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Apologies if you receive this more than once. Colleagues may be interested to know that: Reading Borough Libraries have just published their final report on implementing the Disability Discrimination Act. In late 2002, Reading Borough Libraries applied for funding from the Laser Foundation to implement new developments, including training, building work, sensory equipment, ICT and stock. We were delighted when our bid was accepted - the project started in May 2003. 18 months later, we have brought a new area of the children's library at Reading Central Library into public use, installed a touch screen PC with text and speech enhancement software, created a sensory wall for children fitted with equipment and a bubble tube, purchased new stock and trained a number of members of staff in basic sign language and sight awareness. We have been able to purchase items to support work in story and rhyme times, and to create sensory bags' for our award winning toy library. The improvements to the building coincided with new lighting - and the overall effect is fantastic - the library has been given a new lease of life - and customer use and comments reflect this. A previously blank, hessian covered wall that faced computer users now has three portholes in it and features noisy and interactive equipment that the children love. The computers have been moved to be more 'within' the children's library. The Children's Library has a rejuvenated look and a whole new set of needs is being met by the library service - all of our 7 libraries have benefited from new stock or new equipment. The Laser Foundation's award enabled Reading Libraries to think about services to its users in new and innovative ways. NB: The Laser Foundation is a grant-making trust which supports projects across the UK. Its aim is to improve library facilities available to the public. <outbind://65/#_ftnref2> Reading Toy Library won a SureStart 'Partners in Excellence' award in 2003 - the service is run by Reading Borough Libraries and Reading Borough Education - and is fully integrated into the library service. For more information and to see a copy of the final report, please visit http://www.bl.uk/about/cooperation/laser-award1.html ************************************************************************** Experience the British Library online at www.bl.uk Help the British Library conserve the world's knowledge. Adopt a Book. www.bl.uk/adoptabook ************************************************************************* The information contained in this e-mail is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended for the addressee(s) only. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete this e-mail and notify the [log in to unmask] : The contents of this e-mail must not be disclosed or copied without the sender's consent. The statements and opinions expressed in this message are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the British Library. The British Library does not take any responsibility for the views of the author. *************************************************************************