Audio Reading Service volunteers provide audio access to printed news and information for listeners of all ages who have visual, physical, learning, or language disabilities or conditions that prevent them from reading printed materials.
Our current opportunities include:
• Read and record programs when a regular reader is absent by becoming a Substitute Recorded Reader. Subs receive a weekly email notification of upcoming opportunities to cover a program, and may select opportunities that fit your schedule and interests. Materials are read from hard copy and digital touchscreen tablet. Programs are either 30 minutes or one hour of recording, within a 90-minute recording session timeslot. We can work with your schedule, Monday-Friday between 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. Training will be provided.
• Become a Substitute Live Reader, reading the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette live on the air with an experienced partner. Subs receive a weekly email notification of upcoming opportunities to cover for a regular live reader’s absence. Each live broadcast opportunity is a 3-hour session that occurs on a weekday from 8:00 am - 11:00 am, or on a Saturday from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. You may select an opportunity that fits your schedule. Training includes observing and participating in live broadcasts for 2-3 mornings in a row prior to your first scheduled sub reading.
• Read and record Spanish-language programs when a regular reader is absent by becoming a Spanish-language Substitute Recorded Reader. Volunteers for these programs must be fluent in reading and speaking both Spanish and English. Subs receive a weekly email notification of upcoming opportunities to cover a program, and may select opportunities that fit your schedule and interests. Materials are read from hard copy and digital touchscreen tablet. Programs are usually 30 minutes or one hour of recording, within a 90-minute recording session timeslot. We can work with your schedule, Monday-Friday between 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. Training on equipment and reading materials will be provided.
Lea y grabe programas en español cuando el lector habitual no esté disponible al convertirse en Lector(a) Suplente de Grabación. Las personas voluntarias deben tener fluidez tanto en español como en inglés, tanto en lectura como en conversación. Los suplentes reciben un correo electrónico semanal con oportunidades para cubrir programas y pueden elegir las que mejor se ajusten a su horario e intereses. Los materiales se leen en formato impreso o desde una tableta digital con pantalla táctil. Por lo general, los programas duran 30 minutos o una hora, dentro de una sesión de grabación de 90 minutos. Podemos adaptarnos a su disponibilidad de lunes a viernes, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 3:00 p. m. Se proporcionará capacitación sobre el uso del equipo y los materiales de lectura.
Volunteers read and record written materials from over 130 sources in our studios, which are then broadcast over radio, TV, and available online, making printed content accessible in an audio format for everyone. The friendly voices of our volunteers also keep listeners connected to their community.
If your skills and passions match our needs, we’d love to have you join our audio reading team of ACPL volunteers! An interview and audition are required.
Make a difference for our listeners!
"One of the best features of your service for my mom is the human voice. She is 94, blind and lives alone… your readers are her companions."
“My mom listens to The Weekend program and often attends events she hears about that are going on in the Fort Wayne area. “
"The Audio Reading Service is my contact with the outside world and I am very grateful to you!"
"Your Service is a wonderful thing. It makes such a difference in my husband's quality of life. He read The Atlantic for 50 years and know can hear the podcast. Please thank everyone who makes this possible.”
