Library Services

We assist members with a range of technology and services. We also provide Help Guides in accessible formats, including voice-controlled technology.

Library Technology

We offer a selection of technologies to ensure members with varying abilities and preferences are provided for.

Alexa

Blind Low Vision NZ’s “Alexa Skill” enables you to listen to audiobooks, magazines, and newspapers from Blind Low Vision NZ’s Accessible Library with your Alexa device, using voice control.

EasyReader

EasyReader is a free, accessible reading app for people with print disabilities such as blindness, low vision, or dyslexia. The Blind Low Vision NZ Library in EasyReader gives you direct access to our collection of over 35,000 audiobooks, with all of the books recorded in our studios and received from our overseas partners.

Telephone Information Service (TIS)

Blind Low Vision NZ’s Telephone Information Service, called TIS, is an easy way to get information at your fingertips.  You can find out what’s happening in your local area, hear Blind Low Vision NZ news, and get information on special areas of interest.

TIS bulletins include:

  • Local and national newspaper content- with articles from over 70 newspapers
  • Financial information
  • Radio and TV programme schedules
  • Public notices and announcements
  • Updates from Blind Low Vision NZ
  • Interactive feedback lines operated by associated organisations (link to associated orgs)
  • Information from government departments and other agencies
  • Newspaper and magazine articles

To access TIS, use a touch-tone telephone to choose whether, for example, you want to listen to the day’s news.

You can go further than this and create a favourites list using a special TIS functions menu.  And there are some popular quick cheats – like the Blind Sport feedback line (menu 5 then 2). Here is the full cheat sheet including tips on how to set up a favourites list.

Synthetic voices are used for some content on TIS, and they come in different accents, so you can hear an Aussie twang, a British voice or the sound of the veldt from South Africa. Big thanks to Nuance for the great deal on 4 new synthetic voices: British Daniel, Australian Karen, Australian Lee and South African Tessa.

TIS phone numbers

TIS is free to all those registered with Blind Low Vision NZ.  Check out the list below of the toll-free calling numbers covering nearly all New Zealand.

LocationPhone number
Whangarei09 929 9099
Auckland09 302 3344
Hamilton07 834 2288
Tauranga07 929 6199
Napier-Hastings06 835 9136
Gisborne06 929 1033
Palmerston North06 354 8316
Wanganui06 348 4403
New Plymouth06 929 3088
Nelson03 929 5033
Christchurch03 355 8381
Timaru03 688 6921
Oamaru03 433 1026
Dunedin03 455 8833
Balclutha03 418 3332
Gore03 203 3001
Invercargill03 218 6470
Wellington04 389 3858

All other areas: 0800 36 33 44

Library Help and Support

If you need more information or assistance with library services, please get in touch by emailing library@blindlowvision.org.nz or calling 0800 24 33 33

Client Jackson is using his magnifier to read in te reo