Walking Books Program

Walking Books volunteers provide free delivery of library materials to Library patrons who cannot easily travel to the Library due to physical limitations.

Video Remote Interpretation (VRI)

Propio Language Services has a network of independently contracted interpreters able to translate conversations from the Library Staff's spoken English to American Sign Language for the patron. The service is available during business hours at the Library Center, Library Station, Midtown Carnegie and Schweitzer Brentwood branches.

Sign Language Interpreter

To request a sign language interpreter for a library-sponsored program or tour, call the Community Relations Department at least two weeks before the event at (417) 883-5366.

Ask a Librarian

Reference questions may be asked online with Ask a Librarian. We will respond as quickly as possible, usually within 24 hours.

Library reference staff may also be contacted directly. Call (417) 883-5341, 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, or stop by the nearest Library branch.

Collections

Audiobook CDs and Playaways®

The audio versions of thousands of books for all ages are available at every branch library. Audiobooks are available on compact discs.

Playaways are an audiobook format that combines a wide variety of content with an easy-to-use player contained in one small unit. Users must provide earbuds and a battery. When checking out and using Playaway, just press play to start listening immediately—there is no need for a separate player.

E-books, Audiobooks and Streaming Video

Use one of our streaming services to download fiction and nonfiction books, as well as instructional, documentary and feature films for children, teens and adults. Find out more about the following types of digital materials.

• Overdrive - A website where you can borrow e-books, audiobooks, and magazines.

• Libby - A free app where you can borrow e-books, audiobooks, and magazines. You can stream titles with Wi-Fi or mobile data, or download them for offline use and read anytime, anywhere. Libby features several accessibility options for low-vision users.

• Hoopla - A service that allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, e-books, comics and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone.

Large Print Materials

Large print books are published with oversized print intended for use by low-vision readers. All Library branches, including the Bookmobile, stock a collection of large print fiction and nonfiction books.

Closed-Captioned DVDs for the Hearing Impaired

Closed-captioning displays the audio portion of a movie or television program text on the television screen. It appears as subtitles that are typed out on the screen with the words the characters are saying. Ask a staff member for assistance in finding closed-captioned movie titles in the catalog.

Tools and Equipment

Calming Tools and Toys

A variety of calming tools and toys is available at each of our branches for individuals with sensory needs. Items include noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, wiggle cushions, weighted lap pads and more. Ask a librarian if you would like to use one of these items during your visit.

Wheelchairs and Motorized Scooters

The Library Center has a motorized scooter and the Library Station has a wheelchair and electric scooter for visitors who have limited mobility.

Closed-Circuit Television

The Library Center's Local History Department houses an AladdinGenie closed-circuit television video magnifier. It is a full-color camera that magnifies text or photos on a color monitor. It can be used to enlarge the size of print images, such as magazines, books and photographs.

Magnifiers

Magnifying glasses are available for use at every branch to assist readers who wish to enlarge print and photographic images. Ask the Library staff for assistance.

Community Resources Recommended by Library Staff

Abilities First

Abilities First is dedicated to ensuring that people with developmental disabilities can experience full inclusion where they live, learn, work, and play. Inclusion benefits everyone in our society. By bringing people together, our community can be strengthened to make a greater whole.

Arc of the Ozarks

Arc of the Ozarks provides a wide range of programming and services for children, teens and adults with disabilities. Some of its services include employment, community living, therapies, and recreational activities.

empower: abilities

empower: abilities provides a full range of programs and services for people with disabilities in eight southwest Missouri counties, including Greene County.

MPACT Parent Training & Information Center

Missouri Parents Act (MPACT) is Missouri's Parent Training and Information Center, funded in part by the U.S. Department of Education and the State of Missouri. Its mission is to empower families to advocate for themselves so that children with special educational needs can reach their full potential in education and life—through support, training, and education.

Relay Missouri

Relay Missouri is a free service funded by the Missouri Public Service Commission that allows deaf, hard of hearing and speech disabled individuals to use the telephone. Users access a telephone device and Relay Missouri becomes their voice or ears. Relay users with different access needs are accommodated. Communications are clearly shared with anyone the user chooses to call. Dial 7-1-1 to reach the type of relay that is needed.

Wolfner Talking Book and Braille Library

Wolfner Library is a free library service for Missourians who are unable to use standard print materials due to a visual or physical disability. Materials are mailed to and from library patrons at their homes, postage paid. There is no charge to the patron.

The Wolfner Library's collection includes fiction and nonfiction audio and braille books for all ages. Magazine subscriptions are also available, and the library loans playback machines to those using audio books.