Libraries in Sutton welcome disabled people and are committed to extending and improving access to their services. This page describes these services: particularly those that will be helpful to visually impaired people.
Library staff will be happy to try to help you locate any item, including titles that we do not stock. Some printed information may be available in alternative formats, such as cassette, braille or large print. We will make every effort to supply readers' requests in the preferred format if it is available.
Spoken Word (Talking Books)
Talking books on cassette are available in all our libraries. Many libraries also stock CDs. Titles include popular fiction, crime, thrillers, sagas, classics, biographies, travel, humour, etc.
Anyone who is registered blind or partially sighted is entitled to borrow talking books free of charge. Proof of registration should be shown so that your membership details can be updated. For those not registered but unable to read ordinary print, a letter stating this from your doctor or optician would be acceptable.
Sutton Library subscribes to AIRS – Access to Information and Reading Services – news and magazine service. This consists of a weekly talking newspaper cassette of national and international news. It may be borrowed free of charge. Sutton Talking Newspaper is also available.
Music
A range of music CDs is available in most libraries. Sutton and Wallington offer a broader range including pop, classical, folk, jazz, easy listening, musicals, world music, etc.
Large Print
All libraries stock a range of titles in Large Print, both fiction and information books.
At Sutton Library the Large Print is located on the ground floor. Dictionaries, the Bible and a larger selection of information books are available. The “Big Print Newspaper” is stocked.
Many information leaflets are now available in large print editions. We will make every effort to obtain these if you ask.
Children's Services
Sutton Library provides a selection of children’s stories in large print.
All libraries stock children’s stories on cassette and CDs. These may be borrowed free by children with a visual impairment.
All children are welcome at our regular storytimes and events. Please contact the Children’s Library at Sutton Library for further information. Tel: 020 8770 4700
Access
Details of the accessibility of each library in the borough are given on the ‘Access to Libraries in Sutton’ page.
Home Library Service
A housebound library service operates from Sutton Library for those who have difficulty getting to their local library. This service provides a once a month visit to the person in their own home. No referral is required.
For details phone 020 8770 4706. Due to the nature of the housebound service this phone number is an answer machine service. Please leave a message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
There is also a fully accessible Home Care Mobile Library which calls at residential homes, day centres and sheltered housing throughout the borough. It carries a frequently changed stock of books. This includes Large Print books and Talking Books.
Mobile Library
The Mobile Library makes regular scheduled stops around the borough Monday to Saturday. It supplies a range of books including Large Print and Talking Books and books and story tapes for children. Items can be reserved. Staff are happy to answer any information enquires.
Ask for the timetable to find out the nearest stop to you.
Contact: 020 8770 4705 This is an answer machine service. Someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
Community Information
All our libraries can answer general information enquiries either in person or by telephone. Each library can answer questions about jobs, housing, benefits, law, health and your rights.
Other facilities:
CCTV print magnifier
Both Sutton Library and Wallington Library have one available. This enlarges text for easier viewing. It allows you to view text as black type on a white background or white type on a black background. Shadow masking and text highlighting make the reading of columns, such as bank statements and pill bottles easier.
Computers
All libraries have computers for use. The Internet and word processing are available.
Most libraries have a PC with an enhanced screen, scanner and software which makes computers accessible to those with a visual impairment. Please contact your local library for further information and availability. Staff will be pleased to assist you in using these machines.
Copies of Sutton Library Users’ Charter are available at all libraries in large print and on cassette on request.
GUIDE DOGS ARE WELCOME IN ALL LIBRARIES
