Pictured at MonoMouse in Carnegie Library in Ayr are Cllr Bill Grant, some of the people who will be using the device and employees from the library.
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There are mice on a mission looking for places to visit across South Ayrshire to help people with visual impairments. Read on to find out more about the MonoMouse and what a helpful friend it can be.
South Ayrshire Council has launched an exciting new project at Carnegie Library in Ayr, the MonoMouse lending service for the visually impaired.
A MonoMouse is a hand held electronic magnifier which is perfect for reading newspapers, magazines, books, cooking instructions, bills and much more.
Councillor Margaret Toner, Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure Portfolio Holder said: "Those of us with good vision taking reading newspapers, bank statements and letters for granted. For many people who are visually impaired the MonoMouse will enable them to read their own mail, enjoy reading a range of items and make them more independent.
"I am pleased that once again our library service is leading the way in making technology available to the visually impaired which will help improve their quality of life."
The cost of a MonoMouse is approximately £80 and the Council has purchased eight of them.
Councillor Bill Grant who attended the launch was also clearly impressed with the MonoMouse, he said: "When I learned about the Monomouse I thought it sounded terrific, but seeing it in action was truly amazing.
"Library members who are visually impaired can borrow a MonoMouse, which will be given to them in its own bag with a power adaptor and instructions for use. The MonoMouse works with any television set. Simply plug it in and the television will automatically switch to the correct channel for using the MonoMouse, then pass the mouse over the item to be viewed and it will appear on the screen. When you are finished disconnect the Monomouse and when it is switched off the television will go back to regular television channels.
Councillor Nan McFarlane Chair of the Council's Equality and Diversity Forum said: "Our Council is committed to equalities. Providing equipment for those who require extra support can make their lives so much easier. This equipment will allow many visually impaired people to be more independent."
The MonoMouse lending service is now available from Alloway, Carnegie, Coylton, Forehill, Girvan, Maybole, Prestwick and Troon libraries. Library members who use any other Council library can request to use this service by speaking to employees at their library.
Eager to learn more about how the device works a number of visually impaired and registered blind people attended the launch.
Robert Logan, Chair of Ayr and District Blind Club said: "Privacy is a big issue for visually impaired people. The MonoMouse will give us extra independence and let us do things ourselves that others take for granted."