Equal Access and Nashville Talking Library mark milestones; board hears overview of services and outreach
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Summary
Staff described services for people with disabilities — including the Talking Library’s 50th anniversary and library services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing — and highlighted statewide outreach, equipment loans and upcoming public events.
Library staff briefed the board on the Equal Access department and the Nashville Talking Library, marking long-running services and upcoming outreach events.
Cynthia Moynihan (Equal Access manager) summarized three program areas: library services for the deaf and hard of hearing, the Talking Library and general accessibility services. She said the Talking Library will celebrate its 50th anniversary in December and that services reach listeners through radio, phone and streaming; in 2025 the Talking Library logged about 8,750 broadcast hours and serves listeners across roughly 18 counties.
Cynthia described resources such as weather-alert radios for qualifying residents, equipment loans and a volunteer corps (about 40 volunteers) who record books and daily news. The Equal Access team also supports libraries statewide under a state grant for services to the deaf and hard of hearing, Cynthia said.
Cynthia highlighted an upcoming “Feel the Music” event featuring Mandy Harvey and described the department’s focus on making performances and programs accessible. Board members asked how to become a reading volunteer; staff said volunteers apply through the Nashville Talking Library volunteer process and must complete the standard Metro volunteer onboarding.
Staff said they are exploring remote volunteer recording options but currently do not have a remote-read capability due to administrative and technical constraints; they will update the board as options are evaluated.