FORFAR LIBRARY CORNER, NOVEMBER 19
Visually impaired people can now make use of special software in Forfar Library to help when using the computer.
"Claro Lightning with Speech" runs from a USB stick and can be used on any of the computers in the Library's Learning Centre. With the magnification function, whatever appears on the computer screen can be magnified up to 36 times. Users can also change the shape or size of letters and pictures, invert screen colours for better contrast and smooth fonts to make them clearer at high magnification.
With the speech function, "Claro Lightning with Speech" will speak all windows menus and dialog boxes, allowing full control of the computer. The computer will be able to speak masses of information on the Internet from accessible websites and it gives full speech feedback for most text-based word processing tasks including editing documents in Microsoft Word. Headphones are available for privacy or customers are welcome to bring their own.
Library staff hope that this software will help anyone whose sight problems had previously stopped them using a computer and ask that readers of this column pass on this information to anyone they believe may benefit.
The software is available to use in all Angus full-time libraries. It is easy to master and library staff are available to help you get started. Telephone 01307 466071 or any Angus Library to make a booking.
Internet Class helps beat the homework blues
If you missed out on the last class and you want to know how to find accurate information on the internet written at a level your child can understand, this FREE class will be held again on Wednesday, November 25.
Librarian, Fiona Dakers, will show you some websites suitable for helping with primary school children's homework and projects as well as giving you some tips for searching for websites on your own.
The session lasts for one hour and is aimed at parents, but children are welcome to come too. Participants can take away a list of websites on their own memory device for use at home and can register for free access to resources such as Encyclopaedia Britannica for Juniors.
Telephone 01307 466071 or email forfar.library@angus.gov.uk for more information.
Recommended Read
This month's recommended read, The Siege by Helen Dunmore, is from librarian Vicky Fraser of the Library Support Services.
Set during World War II in Leningrad, the story focuses on a family's struggle for survival when the German army lays siege to the city.
Vicky says, "This is a gripping story that had me engrossed from start to finish and I loved the descriptions Helen Dunmore gave from the early morning sunrise to icicles forming on a dead body. She also highlights how people who were once good neighbours and friends can quickly become enemies when struggling to survive. A worthwhile read and a good title for a book group to read." The Siege is available in the fiction section at Forfar Library.
If you are a member of a book group, don't forget the Angus Book Group Forum to be held on Saturday 5th December. Telephone John Doherty (01307 474798) or Vicky Fraser (01307 466966) for more information.
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Weather for Forfar
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: East
