The Akron-Summit County Public Library Board of Trustees ("Library") is issuing this Request for Qualifications ("RFQ") for the services of a design professional firm to provide services for a feasibility study of the Library’s usage of its facilities to address current and future space and layout needs as well as to support current and future programming concepts. Please see the RFQ below if interested.

An Educator Card allows easy access to Library materials for educators to use in their classrooms. This card is available to anyone who teaches or works with students in a Pre-K-12 school, licensed childcare center, or homeschool setting. Educator special borrowing privileges include

• Borrowing a total of 150 items, with existing item limits (30 DVDs & Blu-Rays, 2 book sets, 3 STEM kits).
• Extended loan periods of 6 weeks with no renewals.

To sign up for an Educator Card, visit any of our 19 Library locations and bring items one through three.

1. A current photo ID
2. Proof of current address (if address on ID is not current)
3. Proof of educator status – one of the following will serve as proof.
   • Current school ID
   • Recent pay stub
   • Recent letter from principal on school letterhead
   • Current district homeschool verification letter
   • Current documentation from the OCCRRA Ohio Professional Registry

Library staff will require proof of educator status annually, beginning in September, in order to verity continued eligibility for an Educator Card.

Educator Cards may not be used to borrow Library items for personal use.

Long overdue items will be billed to the educator. The type of material borrowed determines when items become long overdue. Educator cards will be blocked when total value of billed items reaches $150. The educator will be responsible for paying to replace all billed items.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on October 26, 2023.

Talking Book Program

The National Library Service (NLS) for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress, administers a free national library program that provides Braille and recorded materials to people who cannot see regular print or handle print materials.

We provide applications through the NLS for the Blind and Print Disabled Talking Book program. Applications will be available and accepted by our staff in the TechZone.

BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download)

• Talking Book provides access to more than 100,000 audiobooks, magazines, and music scores.

• Access via desktop computers, iOS, or Android devices. The iOS and Android mobile apps, known as BARD Mobile, include built-in playback capability to enjoy talking books anytime.

• Books downloaded to desktop computers will need to be transferred to flash memory cartridges that can be played on NLS-authorized talking-book players. NLS will provide this playback equipment if required.

Who is eligible for the talking book program?

Any resident of the United States or American citizen living abroad who cannot read or use traditional print materials due to temporary or permanent visual or physical limitations.

Additional Services

Braille Collection: a combination of existing braille books from our collection and donations. Available for check out at the Accessibility Zone.

Large Print Keyboards: larger keys make it easier to distinguish the different keys.

Magnisight CCTV:  tabletop magnifying aid to help read papers, books, pictures, and other visuals more easily by magnifying onto a large monitor.