Accessibility Services

The Norfolk Public Library offers materials in large print and audiobook formats which may be useful for persons who are blind, unable to read standard print, or who otherwise cannot use standard books.

A VideoEye PowerZoom video assistive magnifier system is available at the Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch. It magnifies print text and images 5X to 100X using a mounted camera and monitor.

Public computers have Windows11 with built-in assistive technology called Ease of Access. To reach these settings, press the Windows logo key and U (⊞ Win+U ).

Additional free services are available for persons who are physically disabled, visually disabled, hearing impaired or reading disabled. For further information on these services please see below.

Media Formats

To see our most recent audiobooks use our Audiobook Search.
To see a list of our large print books, use our Large Print Book Search.

To search for a specific large print book:

First go to our main catalog page and type in the title of the item along with the words "large print" in the search box then click the "Search" button.
To search for all large print books by a specific author, substitute the author's name for a title.

Free Services for Persons Who Are Physically, Visually, or Reading Disabled, or Hearing Impaired

Free, enhanced library services for persons who are physically disabled, visually disabled, hearing impaired or reading disabled are available through the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired. The department administers a federal program whose services are provided through state libraries. Applications for services are required, but can be filled out at home and mailed in. Books and equipment are mailed to and from eligible persons using the "free matter for the blind" mailing privilege. Titles are available in digital talking-book cassettes, audio cassettes, Braille, large print, and electronic text. Required playback equipment and accessories are also furnished.

Norfolk residents are served by the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired in Richmond.

Their address is:
Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired
397 Azalea Avenue
Richmond, Virginia 23227
1-800-622-2155 Toll free within Virginia (804) 371-3140

WHRO Radio Reading Service

Public Radio station WHRO offers a free service that allows visually handicapped persons in the Hampton Roads area to listen to volunteers read local newspaper and national magazine articles live on the air, via special FM radios. More information is available on the WHRO website. To inquire about the service and eligibility, call WHRO Voice at (757) 889-9379.