By: Christian Collington, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TheIFP.ca
The Halton Hills Public Library is highlighting its reading supports aimed at making reading more accessible and inclusive for families.
In recognition of Family Literacy Day on Jan. 27, the library is highlighting coloured reading overlays, which are transparent sheets placed over printed text to improve contrast, reduce eye strain and help readers focus more easily.
The initiative is a part of the library’s broader effort to make literacy more accessible for families and individuals with reading challenges, including dyslexia.
Mark Rowe, chair of the Friends of the Halton Hills Public Library said in a statement that “literacy is a cornerstone of a strong community, and everyone deserves the opportunity to discover what tools can help them read more comfortably.”
The library’s overlay kits include eight different colours, red, rose red, pink, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple, allowing readers to test which shade works best for them.
Once a preferred colour is identified, visitors can receive a personal overlay free of charge, made possible through a donation from the Friends of the Library.
Coloured overlays are one of several resources available through the library’s growing accessible-learning collection.
The library also offers dyslexia-friendly titles with specialized fonts and high-contrast layouts, decodable books for beginning and struggling readers, read-along children’s titles, large-print books, audiobooks and customizable eBooks.
Reader pens, which are hand-held devices that read printed text aloud in multiple languages and provide definitions and pronunciations, are also available to borrow.
For Coun. Jason Brass, the initiative carries personal meaning. He was diagnosed with dyslexia in his 50s and emphasized that the experience has shaped his advocacy.
In a statement, Brass said “being diagnosed with dyslexia later in life wasn’t a shock; I’ve always had challenges with reading.”
He noted that “working with the Halton Hills Library has given me the freedom to speak openly about my own experience, and I hope it encourages others to do the same.”
Residents can visit either the Acton (17 River St.) or Georgetown (9 Church St.) branch to borrow an overlay kit. More information about reading supports and accessible resources is available on the library’s website.
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