Library Services
The South African Library for the Blind:
- Provides FREE Braille and Audio Books to members since 1919
- Offers an audio, Braille and tactile collection of more than 24 000 titles in book, newspaper and magazine formats - the complete collection is available on the SALB website (salb.org.za), browsing and some collections are available for online downloading
- Provides a FREE postal delivery service of reading material to registered members across South Africa in collaboration with the South African Post Office
- Provides a FREE reading device to all registered members to access the audio reading material
- Provides a free repair service of the reading devices
- Is governed by the South African Library for the Blind Act of 1998
- Adds on average 300 new audio and Braille titles to the catalogue annually
- Produces a quarterly newsletter called the "Makwenzeke" and distributes in print, audio and Braille to members and other interested parties
- Provides interesting information on its Facebook page
- Is the only library of its kind not only in South Africa, but also on the African continent
User Services
Membership and Services are FREE to registered members. Our library user services staff are always on hand to assist members:
- Liaise with library members in person telephonically, e-mail or in writing
- Assist library members with registration, special requests and any other matter related to the library service
- Issue and receive library material including reading devices to library members
- Reading devices are maintained free of charge
Catalogue
Members have the following options when searching the library catalogue:
WEBOPAC - Digital Catalogue
Web Online Public Access Catalogue (WEBOPAC) is the online digital library catalogue which allows searching for reading material through author, title or subject. A registered user can log in and reserve a book online and it will be posted to them free of charge.
VIOPAC- Voice Accessible Catalogue
Visually Impaired Online Public Access Catalogue (VIOPAC) is the simplified version of the Library’s catalogue making it easier for screen readers to search for reading material through author, title or subject. A user can log in and reserve a book online and it will be posted to them FREE of charge.
Audio downloads - Audio Downloads (Overdrive)
The library subscribes to the Overdrive catalogue offering additional audio titles. Titles from this catalogue option can be downloaded on a variety of devices by members of the library.
The options are accessible on the Library website: www.salb.org.za.
Mini-Libraries
Our ever expanding list of SALB Mini-Libraries (within many Public Libraries nationwide) provide tactile, Braille and audio books plus the use of advanced reading assistive devices.
SALB Mini-Libraries offer:
- Access for blind and visually impaired members of the local community to their public library
- Training in the use of the various technologies available to enable library members to use the library independently
- Review books with other members
- An opportunity to socialise with other members of the community and to participate in the library programs from time to time
- Contact the SALB to find out if there is a Mini-Library close to you or download the list of locations below
Download a list of all Mini-Library locations & contact details
Braille Services
National Braille Consultancy
- Collaborates with the South African Braille Authority (SABA) and the International Committee on English Braille with regard to key Braille code development work and assist production houses and schools with technical Braille production and teaching challenges
- Administers the production of preschool tactile books in the official languages of South Africa
Braille Production
- Produce high quality Braille material in eleven official languages of South Africa
- Train staff to master scarce Braille skill standards and to utilise unique technologies
Braille Collections
- Braille collections are available in the following formats: books, newspapers, magazines and tactile books for preschool children
- Collection is supplemented by titles purchased from international suppliers
Audio Services
Audio Production
- Producing newly narrated reading material in accessible audio formats based on international standards in eleven official languages of South Africa
- Training staff in specialized technologies, systems, equipment and audio formats
Narration
- Oversee the work received from in-house narrators as well as narrators located elsewhere in South Africa
- Source, test and train new narrators in voice quality and the use of audio technologies
Audio Collections
- Audio collections available in the following formats: books, newspapers and magazines
- Collection is supplemented by titles purchased for International suppliers
- Audio books available on the Overdrive catalogue can be downloaded by registered members