But for people with a vision impairment, the Navigator allows them to know the joy of literature.

There are 14 units available at Maitland City Library that hold about five novels each, downloaded from a collection of titles to suit any interest.

And they are a popular addition to the library’s resources.

The device is typical of Maitland City Council’s efforts to provide equal access for all, with more to come through the adoption of the Access and Inclusion Plan: 2008-2010.

Belinda Burford, who is vision impaired and a regular user of the Navigator, is a member of the Maitland IDEAS (Inclusion Diversity Equity, Access and Strengths) group, which contributed ideas to the plan.

The group is a partnership by the council and the community and it comprises people from relevant services and organisations.

Mrs Burford said the ingenious device meant she could “read” while she was cooking, while she was in the bath, or lying in bed in the dark.

And there is more to come in the Access and Inclusion Plan.

The plan’s objectives include better physical access to council buildings such as Maitland Town Hall, libraries and community halls; teaching disability awareness to the council’s staff; and communication.

The latest idea is for the installation of a telephone typewriter at the council for people with hearing difficulties.

Council community planning co-ordinator Nicole Bennett said the achievements from the plan would be recorded with an annual report to be presented to the council.