Large Print books - more than just big words?

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My local library has a nice collection of LARGE PRINT books, including many novels whose standard versions are always in high demand, yet I cannot bring myself to borrow one of the LARGE PRINT editions. The LARGE PRINT collection is housed near the children's section, clearly separated from the normal sized fiction and non-fiction so I haven't had much of an opportunity to observe the types of people who make use of it. What is your experience with the LARGE PRINT world? Is it immoral for one with good vision to borrow a LARGE PRINT book? I'd hate to feel like I'm taking a LARGE PRINT book out of the hands of someone who needs it just because I've grown tired of waiting for the standard edition to become available.

― Stan Fields (Stan Fields), Wednesday, 20 July 2005 16:11 (twenty years ago)

best thread-title ever.

― scott seward (scott seward), Wednesday, 20 July 2005 16:18 (twenty years ago)

I used to work at a library and the only people to frequent it were the over 65 set, usually focusing on the fairly popular commercial paperbacks. As long as you give it back on time, it shouldn't be immoral.

Did I just take this post far too seriously?

― Pam, Wednesday, 20 July 2005 16:23 (twenty years ago)

Equivalent to using the handicapped stall in the public restroom - fair game if all the others are taken and there's not a person with greater need in line behind you. Be quick about your business with it so it's returned to the use of the general populace as soon as possible, and your ethical slate's clean.

― Jaq (Jaq), Wednesday, 20 July 2005 16:43 (twenty years ago)

If someone wants it, they can put a hold on it, just like any other book surely. Don't yank it out of grandma's hands or anything, of course.

― Casuistry (Chris P), Wednesday, 20 July 2005 17:24 (twenty years ago)

I wouldn't worry about it, although it will make it much easier for public transport reading sneaks to read along with you on the bus or train. I wouldn't give them the satisfaction, myself. On the other hand, it could be very satisfying, closing the book with a bang at a climactic

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Wednesday, 20 July 2005 17:43 (twenty years ago)

Rationalize it economically: your borrowing large-print books will send cues to library administrators that large-print books are popular and in significant demand, prompting them to order more large-print books and more diverse large-print titles, which of course in the end will only benefit the genuinely visually impaired.

― nabisco (nabisco), Wednesday, 20 July 2005 17:49 (twenty years ago)

Did I just take this post far too seriously?

It's not like I asked about the ethicality of hoarding audio books =\

I appreciate the responses and now know that I can visit the LARGE PRINT section, if I ever feel the need to, without a cloud of guilt hovering above me (not to mention all the unnecessary squinting).

― Stan Fields (Stan Fields), Wednesday, 20 July 2005 21:22 (twenty years ago)

I always get the large print edition of a book if I can. I think it's sophisticated. Hilarious, and yet practical.

― eric, Thursday, 21 July 2005 23:53 (twenty years ago)

I know what you mean about the ethics or renting large print books, though. But since there are always hundreds of unrented large print books available, I don't worry too much. Besides, there are probably people with terrible eyesight who force themselves to read normal-print books to show off, and they compensate for the people like me who unnecessarily borrow large print editions.

― eric, Thursday, 21 July 2005 23:55 (twenty years ago)

I feel like I'm reading an "I Can Read" book when I open a Large Print. If someone saw me reading it I'm afraid they'd think I was in an adult literacy program.

― Megan, Tuesday, 26 July 2005 03:56 (twenty years ago)

but then they'd be really proud of you!

― Josh (Josh), Tuesday, 26 July 2005 05:17 (twenty years ago)

one month passes...

I am now in the midst of reading my first LARGE PRINT library book. I placed a hold on the book so that I wouldn't have to worry about yanking it out of grandma's hands, or even visiting the LARGE PRINT section at all. I was actually expecting the print to be a bit larger. Apparently the book's size is only increased by 139 pages in the LARGE PRINT edition. Of course the size of the pages probably greatly affects the perceived size of the print, or are all LARGE PRINT books a standard size? Anyway, I encourage everyone to read LARGE PRINT books.

― Stan Fields (Stan Fields), Monday, 19 September 2005 22:20 (twenty years ago)

Um, from my visits to the large print section (more because I happened to pass by it rather than needing any large print books) they seem to be books of various shapes and sizes, siminal to most hardback books.

― Casuistry (Chris P), Tuesday, 20 September 2005 05:45 (twenty years ago)

My word, Jaq, your post above reminded me of something I hadn't thought of in YEARS. At my hometown church there were, in the women's bathroom, only two stalls, one of which was a handicapped one. There was also a lovely older woman who used a motorized scooter, I think she couldn't walk but don't remember why. Anyway I got the idea that the hcapped stall was ONLY for her and no matter what happened I wouldn't use it.

Don't remember when I stopped thinking that, just remember the incomplete, child's impression that there was something mysterious & forbidden about that stall with its taller toilet and shiny metal bars.

― Laurel, Tuesday, 20 September 2005 22:54 (twenty years ago)

Wait, wait -- "only" 139 extra pages?? That's a lot more pgs, more paper, greater expense!! Althought, hmm, I think we do charge a little more -- like $2 more -- for them.

― Laurel, Tuesday, 20 September 2005 23:14 (twenty years ago)

I'm wondering if LARGE PRINT would solve my "reading-while-walking" trouble. But then - extra pages = extra weight. I will stick with the iPod, I think.

― Jaq (Jaq), Wednesday, 21 September 2005 01:04 (twenty years ago)

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