WORCESTER, MA — A library in Worcester has received a national honor for its work serving patrons with visual, physical, perceptual or print disabilities.
The Worcester Talking Book Library, inside the city's main public library on Salem Street, was named the 2026 Subregional Library of the Year by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled at the Library of Congress. WTBL serves about 2,000 patrons across Worcester County and parts of Middlesex County, and circulates large-print books across Massachusetts.
The award recognizes the library’s programming, accessibility work and service to people who are unable to read standard print.
“This recognition reflects the passion, creativity and dedication of our entire team,” WTBL Director Lee Anne Hooley said in a statement. “We strive to make sure everyone feels welcome and empowered to access information in the ways that work best for them.”
The library offers braille, large-print and talking books, along with adaptive technology including electronic magnifiers, closed-circuit televisions, accessible software and devices available through its Library of Things collection.
It also offers in-person and virtual book clubs, audio-described movie screenings, musical performances, holiday celebrations and programs on topics including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Its Dial-a-Story telephone service lets patrons hear recorded stories, poetry, local history and original works from other patrons.
Under WTBL’s leadership, all seven Worcester Public Library locations and two bookmobiles became KultureCity Sensory Inclusive certified, according to the library. The certification included sensory bags with noise-reducing headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads, along with staff training to better support patrons with sensory needs and visual disabilities.
WTBL also added audio wayfinding technology throughout the Main Library to help visitors who are blind or have low vision navigate the building independently.
“This award is a tremendous honor and reflects our belief that libraries should be welcoming and accessible to everyone,” Worcester Public Library Executive Director Jason Homer said in a statement.
WTBL was recognized during an awards luncheon July 22 at the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled launched the Network Library of the Year Awards in 2004. Winners are selected by a committee of librarians and consumer organization representatives based on mission support, creativity, service innovation and reader satisfaction.
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