So That All May Read

Take a moment to think about what it would be like not to being able to read. You could never lose yourself in a novel or read an autobiography on your favorite hero or heroine. Through the Mississippi Library Commission's Talking Book Services, reading for those with visual impairments or other disabilities can become a reality. MLC partners with the Library of Congress to provide Talking Book Services to Mississippians. With a wide range of popular fiction and nonfiction titles for adults, teens, and children, this free service is open for all eligible residents who are unable to read standard print due to a visual, physical, or organic reading disability.

I recently traveled with Mary Rodgers Beal, Talking Book Services Director, to the Bolden Moore Library on Wiggins Road in Jackson. The library hosts the Westside Community Senior Organization in their meeting room Monday through Friday. The group gardens, makes quilts, and accesses computers and the internet at this library. They welcomed Mary Rodgers and me with open arms and were eager to hear about the service.

Plants tended by participants of the Westside Community Senior Organization.

Quilts created by participants of the Westside Community Senior Organization.

Mary Rodgers explains Talking Book Services.

It was a great morning; I enjoyed meeting these wonderful folks and being reminded of all the wonderful things Talking Book Services does. If there is someone in your life who has difficulty reading and you want to get them started with Talking Book Services, check out the information and applications on the eligibility page on our website or call us at 1-800-446-0892.

Mary Rodgers explains Talking Book Services.