By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer
Northborough – Ten- year-old Madisyn Lathrop loves to read. Due to a vision impairment, however, she is unable to read standard size print and the collection of large print children’s chapter books and young adult books is extremely limited in the state library system. Madisyn is on a mission to raise funds to bring a large print collection to the Northborough Free Library to ensure access to books for all kids.
Madisyn’s visual diagnoses are alternating exotropia, convergence insufficiency and ptosis.
“Her eyes do not team well and she has difficulty with tracking and visual clutter,” said Madisyn’s mother Tracy. “She has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which is a connective tissue disorder that causes the muscles in her eyes, and her body, to fatigue fairly quickly. She does best with large, bold print that is well spaced. If she tries to read standard size print, she gets blurred/double vision and a headache.”
Public libraries typically have a good selection of large print books for adults, but Madisyn was shocked that the Northborough Library and public school libraries did not have this option for children and young adults.
Although she can request a book through the library system, the database is not huge and there’s a wait before it arrives.
Northborough Children’s Services Librarian Katrina Ireland-Bilodeau estimates that there is only about 500 individual titles in the library system.
“I do some online reading using the computer, but I can’t graze the book aisle like other kids,” Madisyn said.
The fundraiser started in August and $665 has been raised; however, she has high goals. Initially, she is starting with a collection for the Northborough Library and then wants to establish a collection at the schools and see the effort go statewide.
“She reads every day,” Tracy said. “She is reading all the time. It changes your life to have something accessible. When you can’t see the disability, it’s harder to get people behind something not tangible.”
Madisyn said the Harry Potter and Little House on the Prairie series will be the first books to be ordered with funds raised.
“The average price of large print is almost double that of a regular print copy- about $25,” said Ireland-Bilodeau. “Madisyn’s tenacity and obvious passion for this project has been awe-inspiring, and I look forward to working with her to jumpstart our collection. I have done a lot of research about the benefits of large print for a wider audience than those with a visual impairment.”
Madisyn recently was a guest speaker at the November Northboro Junior Women’s Club (NJWC) meeting themed “It’s all about the BOOKS,” and after listening to Madisyn’s story, NJWC donated $250 to her effort.
“She is an amazing young girl with an intriguing story and an unwavering determination to facilitate change to make our little corner of the world better,” said NJWC Education Chair Mary Ellen Duggan.
Spearheading this effort is not only for her benefit, Madisyn stressed.
“I want to know that every child has an equal learning chance,” she said.
Donations can be made directly to the Northborough Free Library, Children’s Room, 34 Main Street, Northborough MA 01532. Please note that it is for the Large Print Book Fundraiser.
