Pinellas Talking Book Library

The Pinellas Talking Book Library's mission is to encourage and support reading by providing free library services to residents for whom conventional print is a barrier. The Pinellas Talking Book Library is administered locally through the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative.

A free service to residents of all ages who are unable to read standard print material due to visual, physical or learning disabilities whether permanent or temporary. The Pinellas Talking Book Library provides recorded, Braille and large-print books and magazines as well as a collection of descriptive videos and playaways.  Your donation helps support this essential service for people who cannot read because of a disability.

Deaf Literacy Center

Libraries have always been a community's main source of impartial and accessible information. Books, closed-captioned or signed videos and access to computers can make a great difference in the lives of the Deaf community.

The Deaf Literacy Center is a library-based literacy program for Deaf individuals and their families. We offer small group and individualized basic literacy instruction and support services in addition to traditional library and information services to the Deaf community. The program became a countywide effort in 2000 when the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative began administering the program to residents.

Born to Read

Born to Read is a national program designed to empower parents to be their child's first teacher. The county-wide program reaches families through health care providers, family literacy agencies, early intervention programs, special needs organizations, and the Pinellas County School System. The following services are provided through the PPLC Born to Read program:

• Referral services to literacy organizations.
• Family literacy programming
• Teen Parenting workshops
• Community Outreach Activities
• Partners with health care agencies, school system, and area literacy organizations.

The Pinellas Public Library Cooperative

The Cooperative allows member libraries to share programs, resources, and talents. Library directors meet monthly and share committee work, planning work, and concerns. The ability of the Cooperative to fund core services such as the automation system, courier delivery, and electronic resources, enhances the quality of library services countywide and allows libraries to leverage their local dollars to their best possible use. The availability of county funds has assisted libraries in Pinellas County in expanding access to residents through new or expanded facilities and by adding library staff benefiting library users countywide.