Shafter Library Adds Braille Books to Promote Inclusivity and Learning

Thursday, April 24, 2025

The Shafter Library, a public library and satellite campus of Bakersfield College, recently acquired a collection of braille books, thanks to a Friends of the Shafter Library contribution. These books provide readers with the story written in English with clear braille lettering taped on each page. This makes the books inclusive to children who are blind or visually impaired, as well as to older family members reading to young children. It also provides a learning opportunity to those who are not visually impaired to learn more about braille.

Ariel Dyer, a BC Reference Librarian and Shafter Library Liaison, was excited about the new books. “The addition of this braille collection expands our reach to blind and visually impaired people and their families,” she said, “Additionally, it enriches the informal learning of sighted people and families through exposure to braille.”

In partnership with Valley Center for the Blind, the Shafter Library and Learning Center is hosting a braille story time and crafts on Friday, April 25, at 2:30PM. The celebration will include a special guest reader, a book giveaway, educational resources, and more.  All students, families, and community members are invited to join the festivities, and preview the new collection of braille picture books.

“We are very happy to add these books to our library,” said Dyer, “Celebrating a host of different readers by ensuring access to materials they can use is one of the core missions of our libraries, and it lets everyone know that they are welcome in our space."

The Shafter Library and Learning Center is located at 236 James Street, Shafter, CA 93263. For more information about the library, its services, classes, and more, please visit the Shafter Library website.