Diego    
Anthoons

Luisterpuntbibliotheek is the Flemish library serving persons with print disabilities (Belgium). People who have trouble reading print books (because of a visual impairment, dyslexia, a physical disability, …) can borrow DAISY audio books and braille books for free. Most Luisterpunt patrons read DAISY books online, for example with the Anderslezen app on their tablet or smartphone (“DAISY online”). There is, however, a small but very active group of older readers who prefer DAISY books on CD.

1. Persons with print disabilities can find accessible books in a familiar environment: the public library around the corner that they already know. People with visual impairments might have visited the library earlier in their life. Children with dyslexia visit the library during school anyway and the library organises many fun activities for children, for example during Youth Book Month. The public library is an obvious starting point for people looking for reading aids or alternative reading methods. Library staff can provide the necessary information and demonstration (of the app or a DAISY player) to ensure a low threshold and quick startup. Children with dyslexia can borrow print books to combine with DAISY books. 

2. Public libraries can offer an adapted service to members who do not borrow print materials in the library (easily), or not anymore, for example people with dyslexia or with a visual impairment. The library is there to serve everyone.  

3. Luisterpunt as a public library for persons with print disabilities reaches more people and books in accessible formats become well-known.  

15 years and counting

Nowadays, 96% of the 310 public libraries in Flanders are members of Luisterpunt. This is the result of a 15 year process, starting in 2008. The provincial library support services purchased DAISY players for the libraries, Luisterpunt made attractive promotional materials and organised workshops for library staff. DAISY books (on CD) were made visible in the local library catalogue. Later, all DAISY books became visible as 'accessible format' in the overarching Flemish library catalogue just like all braille books.  

In 2011, the target groups were expanded and people with dyslexia were allowed to use DAISY books. Luisterpunt launched the Ik haat lezen (“I hate reading”) campaign towards children and youngsters with dyslexia, together with public libraries, and advocated for the implementation of the IFLA Guidelines for Library Services to persons with dyslexia. Since 2018, persons with print disabilities can register for DAISY online at their local library, which lowers the threshold to start using DAISY books.  

Throughout the years, we have organised various workshops for library staff, as well as the target audiences themselves and teachers, occupational therapists, … (in cooperation with the local libraries).

During Covid times, webinars allowed us to inform staff members in an efficient way for both parties. Mostly, we organised them for complete staff teams, to make sure that many people in the library would have knowledge about DAISY books. Newsletters and social media are key elements to keep staff members posted about new features and promotional materials. 

More and more patrons use the Anderslezen app, but Luisterpunt reminds libraries that some (elderly) people are still unable to use the online service, because of various reasons. At the request of the libraries, we organised three successful group purchases of DAISY players, with more than 100 players sold every time. To stimulate libraries to update their CD collection more frequently, we offer ready-made CD packages twice a year. All they have to do is click a button in the newsletter or on our website. 

Luisterpunt loves to listen to the creative ideas and enthusiasm of the public libraries and cooperate where possible. One library started to mark print children books that are also available in DAISY with the Anderslezen logo. This way, children with dyslexia using DAISY books can easily spot which print books are available in DAISY, to listen while reading (at an adjusted speed) for extra support. This inspired many other libraries, which are now also marking their children books. 

Future

There are, however, still a lot of challenges. We want to link our platform My Luisterpunt to My Library of the public libraries. And how can we enforce accessible books and inclusion in libraries even more structurally, without having to rely mostly on the (impressive) enthusiasm and drive of the library staff? How can we make sure that the knowledge about accessible books and reading aids is shared with all library staff instead of one person or team having it? And while we are striving for inclusive libraries for persons with print disabilities in Flanders, we are struggling to answer the widespread question of libraries and schools to use DAISY books for newcomers learning Dutch - don’t they also have some kind of reading disability? 

Despite these questions, the future looks bright, with an ever-growing enthusiasm for and understanding of the need of accessible books in the public library. And one thing is certain: we must do this together, with an open mind and, above else, true inclusivity in mind. Let’s work together, let’s library for all!