Supersize print helps make reading easier on your eyes
On my recent visit to the optician, he told me I now need bifocals. It’s true, because I now need to take my glasses off and peer closely at standard print.
My fear is of becoming that outdated stereotype of the mad librarian with glasses strung around my neck, wearing sensible shoes and a cardigan. All I need is a bun. Welldressed, modern librarians everywhere will gasp.
I have been enjoying large print books recently and would like to scream from the heavens that large print is for everyone.
Large print books are regular titles which are published unabridged as special editions with larger than usual font sizes. Large print titles usually have a size 14 to 16 font, while most regular adult books are set in 10 to 12 point.
They are an essential resource for individuals with low vision. It’s not just a bigger font size that makes reading large print accessible. It’s also proven that the bold typeset and increased white space on the page improves word recognition, aids reading comprehension and increases feelings of confidence when reading. This makes it a perfect choice for beginning readers, readers with dyslexia or for learners of English as a second language.
I enjoy reading large print because it allows my eyes to relax more, reducing eye strain. Eye strain can be linked to symptoms such as headaches, light sensitivity, red, sore and itchy eyes, so keeping our eyes relaxed and healthy is important for everyone.
Digital eye strain occurs after two or more hours of digital device use.
As “screen time” increases, reading large print can give your eyes a welcome rest.
Most new large print books are printed on thinner, high quality, opaque paper which makes them as light as a traditional adult hardcover book.
They can be expensive to make because of this. Many eBook readers let you enlarge the typeface to a size that suits you, offering access to a huge range of book, newspaper and magazine titles.
It’s not just about books, newspapers and magazines.
You can change the text size and the colours of websites,
I have been enjoying large print books recently and would like to scream from the heavens that large print is for everyone.
meaning that everything you read online can be altered to suit you. The BBC’s My Web My Way website explains how to do it.
As librarians, we want everyone in our community to be able to access library services and materials to meet their needs for information, education, inspiration and recreation. We believe every person should have the opportunity to reach their own potential, to be who they choose to be. We dedicate a large part of our budget to building a great large print collection and ensure the library maintains a wide variety of genres and topics.
So why not try a large print title and give yourself a chance to see differently.
What’s on? Exhibitions
The Three Musketeers, Until
April 29, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ Gallery Space Ans Westra Photographs: After Handboek
Modern Aotearoa in the Making: A Photographic Record Spanning Almost 50 Years, Ma¯puna — Kabinet Art Gallery, Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom,
Friday, April 29:
SeniorNet: Get help with your tablets, phones and laptops Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom 10am-noon
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , 2pm-4pm
Friday Concert: Rhonda Tyler, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , noon-1pm
Tuesday, May 3:
JP Service: Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯, 11.30am-1.30pm Wednesday, May 4:
Quiz Night, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯, 7pm-9pm, $5 Thursday, May 5:
JP Service: Shannon Library, 2pm-3pm
Tea & Tales, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , 10.30am-11.30am Friday, May 6:
SeniorNet: Get help with your tablets, phones and laptops Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, 10am-noon
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , 2pm-4pm
Friday Concert: Peter Leith, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯, noon-1pm
Sunday, May 8: Mother’s Day Fun
Bring the special women in your life along to Takeretanga o Kura hau-po¯ and enjoy a lovely Mother’s Day afternoon. From 2pm to 3pm, enjoy the smooth tunes from The Caramellos in concert. There will be a story time and craft for the kiddies. Next door in the Youth Space a Gaming Event from AREPA Gaming will keep, the teens (and maybe even the dads) busy too.