Sefton Libraries continue to work towards making its services accessible to everyone. All libraries have level entrances or ramps with handrails.
We offer a number of services that enable people who are visually or hearing impaired to enjoy reading, gain access to People's Network computers, and make more use of libraries.
If you need further information on what services we provide, please contact your local library.
Services for Visually Impaired People
All our libraries stock a wide selection of books in large print. These include novels (both classic and contemporary), true crime, life stories, political memoirs and travellers' tales.
An increasing range of books are also available on CD at all libraries.
Our audio and e-audio range includes an increasing number of books for children and young people.
If you enjoy sharing your opinions about the books you read, Formby library currently operates a reading group for visually impaired adults.
Services for Hearing Impaired People
Portable hearing loops are available in all our libraries, these can be used at the library counters or in meeting rooms. Simply ask at the library desk and staff will show you how to use the machine. Hearing aids need to be reset to the 'T' position.
Computers in Libraries
If you consult the interactive library catalogue in any library, you can enlarge the page on-screen.
Each library provides a large-key coloured keyboard with a roller-ball mouse.
Home Visits Delivery Service
Our Home Visits Library Service is for less mobile members of the Sefton community, who may be unable to get to a local library.
Books and 'talking' books (on CD) are delivered to you in your own home. You do not have to be completely housebound but you might, for instance, have difficulty walking, making use of public transport, or carrying books.
We deliver and collect the books on a rota basis, generally once a month. There is no charge for this service.
We can supply you with books, old and new - there are books available in large print and dyslexia friendly print.
We operate the Home Visits service as a partnership between Sefton Libraries and volunteers in the local community, including the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS).
To find out more about this service - as a potential user or volunteer - please contact your local library.
Reading Well: Books on Prescription
The scheme is endorsed by health professionals and supported by public libraries. Currently there are four self-help lists available - children's reading well, mental health, young people's mental health and dementia.
The Reading Well Books on Prescription reading list means that you can self-refer a title that can help you. Likewise your GP or other health professionals can also refer you to the list and recommend books that they feel will help and support you.
There is evidence from the National Institute for Care and Excellence (NICE) that self-help reading can help people with common mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
Local libraries are a safe, trusted and non-stigmatised place to go for help with, and information about, health problems.