MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM’S TALKING BOOKS SERVICE FOR THE BLIND AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED NAMED SUBREGIONAL LIBRARY OF THE YEAR!
The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped has awarded the Miami-Dade Public Library System - Talking Books Library Service with the 2008 Network Subregional Library of the Year award. The award “recognizes excellence, innovation, and special achievement in providing library service to blind and physically disabled individuals.” The award, along with a $1,000 prize, will be presented to Library Director Raymond Santiago in a ceremony at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. on June 19, 2009.
The Talking Books Library Service loans books and magazines on cassette tapes or in Braille for free by mail to persons who have difficulty seeing or using standard small print. In addition to this service, Talking Books Library staff members recruit mentors who are blind to read to students. Through this activity, children are able to interact, ask questions about blindness, and learn about Braille. Talking Books also partners with the National Federation of the Blind’s local chapter and works collaboratively with the American Council of the Blind, the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and the Division of Blind Services to engage the community and provide information about services and resources.
“It’s wonderful that the Talking Books Service is being recognized on a national level,” says Library Director Raymond Santiago. “It’s a vital service that deserves support, recognition and praise from our community.”
For more information about the Talking Books Library Service, contact (305) 751-8687 or visit www.mdpls.org
Victoria Galan, Public Affairs Officer
305.375.5180; galanv@mdpls.org
Vinora Hamilton, Public Information Officer
305.375.3327; hamiltonv@mdpls.org
