HUBBALLI: The libraries in Dharwad district are getting equipped with a special screen scanner and reading device. The zilla panchayat has initiated digitisation of libraries in the district, and has installed a Kibo device.
The library provides Kibo, a screen scanner and reading device, that allows people with visual impairments to listen to books in any language.
The Kibo connects with any PC, computer, or laptop, as well as any Android smartphone, to read any printed or handwritten documents in audio. ZP CEO Suresh Itnal said, “We decided to equip the libraries at the  gram panchayat level, with the scanning and reading device, to make libraries friendly for the visually challenged, and hence provided Kibo kit to five libraries in various gram panchayats jurisdiction, on a trial basis. After analysing the response and other aspects, the facility will be expanded to the other libraries in the district.”
According to sources in the ZP, currently there are 117 libraries in gram panchayats, of which six libraries have the Kibo kit. The libraries are identified, based on the number of visually challenged people in the gram panchayats.
The library in Hebballi gram panchayat in Dharwad taluk was identified, as it has 57 visually challenged residents.
Similarly, libraries in Hubballi taluk, Hebasur village with 14, Galagi village in Kalghatagi taluk with 20, Saunshi village in Kundgol taluk with 20, Gummagol village in Navalgund taluk with 33, and Sulla village in Hubballi taluk with 23 visually challenged people, were chosen. There are 145 gram panchayats in the district, and more than 1,650 visually challenged people, sources added. Itnal said that visually impaired students can read books with the help of the Kibo device.
“We have also ordered Braille books, and they will be available in a few days. We have taken measures to raise awareness about these facilities,” he added.
Source: https://arcattoscana.org/city/hubballi/6-rural-libraries-get-devices-to-aid-visually-impaired-pupils/articleshow/98243685.cms