All library staff will receive special training between 2003 and 2006 to help deal with the needs of all library users.

This includes training to improve awareness of the needs of people with visual, hearing and physical impairments and includes different levels of competency in British Sign Language.

There is a loop induction system at all library counters to improve the use of hearing aids.

All new leaflets and guides will normally be in the clearest font possible at .14 text size. If we can’t do that as standard, we will provide personal copies of any public document in this size or larger (whatever size is needed up to A3).

We have begun to fit basic directional signs in Braille and have Braille signs on most audio material.

We offer a “Special Needs” home service to housebound users or their carers, with currently about 170 members. We hope to extend and expand the service in collaboration with suitable volunteers and partners.

Once a borrower registers, we deliver books and audio books once a month. We can also provide information during visits, by post or e-mail.

Our main stock contains a high proportion of items giving information about a very wide range of disabilities and medical conditions.

We have large collections of books in large print, unabridged audio books and compact discs.  

We also have a large collection of graded readers for a range of reading levels.

If we don’t have what you need, we would be grateful if you could suggest new stock to fill any gaps in our collection of books.

If you have significant sight lost we hope to offer you some good choices with our collection of books on tape, but we cannot pretend to be able to offer the level of service that you should receive from the RNIB Talking Book Service. Contact them by ringing 0845 762 6843 or visiting their website at www.rnib.org.uk/talkingbooks

All libraries offer free computer and Internet access.

At least one computer in every public area currently has special keyboards and tracker balls. We also have special equipment to convert any one of our computers for use by customers with almost any visual and physical needs.

Most keyboards have added stickers to make letters clearer for users with visual impairment.

All library computers can access a product called Dolphin Supernova. This software can enlarge or audibly  “reads” computer and Internet content (you don’t need a monitor). There is also a special Dolphin option (called Apollo) to allow users to “read” Welsh text.

Monitors with 17” and 19” screens are generally available.

Another Dolphin product (called Cicero) allows users to “read” from unique images that have been scanned into the computer (so you can bring items in).

There are two main alternative products to “read” text called Jaws and Zoomtext. "Jaws" is available at the Central Library and Treharris Library. "Zoomtext" at the Central Library. 

Library Services are provided from three sites at the Central Library in Merthyr Tydfil town centre, Dowlais and Treharris

We still face many challenges due to the age and nature of our library buildings, but have already made many improvements and plan even more.

We are grateful to various users for the assistance they have given to improve the library facilities.