First virtual library for the blind opens

BLIND SA, in partnership with US-based non-profit organisation Benetech, announced that it has launched the first virtual library for blind and visually impaired communities and print disabilities in South Africa.

It will give access to more than half-a-million books online in five accessible formats, for free, through Bookshare, an online library initiative of Benetech.

Blind SA president Cathy Donaldson said that the organisation was formed in 1946 to empower blind and visually-impaired individuals. The partnership with Benetech aimed at doing just that.

Blind SA chief executive Jace Nair said this initiative was a matter of equity: “We’re establishing the Blind SA Bookshare library so that blind and visually-impaired South Africans can pursue education and participate actively in social, cultural, political, civic and economic life.”

Members will be able to read books through any of the available options such as audio, large print, synchronised text-to-speech with word highlighting, and electronic braille, on any device.

“Bookshare will develop a portal for Blind SA which will give access to the Bookshare collection and any material produced by Blind SA, and we are offering free membership,” said Blind SA Bookshare library chairperson Christo de Klerk.

Memberships are welcomed and accepted while the online library is being developed and is expected to launch on Blind SA’s 75th anniversary on October 26.

“On behalf of Benetech and our Bookshare initiative, I’d like to congratulate Blind SA and their partnership to bring South Africa the Blind SA Bookshare library,” said Bookshare project manager for international partnerships, Katy Beehler. “Bookshare is the world’s largest library of ebooks for people with reading barriers, including blindness, low vision, dyslexia, and mobility impairment.”

For more information, email bookshare.membership@blindsa.org.za