Libraries are for everyone and that includes patrons with visual impairment. Last month, we welcomed a wonderful new accessibility tool to the library: a desktop magnifier. The desktop magnifier allows users to place a book or other text under the magnifier and blow up the image to view it more easily.

The magnifier was generously donated by Sandra Peterson in honor of her mother, Jean Listebarger Humphrey. Jean graduated Cornell College in 1951 and loved Cornell and the Mount Vernon Community. Located on the library’s first floor in one of our computer cubbies, the desktop magnifier is easy to use and comes with simple instructions that are posted within the cubby.

The magnifier greatly enhances Cole Public Library’s growing collection of materials, games, and assistive devices for patrons who are blind or visually impaired, and continues our commitment to serving all people who want to use the library.