Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library and Fruitville Library have become the fifth and sixth Sarasota County libraries to receive a Hearing Loop, which is an assistive listening system that transmits sounds directly into hearing aids or implants, resulting in an enhanced experience for audience members. 

The Hearing Loop for Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library was provided by the Endowment Fund for the Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and was installed inside the library meeting room, which served nearly 12,000 patrons in 2017.

The Hearing Loop for Fruitville Library was provided by the generous contribution of a private donor, with a match from the Sarasota County Libraries Endowment Fund at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and was installed in the library meeting room, which served nearly 14,000 patrons in 2017.

"It's important we meet the needs of all of our library patrons," said Sarabeth Kalajian, director of Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources. "These assistive devices make it possible for every audience member to enjoy the diverse programs offered at their library, and we invite citizens to take advantage of this service enhancement."

Selby Library, North Sarasota Library, Gulf Gate Library and Shannon Staub Library meeting rooms are also equipped with Hearing Loops. To use this service at one of these library locations, visit any of the service desks and speak with a staff member.

For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000.