Library services for deaf and hard of hearing people

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can apply for a concessionary library card. For more information about concessionary membership, follow the link from this page. This means that, as well as borrowing books, which are free to everyone, you can also reserve and borrow videos, DVDs and CDs free of charge as well.

Sub-titled videos
You can borrow sub-titled videos and DVDs free of charge. Ask for a list at your local library, read or download it from this page. Sub-titled videos of mainstream films are no longer being produced. Now, many films are produced with hidden captions on the videos. You can borrow these videos free from your local library but you need a video caption reader attached to your TV and video to see the captions. If you would like to try before you buy, ask at your local library who will borrow one for you for three weeks free of charge. Also many DVDs are being produced automatically with subtitles.

Many foreign films are available with English sub-titles and these are included in the list of sub-titled videos for you to borrow free of charge.

Deaf awareness collection
This is a collection of books, videos, tapes and CDs about deafness and hard of hearing. It includes books and videos to help you if you are learning to lip read, books and CDs to help you to learn BSL (British Sign Language), and books about deafness for adults and children. You can download the list by following the link on this page. Please ask at your local library for a list of titles. Please let the library service know of any titles that you think should be added to this collection.

Induction loops
All library buildings have been surveyed and fitted with Induction Loops wherever possible. A regular programme of loop testing is in place but if you think the loop is not working, if an Induction Loop is not available or you still find it difficult to hear, please tell the staff.

Disability equality communications awareness training is provided for all staff who will be pleased to help as much as they can.