Pittsburgh, Pa. − May 8, 2026 − Recently, Senator Lindsey M. Williams (D-Allegheny) joined representatives from the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and the Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians (LAMP) Pittsburgh Branch to celebrate increased state investment in accessible library services. Senator Williams also participated in an accessible game hour during her visit, enjoying a few rounds of adaptive Uno with library members and staff.
“Libraries are some of our most cherished third spaces,” said Senator Williams. “LAMP extends the joy of our libraries to everyone by being a traditional lending library but also providing programming and spaces that are accessible for everyone. They provide inclusivity and community for all of our neighbors every day, including people who cannot access traditional print media.”
LAMP serves Pennsylvania residents who have difficulty using standard print materials due to a visual, physical, or reading disability. They provide numerous media options for patrons, including digital audiobooks and magazines, Braille books and downloads, large print books, and tactile and Braille early literacy kits. They also provide technical assistance with accessibility features and apps both in person and over the phone.
Senator Williams also recorded an audio version of the 2026 PA One Book “The Great Cookie Kerfuffle,” which will be added to the catalogue of available, accessible books. LAMP is actively seeking volunteers to help narrate, monitor, or edit newly recorded books, as less than 10% of published works are ever made into an accessible format.
“We all know the importance of early literacy for our kids, but that means we need to make these stories accessible,” said Senator Williams. “That’s why recording stories like ‘The Great Cookie Kerfuffle’ and making them available is so important. I’m incredibly proud to help record stories for the audio catalogue, and to support additional investments to continue the work that LAMP is doing to make additional books accessible for everyone.”
The Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget included a $433,000 increase to the statewide Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians. This funding is divided between the Pittsburgh area, which is administered by the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia, which is administered by the Free Library of Philadelphia.