Perkins Library Named Network Library of the Year

Watertown, MA – On Friday, June 19, 2009, Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library was named 2008 Network Library of the Year at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. that featured remarks by Congressman Ed Markey (D-MA, 7th District).

Presented annually by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), of the Library of Congress, this prestigious honor recognizes a library that demonstrates exceptional innovation in providing services, maintains a record of patron satisfaction, and exceeds the American Library Association Revised Standards and Guidelines of Service for the Library of Congress Network of Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library was represented at the award ceremony by Library Director Kim Charlson, Perkins School for the Blind President Steven M. Rothstein, and Commissioner of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Irving Zangwill. Rep. Markey announced that he is introducing a resolution in support of the Braille & Talking Book Library before the U.S. Congress. Members of the staffs of Rep. Michael Capuano and Sen. John Kerry were also in attendance.

Award recipients are nominated by patrons, library staff, or their administering agency’s staff and chosen by committees that include representatives of patron organizations, librarians, and regional leaders of the NLS network. As a tip of the hat to Watertown’s BTBL, musical entertainment included “Old Cape Cod” and “Charlie & the MTA” at the luncheon held at the Library of Congress. For dessert? Boston Cream Pie, of course.

Perkins Library Patron Martha McDonald of Norton, Massachusetts, said, “I was an avid reader until diabetes made this impossible.  Perkins has saved me.  I don’t know what I would do without these talking books.”

Every day, thousands of patrons like Martha who cannot read traditional print rely on services from Perkins Library to keep informed and stay connected with their communities. For many who have a visual impairment or other disability, the library is the sole source of accessible reading materials for study, work, personal enrichment, intellectual development or leisure.

In 2008, Perkins Library launched several exciting and innovative programs to engage patrons of all ages in fun and educational events. “Fenway at Perkins,” a book-and-author event featuring Red Sox baseball legends, delighted Boston sports fans. The library invited patrons to nominate mail carriers who provide exceptional service, and honored them in a celebration that brought guests from across the region. “The Harry Potter Extravaganza” celebrated the simultaneous release of braille and print editions of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.  During the year, the library circulated 442,935 books and magazines and loaned 5,027 playback machines and accessories to 22,814 patrons.

Perkins Library is an ardent promoter of braille literacy and provides teachers, students, and community groups with braille awareness kits of embossed materials and handouts.  Patrons borrow braille writers for short-term use through the Brailler Loan Program, or have their machines repaired through the Brailler Repair Program. In addition to serving patrons in Massachusetts, Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library loans braille books to readers in the District of Columbia, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Click to view a full-size version of the certificate.

 

Below is the Congressional Resolution from Congressman Edward Markey:

Congressional Record: June 19, 2009

Recognizing the Achievements of Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library
Hon. Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts in the house of representatives
Friday, June 19, 2009

Mr. MARKEY of Massachusetts. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Perkins School for the Blind on being recognized by the Library of Congress as the 2008 Talking Book Library of the Year.

Perkins Library patrons dressed for the occasion at the "Harry Potter Extravaganza."

The Perkins School for the Blind, the first school for the blind in the United States, began with its founding over 175 years ago. Within a few short years, Perkins became known for its effective instructional techniques, including teaching Laura Bridgman, the first known deaf blind person to be educated. Perkins School is also responsible for nurturing the talents of Helen Keller, who came to Perkins on her way to breaking down barriers and perceptions about what people who are blind or deaf blind can accomplish.

Since first joining Congress, I've held the deep belief that there is no reason why anyone living in our country should not have equal opportunity to the literary genius of our nation and world. This belief, has led me to support efforts like that of the Perkins School, which always innovate with accessibility in mind.

The Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library, for over 174 years, has distinguished itself as a leader in providing innovative literary accessibility to those amongst us with visual and other disabilities.

In 2008, the Perkins School Braille and Talking Book Library circulated over 442,935 book and magazines, served 22,814 borrowers, and loaned over 5,000 play machines and accessories. The great staff of the Perkins School researched 13,164 title inquiries and found over 89 percent of those titles in an accessible format.

The Perkins School for the Blind should be commended for their tremendous effort to educate not only those with visual and other disabilities, but all of us. Because of the work of institutions like the Perkins School for the Blind, millions of individuals actively learned that with training and opportunity, those with visual and/or other disabilities can attain self-sufficiency and independently thrive throughout their lives.

Madam Speaker, I'm proud to congratulate the Perkins School for the Blind.

Below is a commendation letter from Senator Ted Kennedy:

Commendation from Senator Kennedy

June 12, 2009

Dear Perkins Braille and Talking Books Library,

Warmest congratulations on receiving the Network Library of the Year Award. I commend you for your impressive leadership and innovative work in bringing the joys of reading and learning to the thousands of Americans who use your collection and walk through your doors each year. In so many ways, you are helping to bring hope for a better future for our country as a whole.

More than twenty years ago, I had the honor of speaking before a graduating class of Perkins students. It was very inspiring to see firsthand the amazing potential of physically and mentally challenged individuals to contribute to our nation. Your example encourages us all to try harder to eliminate the barriers that too often hold them back.

With all good wishes for the years ahead and thank you for all you do so well. Continue to see only hope and possibility!

Sincerely,

Edward M. Kennedy

Click to view a full-size version of Kennedy's letter.

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