PITTSBURGH, PA — Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin recently visited the Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians (LAMP) in Pittsburgh, underscoring the library’s pivotal role in providing essential services to individuals with disabilities. During his visit, Dr. Mumin recorded a narration of “It Fell From the Sky” by The Fan Brothers, which will be included in the Library of Congress’ National Library Service Catalog.
“Libraries inspire curiosity, provide patrons with a connection to a world of information, offer critical services—and are the cornerstone of their communities,” remarked Dr. Mumin. His visit highlighted the vital contributions of libraries like LAMP, which serve as a model for community engagement and accessibility.
Funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Office of Commonwealth Libraries, LAMP operates under the administration of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and the Free Library of Philadelphia. It provides individuals with disabilities access to a variety of materials in accessible formats, such as braille, audio, large print, and described movies, as well as digital downloads of audio books.
Since the early 1970s, LAMP has equipped its facilities with three accessible sound booths and a full digital suite of recording equipment, adding over 700 audio books to the National Library Service Catalog. This service uniquely supports adding locally themed books to the collection, enhancing the diversity and relevance of available materials.
LAMP’s services cater to Pennsylvania residents who face challenges in using standard print materials due to visual, physical, or reading disabilities. To benefit from these services, residents must submit an application certified by a recognized authority, such as a health professional, social worker, or librarian.
Dr. Mumin’s visit reinforces the state’s commitment to prioritizing investments in public libraries, ensuring they remain accessible and integral to community development. As libraries continue to adapt and expand their services, initiatives like those demonstrated at LAMP are crucial in bridging gaps and fostering inclusivity across the Commonwealth.
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