In Almaty, seven libraries provide services to people with hearing and visual impairments, providing them with modern equipment for convenient access to information. As part of Almaty Mayor Yerbolat Dosayev's order to create an inclusive environment, these libraries have Braille displays that display text in tactile format, printers for printing in Braille, devices for increasing and changing the contrast of text, as well as scanners that read text, reproduce it aloud and translate it into audio format.
For comfortable listening to audiobooks, libraries also provide headphones with high sound quality. In addition, computers with adapted software are installed, which helps people with visual and hearing impairments to work more effectively with information.
People with hearing and visual impairments can visit the following libraries: Zhambyl, Alatau Creative Hub, I.A. Chekhov Central State Library, Library of Kazakhstani Writers, as well as branches No. 4, 14 and 45, where all conditions are created for their convenience and comfort when using resources. The initiative was implemented on behalf of the Mayor of Almaty within the framework of the principle of equal access to cultural sites and the creation of a barrier-free environment.
It should be noted that visually impaired staff also work in these libraries and assist readers in mastering the equipment, finding the necessary resources and training. This allows us to create jobs and additional opportunities for accessibility of culture and knowledge for all residents of the city.
With the support of the Akimat of the city, as part of the Roadmap for the Development of Almaty, the librarians of the metropolis completed a successful internship in Seoul, where they studied modern approaches to library services and have already begun to introduce innovations in the field. Last year, the specialists also completed internships in Germany and Switzerland.
In general, about 400 people work in libraries in Almaty. In 2023, at the initiative of the mayor of the city, staff salaries increased by 30%, in 2024 salaries were increased by another 25%, and this year salaries will also be increased by 29%. By the way, 18 young specialists of the city libraries received housing under the Almaty Zhastary program.
There are 28 libraries in the city under the akimat, and 95% of them have been modernized. Every year, the total number of visits to Almaty libraries is more than 3 million.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almaty/press/news/details/919390