By BRETT NUCKLES
 New Albany Branch Library Director Joseph Yersavich sits at the low-vision reader donated by the New Albany Noon Lions Club. Also pictured are (from left): row one-club member Diane Smith, Cyndi Smith of Universal Low Vision Aids, club member Randy Sims; row two-club members Richard Golden, Timothy Kennedy, David Gill and President Howard Apothaker. |
The library's new low-vision reader, donated by the New Albany Noon Lions Club, makes it easy to read small print.
The simple electronic device works as a magnifier. A camera zooms in on what is placed on the loading tray and translates the result to a computer display above it.
Using the device is a snap, even for readers who aren't tech-savvy, and library employees will be on hand at all times to provide assistance, said Library Director Joe Yersavich.
"Once you know how to turn it on and how to use the magnifying knob, it's very, very easy," he said.
The device can display full-color images, and the user can adjust zoom and contrast to fine-tune the display.
It will be permanently parked at a table near the library's front desk.
The $2,200 device represents the Noon Lions Club's biggest contribution to the community in its two-year run, said member Diane Smith.
"There's a need for these kinds of visual aids in the community, but they are so expensive that the average person can't afford it," Smith said.
The library serves the low-vision population in a variety of ways already, Yersavich said, providing large-print books as well as audiobooks.
The new reader is an extension of those efforts, he said.
"I couldn't thank the Noon Lions Club enough for thinking of us," he said.
"This was a very thoughtful gift and it's something we think people are going to take advantage of."
The Noon Lions Club also is ramping up efforts to assist New Albany's visually impaired in other ways, Smith said.
The club provides financial assistance to help residents get glasses and eye exams, but relies on community members to get in touch.
"We feel there are a lot of people out there that need eye exams and glasses, but we just don't know who they are," Smith said.
Residents can drop off their used glasses in a box at the library. The club helps to pay for redistribution.
To inquire about vision assistance or membership contact the New Albany Noon Lions Club at 614-561-9501.
"There's a need for these kinds of visual aids in the community, but they are so expensive that the average person can't afford it."
--Diane Smith
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