[il-talk] Chicago Pub. Library Now Has Free Bookshare Memberships

[Kelly Pierce]

For those in the City of Chicago, there is now a link at the top of
the e-books page on the Chicago Public Library website for people with
disabilities interested in accessible electronic books.  Folks are
directed to a page that says in part:

begin quote:
"This library, in partnership with Bookshare and OverDrive (our
technology partner for this site) is pleased to introduce you to LEAP
- the Library eBook Accessibility Program. If you have a print
disability, are in need of accessible eBooks and are a patron of the
Chicago Public Library, sign in below to learn if you may qualify for
a free LEAP subscription at Bookshare."

It is necessary to have a library card, available free at any branch.
The northern suburbs have had this for a while along with Naperville.
Chicago became interested in e-book access after the NFB sued
Philadelphia for its inaccessible e-books in the library.

I am so pleased that Chicago is now moving toward access and
disability inclusion of its mainstream library programs.

Kelly