Large Print Books

[Carci]

I often try to get current bestsellers in large print for 2 reasons.  The first is because instead of being issued the book for only 7 days, the large print version is loaned for 3 weeks and often the wait for them is shorter.  This gives both Jerry & I ample time to read it and discuss it.  The second reason is because even though I have had cataract surgery and my eyesight is fine it is just easier to read a large print book, and although they tend to be a bit heavy at times, I have perfected the art of balancing a book on 2 couch pillows on my lap... one under and one behind the book...   lol

Now here is something I realized on my last trip to the library when all the books I have ordered have a long line of people ahead of me so I have to wait for these new bestsellers.  What I did was just go to the large print section of the library and began to scan the shelves looking for something interesting to read and I realized...  all the large print books are former bestsellers...  they really only make really popular books into large print... so the selections became relatively easy!  Just go to an author you have enjoyed in the past and find something of theirs that you missed along the way.

I used to feel somewhat guilty taking the large print books when I don't really need them but then I decided that if more people use the large print books, the library will invest in more of them which will be a help to those with eye problems...  so I am just doing my part to help...  :)

One of the reasons I like the Kindle is because you can adjust the font to the size you like, but I still like a print book better.

[Mandy Muffin]

I have been through cataract surgery over the past five years.  The eyes were done four year apart and I started to use large print books as my means of reading while I was waiting for my second eye to get bad enough for the Medicare standard for the operation.  Of course, the Kindle was God-sent, as it adjusts the size of print.  I feel no guilt in continuing to use the large print books, as they are more comfortable to read.  I also have found that best sellers have a waiting list, while the same book in large print is sitting on the shelf waiting to be picked up.  It is also true in my library that a large print book has a three week take out, while many of the best sellers have a one week limit.  So why not?  If somebody really wanted it they would put in a request, so I am not disadvantaging anyone.

It is interesting that my library in Northern Kentucky has a very small Large Print Book section, while the one in my South Florida county dedicates at least half the library to Large Print. Of course, the local county, Highlands, has the second oldest population in America.  Unfortunately, many of these half-blind old people are driving around the streets.   

[Carolyn Tewell]

I get large print as often as possible! Like it was mentioned there is not so long of a wait, plus when I go to Hair Salon can't wear glasses while they are rolling or slopping on solutions or even waiting for the process with the lovely plastic cover on head!