.  This setup enables people to “read” magazines, books, mail, or other printed materials.  The machine scans the printed page and reads the material back in the synthetic voice.  Library staff are available to assist patrons in its uses.  Detailed written and Braille instructions are also available.

Location:  Main Library-ask at the Circulation desk on the first floor.

In addition to this equipment, La Crosse Public Library provides many services and collections which may be of interest to people with disabilities.  Call 780-7100 or (TTY) 789-7106 or stop in for more information.