Reader pens now available to borrow from Donegal Library

Donegal County Library Service is making reading easier with a C-Pen, now available to borrow from your local library branch.

As part of their commitment for inclusive technology available to all, the C-Pen is a reader pen which scans and then reads text aloud to assist with independent reading. Reader pens are designed to promote active independent reading, understanding, and learning. They are the ideal support tool for people with reading difficulties such as dyslexia or aphasia. They are also of benefit to people with vision problems or those learning a new language.

The C-Pen Reader Pen is a portable, pocket-sized tool that uses a natural-speaking voice to read the words on the page. It has a built-in dictionary so you can easily access the meaning of words as you read. The C-Pen doesn’t need internet or WiFi to work, so can be used anytime or anywhere. It can also read in other languages such as French, Spanish, and Italian.

“Helping people to read is at the heart of what we do, and by making C-Pen Readers available to borrow for free from your local library, we hope to make reading more accessible to everyone. Whether you are a student struggling with reading assignments, an adult learning to read, or someone with a visual impairment, the C-Pen Reader can help.” Donna Cavanagh, Senior Executive Librarian speaking on behalf of Donegal County Library Service remarked.

“We are grateful to have such a useful resource as the C-Pen being funded through the Dormant Accounts Fund for Library Supports for Marginalised, Socially Excluded and Disadvantaged Communities. This allows us to meet the needs of older people, children from disadvantaged communities, people with disabilities and other marginalised groups within Donegal.”

Visit your local Donegal Library branch to find out how to borrow a C-Pen Reader.  Members of the public can borrow a Reader Pen for a period of three weeks. All you need to do is have a library card, which is free! Joining is simple, either call into your local library with some ID or join online by going to the website.