Community illustrationOutreach Services

| Outreach Mini Grants |Talking Books Library | Accessibility | Jobseekers | Literacy | Reentry Guide | Senior Programming | COSAC |

The following resources are available to help underserved groups and people with special needs to use their library. Our targeted outreach groups include:  55+ individuals, people with visual, physical, or developmental disabilities, residents of institutional facilities, individuals with an educational disadvantage, jobseekers,  individuals who are geographically isolated, ethnic minorities, incarcerated individuals, and individuals with criminal records.

Outreach Mini Grants

Do you have an idea for an outreach project but lack funding? Member libraries in our service area can apply for a 2014 Outreach Mini-Grant. Applications are due March 14, 2014.  Grants will be awarded May 5, 2014.

Have a question? See our FAQs. Stuck on an idea? Email Amanda Schiavulli at aschiavulli@flls.org.

Talking Books Library (TBBL)

TBBL machine

People who cannot easily use printed materials can receive free audiobooks by mail or download through the NYS Library.

Application for Adults PDF Icon Small
Application for Children/Teens PDF Icon Small
Eligibility Requirements
BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download)
Victor Reader Streams – TBBL provides a free player to each patron (pictured above), but many patrons also prefer to purchase a third-party alternative. The Victor Reader Stream is a popular option due to its small size. The National Library Service also provides a descriptive list of all compatible commercial audiobook players.

TBBL Contact Information: 1-800-342-3688 or tbbl@mail.nysed.gov. The phone line is staffed M-F between 9am-2pm and 2pm-4:30pm, or you can leave a message anytime with your question/request and they will call you back.

Available TBBL Services from FLLS: As a sublending agency, FLLS provides applications, local exchanges for nonworking machines, and informational outreach in our service area (please note we do not provide books in this format directly; they are mailed directly to qualifying individuals). Contact us at 607-273-4074 x 227.

Accessibility Resource Guide

This guide includes information about accessible reading formats at your local library, signing up with other special-need lending libraries, local disability resources, and a collection of disability-related links.

Jobseeker Resource Guide

Search for jobs online, get help with your resume, plan your career, and find local assistance resources. This guide is tailored for residents of Cayuga, Cortland, Seneca, Tioga and Tompkins Counties.

Literacy Resource Guide

Find materials and resources for people of all ages who need help with reading, writing, or speaking English and/or basic computer skills.

Reentry Guide for People Returning from Jail or Prison

Our bilingual reentry guide lists community resources for people returning from prison or jail to our service area.
Finding Your Way: A Reentry Guide for People Returning from Prison or Jail to Cayuga, Cortland, Seneca, Tioga and Tompkins Counties in NYSPDF Icon Small
List of similar publications in NYS outside our service areaPDF Icon Small

 Programming Materials for Older Adults

Our collection includes several games and group activity resources for older adults. They are perfect for reminiscing, sparking conversations and exercising minds. Reserve them through our catalog by searching for the “Senior Programming” series.

Coordinated Outreach Services Advisory Council (COSAC)

COSAC advises FLLS’s Outreach Department, assists in the evaluations of its coordinated outreach activities, and works to promote collaborative efforts and partnerships. The Council is comprised of a mix of library directors and representatives from local human service agencies and institutions who serve our targeted outreach populations.

COSAC Members: