Monday, December 15, 2025
In June 2025, reference librarian and Shafter Library liaison Ariel Dyer attended
the American Library Association’s annual conference in Philadelphia. There, she met
several unique book vendors: ¡Chau, Luna!, a Spanish children’s book vendor, and Dyslexic
Books, a company that prints books for children in a dyslexic-friendly font.
In ordering titles from Dyslexic Books, Dyer prioritized books geared towards third-grade
boys. Of those who are diagnosed with dyslexia, 60% are male, and an estimated 70-80%
of those with limited reading proficiency have dyslexia. Dyslexia is commonly diagnosed
in elementary school, and a lack of third-grade reading proficiency has a strong correlation
to failing to graduate high school. The addition of these books is a small step to
making the Shafter Library more welcoming and inclusive to readers with dyslexia.
Additionally, after adding picture and board books with Braille tape last spring,
the library now proudly has available for checkout 10 fully Braille chapter books
due to a patron request.
Visit the Shafter Library soon and explore all the possibilities we have to offer!
