Shibabrata Sengupta Memorial Library for the Print Disabled

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Shibabrata Sengupta Memorial Library for the Print Disabled

Standard / July 3, 2026 / No Comments

About the Library

A lack of accessible books and study materials remains one of the biggest constraints for newly admitted visually impaired students in higher education. For Bengali speakers, this challenge is doubled. To address this critical need, the Blind Persons Association launched the Shibabrata Sengupta Memorial Library for the Print Disabled on May 25, 2025.

The library is dedicated to the Late Shibabrata Sengupta, a legendary educationist, social activist, former teacher at the RamaKrishna Mission Blind Boys Academy in Narendrapur, and one of the foremost figures of the Association in the latter half of the 20th century.

Aims and Objectives

Our core mission is to build a comprehensive and accessible public library model for Braille and e-text readers.

Bridging the Gap: We aim to meet the long-standing need for a public library model for Braille readers through an inclusive membership system.
Lifelong Learning: Hunger for knowledge is not limited to a specific age group. We support distant and continuing learning as an integral part of our education and literacy programs.
Combating the Digital Divide: We are committed to ensuring senior citizens with visual disabilities are not excluded, offering a need-based approach to minimize the hardships of physical access and technological barriers.

Our Services and Facilities

The Accessible Catalogue

We maintain a meticulously structured multi-format catalogue, featuring carefully designated specific categories for the seamless navigation of Braille and accessible texts. The 2025 version is currently available, with continuous updates in progress to enhance the user experience.

Audio-Book Production

We maintain high standards for audio-book production, ensuring materials are properly stored, catalogued, and easily distributed to visually disabled readers. A dedicated pool of ten volunteers handles audio production from their residences, while editing, compiling, and distribution are managed from our central office.

On-Demand Material Preparation

We produce regular text and reference books, study materials for higher education, and curated guidebooks for competitive examinations based on requisitions received from our members.

Braille Printing: Unemployed students can avail themselves of Braille-printed hardcopies of short notes or book portions completely free of charge. Other users only need to cover minimal paper costs.
Pre-Orders: Members can collect hand-deliveries of previously ordered Braille books at our Braille press during office hours.
Braille Paper: Available for individual purchase, up to fifty pieces per person at a time for just Rs. 10.

Embracing the Future with E-Text

Accessible e-text is the future of alternative print formats. We strongly encourage print-disabled youth to adopt these formats quickly, focusing specifically on EPUB and DAISY texts. We warmly welcome suggestions and collaborative efforts as we persistently explore new horizons in digital dissemination.