Library Equal Access Program Offered at Newark Public Library

NEWARK, N.J. - Oct. 5, 2018 - PRLog -- On Tuesday, October 9^th at 10AM, Lieutenant Governor, Sheila Y. Oliver, and Commissioner of the NJ Department of Human Services, Carole Johnson, are scheduled to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony at The Newark Public Library at 5 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102, to mark the launch of the Library Equal Access Program (LEAP).

Offered in partnership by the NJ State Library and the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI), the LEAP initiative provides beginner level assistive technology software training for NJ residents at select libraries across the state. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is part of a series of events by CBVI this October as it marks Blindness Awareness Month, which aims to recognize the residents of NJ who are blind and vision impaired, as well as inform the public about good eye health.

The LEAP initiative, sponsored by CBVI, targets adults 55 years of age and older, and will provide basic computer skills training on how to use assistive software, such as magnification and audio reading tools, to help vision impaired users with reading websites, emails and other documents. Training will also include an introduction to using assistive technology features now available on iPads. LEAP represents a unique partnership between CBVI, the State Library's Talking Book & Braille Center (TBBC), and Advancing Opportunities, a leading provider of disability services in New Jersey. Classes will be offered at The Newark Public Library, where computers and iPads equipped with assistive software have been installed. Training will be delivered by the Assistive Technology Services Department of Advancing Opportunities.

About the New Jersey State Library

The New Jersey State Library (NJSL), an affiliate of Thomas Edison State University (TESU), connects people with information and resources through its service to libraries, state government, TESU staff and students, and NJ residents, including those with special needs. NJSL provides support for public, school, academic, and special libraries, and continues to promote services for learners of all ages, including key areas of continuing need such as digital literacy, business outreach, workforce development, summer reading programs, and services for the visually and physically impaired, among others. For more information, visit www.njstatelib.org.

About The Newark Public Library

Since 1888, The Newark Public Library has been an anchor institution in Newark. It is New Jersey's most comprehensive public library, serving nearly 10,000 patrons per week and providing equal access for all to vast educational, cultural, literary, historical, and digital resources. Through its Main Library and seven branches, The Newark Public Library provides residents of Newark with reference help for job searches and accessing social services, ESL and computer classes, and family literacy programs. It also contains the Hispanic Research Information Center, the Charles F. Cummings New Jersey Information Center, and the James Brown African American Room. To learn how to become involved with The Newark Public Library, please visit our website www.npl.org; or call Spencer Scott, Chief Development Officer at 973-733-7735.