Leigh, I don’t think that the large-print books from the library are the same thing as books available through bookshare.

I’m pretty sure you can order large-print versions of many books, and I’m also pretty sure that the large-print programs would not be covered by the relevant law for blind-accessibility, which limits the availability of the programs for the visually impaired to those who can demonstrate a disability.

As to whether authors resent the library for giving readers an opportunity to read for free … I would say it depends on the individual author! I’ve seen some authors express dismay about the library–or about ARCs being sold on eBay–or about paperbackswap–or about books being sold on Amazon.com for one cent a day after the book’s release. All of these things are legally allowed under copyright law (yes, even the ARCs that are sold on eBay!), and yes, I have heard authors grumble about all of these in some measure. But I have also heard authors (myself included!) who do *not* grumble about any of them.

Personally, I am happy to get readers–however I get them! I know that when finances were tight for me, I read a lot of authors through borrowing from friends/buying used/library use. Now that I have more money, I am happy to support the authors I read for free by purchasing their books. With a few notable exceptions, if I hadn’t had free access, I would not have bought the books, period–I just didn’t have the money. I suspect the same is true for many people, and I would rather have 10,000 people read my book for free, with the potential that 10% of them might become fans, than have 10 people read it and pay.

It’s possible I might feel differently if/when I get a fanbase that is larger than just Mom and Dad, and have a greater financial stake, but I’d like to hope that won’t change. I believe in a strong open and free component to all content.