The Connecticut Library for Accessible Books (CT LAB) announced a new partnership with nine Connecticut public libraries who have volunteered and committed to serve as Connecticut Library for Accessible Books (CT LAB) hub libraries.  The aim of this new initiative is to spread information about CT LAB services and offer opportunities for patrons to engage with CT LAB closer to home. 

Each hub library is equipped with an informational display featuring CT LAB resources and services. The promotional materials are in large print and braille formats.  Hub libraries also feature Digital Talking Book players and cartridges available for in-library demonstrations.

In preparation, CT LAB conducted in-person training sessions for staff at each hub library so that they can answer basic questions about CT LAB and demonstrate how to use Digital Talking Book players and cartridges.  Looking ahead, CT LAB staff will collaborate with hub libraries to plan informational and training sessions on CT LAB and its offerings for new and current CT LAB patrons.

The public libraries serving as hub libraries are Bristol Public Library, Danbury Public Library, Darien Library, Killingly Public Library, Otis Library in Norwich, Simsbury Public Library, Slater Library in Jewett City, Stratford Library, and Weston Public Library.

A few items of note for current CT LAB patrons related to the hub libraries.    
* Patrons should continue to place all book requests with CT LAB by calling (860) 704-2220 or (800) 842-4516, or emailing csl.AccessibleBooks@ct.gov.  Hub Libraries are not equipped to fulfill book orders and requests.

* Patrons will continue to receive books and talking book players from CT LAB in the mail, as usual.

* Patrons have the option to pick up and return Talking Book cartridges and players at any of the hub library locations.  To schedule pick up at one of the hub libraries, please contact your CT LAB Reader’s Advisor.  Talking Book cartridges and players may be returned to any of the hub libraries with out prior arrangement. The hub libraries will forward all CT LAB materials returned to their locations to CT LAB in Middletown.

* CT LAB plans to work with the hub libraries to offer training and information sessions at the hub library locations.  CT LAB will share information with patrons as events are scheduled.

Please contact CT LAB at (860) 704-2220 or (800) 842-4516 if you have any questions.

The Connecticut Library for Accessible Books (CT LAB), formerly the Connecticut State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH), is a network library of the Library of Congress’ National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS).  CT LAB lends books and magazines in audio and braille formats, for free, to any Connecticut resident who is unable to read regular print due to a visual, reading, or physical disability.

Readers register with CT LAB and materials are delivered to individuals via U.S. mail or are downloaded by patrons to their personal computers and mobile devices.  The NLS collection includes nonfiction, fiction, bestsellers, magazines, and the NLS music section.  Titles are available in a variety of world languages.  The collection is intended to appeal to patrons of all ages.