Perkins Library

All Walgreens Pharmacy locations now offer #ScanRx, a #DigitalAccessibility tool that allows blind and low vision customers to have their prescription information read aloud to them. 💊 https://bit.ly/4i68oLA

A not-for-profit company in the UK has introduced a new #Braille device with the ability to display complex scientific information and math equations. ⚛️ #AssistiveTechnology https://aol.it/4dTlQRH

With the return of cooler weather, warm up with some cozy reads! 🍂 This list of #RecommendedReads focuses on the heart-warming side of autumn! https://bit.ly/4s7tihW

Join us for a special book discussion and author talk with Deni Elliott, author of Catching Sight: How a Guide Dog Helped Me See Myself. 🦮 🗓️ Sunday, November 1, 2026 🕒 3:00 PM EST 📍 Virtual Zoom room Contact the library at 617-972-7240 or Library@Perkins.org to sign up.

The Association of Blind Citizens is sponsoring a free weekend camp in Dover, New Hampshire for legally blind youth between the ages of 12-16 on November 20-22. 🌲 Parents or guardians can learn more by October 31 by emailing President@BlindCitizens.org or calling 781-961-1023.

These select Boston-area performances in November will offer #AudioDescription by a live narrator via headphones! 🎭 Enjoy and check out the full 2026-2027 season schedule: Perkins.org/ADTheater #Accessibility #Theater #Wicked #DirtyDancing

Scientists have discovered that lab-grown brain organoids have the ability to distinguish and "read" tactile #Braille letters with relatively high accuracy. How might this inform the development of braille-reading technology? Read more: https://bit.ly/4iq7zhO

Continuing our #WhiteCaneDay celebrations, we asked Perkins Library's Beth and Cory to show us a few of the different canes from their collections. 🧑‍🦯 Let us know if you would like to see even more. There are plenty of canes in the @blindnewworld.bsky.social to discover!

In the spirit of #WhiteCaneDay, help us spread the Pine Tree Guide Dog Users's "Every Crossing Counts" campaign to make sure all drivers are aware and respectful of pedestrians using white canes and guide dogs to navigate street crossings! 🧑‍🦯 https://bit.ly/4jRQVc8

Prepare for the magic and mystery of #Halloween with these tales of spell-casters—from the treacherous and wicked variety to the more kindly sort of #Witch. 🧙‍♀️ For monthly book lists for kids and young adults, subscribe to our PerKIDS newsletter: Perkins.org/LibrarySubscribe

For our next Perkins Library Without Walls, Susan Wilson, author of Heaven by Hotel Standards, will explore the rich and surprising history of Boston’s iconic Omni Parker House. 🗓️ Tuesday, October 20, 2026 🕑 2:00 PM 📍 Zoom room To register, call 617-972-7852.

Perkins Library will be closed on Monday, October 12, in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day. Normal hours will resume on Tuesday. 📚 We hope everyone has a pleasant holiday weekend.

Based on data from the American Library Association, unfortunately, documentation of challenged books rose to 4,235 titles in 2025, the second highest number ever recorded. 📈 #BannedBooksWeek Check out and read 2025's most banned books by reaching out to Perkins Library.

For October's reading challenge, read a mystery, thriller, or ghost story, such as Mary, One of Us Is Lying, or Never Whistle at Night! 👻 Our reader advisors are just a call away with even more ideas. #GhostStories #Mystery #Thriller #ReadingChallenge

When the world has you down, the healing power of books and reading to inspire, comfort, and fortify is just a page-turn away. 😊 These reads will boost your happiness and help you find the joy in your everyday life. #RecommendedReads https://bit.ly/3V1z1t6

Today, September 30, marks 10 years since the #MarrakeshTreaty came into force. This agreement removes legal barriers that otherwise would block the creation and distribution of accessible books for readers with disabilities. 📚 Today, 132 countries are covered by the treaty. 🌐

Disability placards and plates allow people with disabilities to park their vehicles in designated accessible parking spaces and to park at meters at no cost. ♿ Massachusetts residents can find the application here: tinyurl.com/DisabilityPlacard

Electronic #Music files, refreshable #Braille displays, and embossed braille sheets are just a few of potential tools a blind musician may use to read music, but it also takes a lot of skill and patience. 🎼 https://bit.ly/4ALlWoi

MA Governor Healey has announced the Blue Envelope Program, which #Autistic drivers may voluntarily participate in, to help ease communications with law enforcement, particularly during traffic stops. 🚗 https://bit.ly/47aS6f7

For the 2026-2027 theatrical season, there are over 50 live shows in the Boston area with select performances that are audio described by a live narrator via headphones. 🎭 Check out our full guide: https://bit.ly/4xMOgE6 #AudioDescription #Accessibility

With some simple accommodations for #accessibility and inclusion, people with #disabilities are able to get in the game - including board games, card games, video games and more! #BlindNewWorld (Story via @euronews.com ⬇️)

September is National Guide Dog Month! 🦮 You and the younger readers in your life can learn about these amazing canine companions together with these recommended reads for preschool through adult ages! 🐾 #NationalGuideDogMonth #GuideDogs #RecommendedReads

Perkins Library is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Blinded #Veterans Association to distribute Ray-Ban #Meta AI #SmartGlasses to veterans who are patrons of NLS libraries in New England. 🎖️ Learn more at Perkins.org/MetaGlasses

In celebration of #HispanicHeritageMonth (9/15-10/15), check out these recommendations that embody the spirit of Hispanic American cultures and the fight for #CivilRights! ✊ Find books from the #ReadingTheRevolution list available in accessible formats: Perkins.org/MA250

We stopped by Turtle Books for a special #ASL reading of "Amazing Me! The Right Way to Be," written by Perkins Library volunteer narrator Judie Yuill. 🌈 Misha Blood of Perkins' Deafblind School lead the group in activities and interpreted in sign language. 🤟

#DidYouKnow that Paul McCartney included a secret #braille message to Stevie Wonder on his 1973 Wings album, Red Rose Speedway? We love little moments of inclusion and allyship in the #BlindNewWorld. 🫶 (Story via @mensjournal.com ⬇️)

We are pleased to offer our patrons Tanglewood Talks, recorded lectures focused on Boston Symphony Orchestra led by Jeremy Yudkin, Professor of Music and Co-Director of the Center for Beethoven Research at Boston University. 🎼 To subscribe, call us at 617-972-7240.

Be informed for the November 3rd General Election! 🗳️ We have digital audio, large print, and braille versions of “Massachusetts Information for Voters” available for patrons by request. Receive a copy in the format of your choice by sending us a message or calling 617-972-7240.

For our next #LibraryWithoutWalls, DeAnna Quietwater Noriega, author of 50 Years of Walking with Friends, will reflect on decades of storytelling and adventures with her guide dogs. 🗓️ Tuesday, September 15 🕑 2-3 p.m. ET 📍 Zoom room To register, call 617-972-7852.

Perkins Library is closed today, Monday, September 7, in observance of #LaborDay. We will resume normal operations on Tuesday. We hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend!

Congratulations to Digital Production & Electronic Technology Manager Garo Papazian on being recognized with Perkins' Janet and William James Excellence Award! 👏 Thanks to Garo, our digital audiobook operations are timely and efficient and our virtual programs run smoothly!

For September's reading challenge, read a book about a journey, such as The Odyssey, A Psalm for the Wild-Built, or Life of Pi! ⛵ Our reader advisors are just a call away with even more ideas. #TheOdyssey #ReadingChallenge

Did you know that #DollyParton was a champion for reading and #Literacy? Through her advocacy, many kids grew up knowing her as "The Book Lady." 🦋 In honor of the country superstar, here are a few of her favorite books, all available in accessible formats at Perkins Library.

Perkins Library hosted an accessible voting equipment fair in collaboration with the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s office to provide attendees an opportunity to evaluate models of voting equipment. 🗳️ Find more ways to vote accessibly in MA at: Perkins.org/VotingMA

Besides being an international superstar, #DollyParton was a champion for childhood #Literacy and wore the title of "Book Lady" with pride. 🎶 Her Imagination Library gifts children with books on a regular basis. 📚 May we all live by her example! https://lat.ms/3SWROFd

It's kinda chic to be a Perkins Library dog. 🐶 Happy National Dog Day! #NationalDogDay #GuideDogs #KindaChic

Did you know that more than 39 million books have been published in the United States? 📚 Here are some of the titles the National Library Service acquired this year thanks to patron requests. If there's a title you'd like to request, let us know! #Audiobooks

Members of the "#ADA generation," those who came of age under the protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, are now needing to become advocates themselves in order to keep the rights they grew up with. #DisabilityRights https://n.pr/4imLt04

In celebration of #SeniorCitizensDay, check out these titles for younger readers that explore connections across generations. 🧓 For more book recommendations for kids and young adults, subscribe to our monthly PerKIDS emails: https://bit.ly/40Hq4Gj

As the August heat reaches its height, we hope you can find a cool place to read some of these Recommended Reads inspired by "the dog days of summer." 🥵 #RecommendedReads #SummerReading https://bit.ly/4wmnAJr

Join a special presentation of our Cape Cod Audio Soundscape episode followed by a discussion with Cape Cod National Seashore Ranger Aleutia Scott! 🐚 🗓️ Tuesday, Aug 25 🕒 3 p.m. 📍 Zoom room Leave a message at the Tele-Fun mailbox to be sent the Zoom link: 617-972-7272

Are you or do you know a #Massachusetts voter with a disability? 🗳️ Check out our #AccessibleVoting guide in preparation for the State Primary (accessible ballot request deadline: 8/25) and General Election (accessible ballot request deadline: 10/27): https://www.perkins.org/votingma/

A blind dressage champion horse continues to wow judges by reading tactile cues in changing ground textures to navigate obstacles. 🐎 Cool to see an example of adaptability from the animal kingdom! #Horses #Dressage #Blindness https://bit.ly/4ggaAQK

As wearable robotics research continues to advance, people with mobility disabilities may soon have more assistive technology options available to them. #AssistiveTechnology #DisabilityInclusion https://bit.ly/3TKHS1J

Did you listen to Audio Descriptive Commentary for this year's FIFA #WorldCup? ⚽ Take @ACBNational's survey so your answers may help improve this #Accessibility program! #AudioDescription This survey is open until August 23, 2026. Submit your feedback: tinyurl.com/WorldCupAudio

For our next #LibraryWithoutWalls, Joe Walsh will introduce Adaptive Sports New England, highlighting how inclusive recreation and adaptive athletics empower people with disabilities. 🏀 🗓️ Tuesday, August 18 🕑 2 p.m. ET 📍 Tele-fun Zoom room To register, call 617-972-7852.

For August's #ReadingChallenge, read a book that could be considered taboo! 🫢 Our reader advisors are just a call away with ideas. Sign up for the challenge with Massachusetts Center for the Book today: https://bit.ly/4xBpack

In Europe, an ocular implant the size of a grain of rice and designed to curb some of the effects of age-related macular degeneration has been approved for sale in 30 counties. 👁️ #Europe #AssistiveTechnology #Blindness https://bit.ly/3TKFZCb

Ever wonder why you come across those yellow bumps on the ground sometimes? 🤔 Turns out, they are there to help people who are blind or have low vision to safely navigate and avoid danger! #Accessibility #Blind https://bit.ly/4fKjdTC

Join Eugenia Gold (they/them), paleontologist and anatomy professor for an engaging presentation on all things dino and more, Friday, August 14 at 4 pm! 🦖 Summer Reading registrants will receive the Zoom link via email. Register for Summer Reading: tinyurl.com/PerkinsSummer26