Titles in the library range from the Bible to Playboy to "Gifts for Herb Lovers." The blind and disabled can choose from thousands of titles on tape or in Braille. After patrons call the toll-free number selections will be mailed to their home for free.
The Utah State Library for the Blind and Disabled has nearly 20 thousand patrons across Utah and across the country — they send books in Braille to patrons in 20 states. Leslie Gertsch, the executive director of the Utah Council for the Blind, orders 20 books at a time.
Library program manager Bessie Oakes is amazed at the amount of material the library has in stock.
"To me it's just incredible how much material there is," she said. "It's a fun place to work. That's what makes it interesting."
The Library of Congress, in conjunction with the state's library, provides titles on tape and books in Braille. The tapes must be played on a special player.
The Utah library also has books in large print, provides software to help visually impaired persons see a computer screen, and they run a closed-circuit radio station.
Jan Sonshine, the Braille technician, uses a special software program to scan books and change the printed word into Braille. The pages are printed on what looks like old-fashioned computer paper with detachable edges.
The Utah library transcribes books by local authors, too.
"I like that it gets information to people," Sonshine said. "It does fill a real need."
The books on tape and in Braille are stored in a warehouse that is approximately 68 thousand square feet. Thousands of books and tapes go in and out each day to patrons in 20 states. The Utah library has the largest Braille collection in the world, and 19 other states have contracted with the state to provide Braille service.
"The key thing that motivates me is knowing that we are servicing people less fortunate than myself," said Michael Brewer, warehouse specialist.
To receive the service patrons must fill out an application which can be found online at www.blindlibrary.utah.gov. Patrons can call 1-800-662-5540 for more information. The services and the postage to send the materials back to the library are free.
James Shulfer is the volunteer coordinator, and he needs people to read for the radio reading program.
"They're quite informed. That's what makes me feel really good," Shulfer said.
The volunteer program had a total of 41,452 hours donated.
To volunteer contact Shulfer at 801-715-6791.
"We need people who wake up and enjoy the printed word," Shulfer said.
Still, the information available in Braille or on tape is only a tiny fraction of what is published each year.
Gertsch buys print books just in hope that someone will put them on tape for her.
"When you can't have something it makes you appreciate it more. I love to go to the print library and see the books."
Even though the material is just a smidgen of what the sighted world can see the they patrons who use it would be sad to see it go.
"It is probably our most vital, significant, beloved things in the nation as well as the state of Utah," Gertsch said, "It is really our only resource for books we are very much attached to it."
To find gifts for herb lovers in Braille and access to other services visit www.blindlibrary.utah.gov.
E-mail: blusk@desnews.com