Update
ISSN 0160-9203
July-September 2001, Vol. 24, No. 3
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped
The Library of Congress


Missouri elementary school students set up studio with
$12,000 grant

A very enterprising group of students from Holman Elementary
School, Berkeley, Missouri, set up a recording studio with a
$12,000 service-learning grant from the Missouri Department
of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
     The students, led by Title I aide Mel Schneider,
supplement the library's audio cassette collection of Show
Me Readers Award books, a reading program for grades one
through three sponsored by the Missouri Association of
School Librarians. They also record excerpts from textbooks
to help other students who have problems with reading.
Students work after school and on Saturday, which means they
donate their own time. The project began last summer with
the receipt of the grant.
     Setting up the studio was an arduous effort. The studio
operations had to meet NLS specifications, which meant that
students had to be narrators, monitors, and reviewers. The
school sound-isolated a small storage closet to use as a
studio. Holman then purchased microphones, computers and
editing software, mixers, and other audio equipment needed
for quality recording. A school district speech pathologist
worked with the students to improve their diction and
enunciation. Susan Ford, a Wolfner patron and volunteer,
critiqued the tapes and helped the students learn to read
slowly and distinctly. 
     The young recorders, who work closely with Wolfner
coordinator of volunteers Deborah Stroup, not only provide a
community service but are becoming stronger readers
themselves, according to Holman principal Judy Bick. To join
the project, students have to demonstrate good grades,
strong reading ability, and excellent behavior. Students who
record books must be patient enough to rerecord lines that
sound jumbled on the computer. They must be willing to
accept criticism from other students, to speak so people can
understand what they say, to pause at commas, and to change
pitch to signal someone talking in a story.
     Doniesha Carter, 12, was unable to read as a second
grader four years ago, but this year in sixth grade, she was
able to join the service project. Carter wants to become a
librarian some day and said she got involved because, "I get
to help other kids not as able as we are to read." Alexia
Cech, a fourth grade student, recently received a Lieutenant
Governor's Service Award for recording Stella Louella's
Runaway Book. 
     The success of the program has received a great deal of
attention. In October, Schneider and Stroup will conduct a
workshop for DESE on how schools can set up their own
recording programs.
(photo caption: Shuron Clark, the Holman student who
recorded the first book on tape, accepts a certificate from
Deborah Stroup, Wolfner coordinator of volunteers, during
Wolfner Library Volunteer Recognition in December 2000.)


Hicks honored for thirty-one years of service

The Alabama Public Library Service Regional Library for the
Blind and Physically Handicapped (ALBPH) used the occasion
of the Take a Talking Book campaign for senior adults to
honor one of its loyal volunteers.
     The campaign was introduced during the quarterly public
library administrators meeting at ALBPH in January. At the
meeting, Bobbie Browning and Mike Watson of BellSouth; Brad
Kormann, chief of the NLS Materials Development Division;
and Fara Zaleski, head of the Alabama regional library,
recognized Fred Hicks for 31 years of volunteer service with
the Telephone Pioneers of America.
     "The Take a Talking Book campaign is a relevant setting
to honor Fred since he has been so dedicated in his service
to keeping our talking-book equipment repaired and in proper
working order," said Zaleski. Kormann presented Hicks with a
plaque from NLS and commended him for his long and faithful
involvement in the nationwide talking-book repair program.
     This three-month public education campaign is designed
to make Alabama citizens aware of the library services
available through ALBPH. Librarians were asked to deliver
press kits that included press releases, cassette radio
spots, and video public service announcements to their local
media. The library also included posters, brochures,
applications, bookmarks, and braille alphabet cards.
(photo caption: Telephone Pioneer Fred Hicks (center) was
recognized for 31 years of volunteer service. He is joined
(left to right) by Bobbie Browning and Mike Watson of
BellSouth; Brad Kormann, chief of the NLS Materials
Development Division; and Fara Zaleski, head of the Alabama
regional library.)
(photo caption: Telephone Pioneer Fred Hicks (center) was
recognized for 31 years of volunteer service. He is joined
(left to right) by Bobbie Browning and Mike Watson of
BellSouth; Brad Kormann, chief of the NLS Materials
Development Division; and Fara Zaleski, head of the Alabama
regional library.)


Advisory committee meets

The National Audio Equipment Advisory Committee (NAEAC)
meeting on April 4-6, 2001, brought together representatives
of consumer groups, repair volunteers, and network
librarians to review the current status of NLS's equipment
manufacturing and repair programs and to discuss the
direction of change for the future. The committee's three
subgroups also developed specific recommendations of
interest to their constituents for consideration by NLS.
     Following welcoming remarks by NLS director Frank Kurt
Cylke and Materials Development Division chief Brad Kormann,
NLS Engineering Section head John Cookson, moderator,
reviewed improvements planned for sound amplifiers,
extension levers, headphones, solar battery chargers, and
other accessories. Quality Assurance Section head Don Smith
summarized concerns in the past year's production and
repairs, giving particular attention to headphones, E-1
repairs, and C-1 repairs. 
     Equipment and materials maintenance coordinator Kevin
Buck and equipment repair officer Kevin Watson updated the
group on volunteer repair operations. They reported that the
Telephone Pioneers alone repaired more than 76,000 playback
machines in the year 2000.
     Repair volunteers discussed concerns about specific
equipment and accessories, as well as the need for timely
information about manufacture and repairs through service
bulletins and manual revisions. The subcommittee also
thanked Watson for his work in setting up an online network
to exchange machine repair information.
     The NAEAC consumer representatives commended NLS
volunteers, librarians, and staff for providing quality
service to blind and handicapped patrons, but they also
urged NLS to improve communication by conducting a survey of
NLS patrons and an orientation to blindness for staff and
sighted NAEAC participants. The representatives also saluted
NLS for its work toward agreements on standards and features
of digital playback machines. Consumers emphasized their
desire to have input in determining features of digital
talking books and playback devices.
     NLS director Frank Kurt Cylke presented six
international visitors to NLS from Russia and Eastern
Europe. The librarians, all specialists in services for
blind and handicapped patrons in their home countries, were
at NLS for a two-month introduction to their American
counterparts and to the system that provides library
services to blind and handicapped patrons in a democratic
setting. The visits are part of an annual program at the
Library of Congress, sponsored by the Soros Foundation,
which was established to help strengthen civil institutions
in fledgling democracies of the former Soviet Union and
Eastern Europe.


Telephone Pioneer named Volunteer of the Week 

Jerry Adamson, a Telephone Pioneer, was named Volunteer of
the Week by the Rock Island Argus (Illinois) daily
newspaper. The Moline, Illinois, resident was selected for
the week of April 9, 2001, and featured in the Life section
of the paper. He was nominated for the honor by fellow
Pioneer Dick Edlund who wrote: "I would like to nominate a
person who is a volunteer to the entire community, Jerrold
Adamson."
     "Long before he retired as a supervisor at Ameritech,
he was freely giving time and efforts to many causes--PTA,
Indian Guides, fundraising, and driving school kids to shoe
stores to fit them with new shoes. He has helped to put up
Christmas lights along Ben Butterworth Parkway and helped
with organizing Relay for Life.
     "But his big project and love is to work on and lead a
group of retired volunteers repairing cassette players
provided by the government to the vision-impaired people of
the area. He will probably never turn down a request from
someone to provide a helping hand. He truly gives freely of
himself."
     Upon receiving the recognition, Adamson commented, "I
am proud to volunteer for the Telephone Pioneers, a group
that was founded in 1911 to answer the call of those in
need. 
     "Basically, it's a national project to repair cassette
players used for talking books for blind readers. Locally,
we have about 20 people helping.
     "In addition to repairing the cassette players, we help
with other community projects, including Special Olympics
events and books for inner-city school kids to promote
reading and self-awareness."


Volunteers master new skills

During the months of March through May 2001, certificates in
braille transcribing were awarded to forty persons. Thirty-
five of those were awarded in literary braille transcribing,
four in mathematics braille transcribing, and one in
mathematics braille proofreading.

LITERARY BRAILLE TRANSCRIBERS

Alabama
Rachel Yvette Jay, Athens

Arizona
Stacy D. Carnes, Florence
Lori Michelle Kirsop, Youngtown
David Klein, Scottsdale
Andrew Padilla, Florence

California
Phillip R. Alva, Folsom
Lois Anderson, Palo Alto
Yolanda Bennett, Concord
Nancy J. Bray, Concord
Jerry Gallo, Folsom
Martha G. Green, Long Beach
Linda L. Gregson, Chino Hills
Diane L. Spence, Anaheim

Connecticut
James J. Semaan, Cheshire
Jeffrey Kaye Walker, Cheshire

Delaware
Freeda M. Rigby, Dover

Florida
Riki Greenbaum, St. Petersburg

Minnesota
Jennifer M. Dunnam, Minneapolis
Steven M. Westbrook, Duluth

Nebraska
Mark A. Schnabel, Lincoln

Nevada
Kent W. Hansen, Las Vegas
Charles Sanford, Las Vegas
Danny Andrew Young Sr., Las Vegas

New Jersey
Sara W. Livingston, Glen Rock
Ruth J. Pianin, Fairfield

New York
Ruth Barwick, New Hartford
Benjamin Patterson, Napanoch
Lenore E. Putinas, Medina

Ohio
Thomas Schoonover, Grafton

Pennsylvania
Mary G. Carney, White Oak

South Dakota
Lorenzo Benallie, Sioux Falls
Paul E. Hunter, Yankton

Texas
Kathy T. Haskins, Gatesville
Jan Wilcox, Cypress

Virginia
Peggy R. Gross, Richmond

MATHEMATICS BRAILLE TRANSCRIBERS
Marianne Y. Barnes, Sacramento, California
David J. Borg, Florence, Arizona
Rick D. Killman, Carlisle, Indiana
Susan L. Yoshida, Fairport, New York

MATHEMATICS BRAILLE PROOFREADER
John M. Romeo, Newton, Iowa


Braille student-instructor dialog

The Braille Development Section receives numerous questions
concerning a variety of problems in braille transcribing.
This article addresses some of them. The question-and-answer
format is intended to give clarity. 

Student: I am working on my thirty-five-page trial
manuscript for Library of Congress certification. According
to the new 2000 edition of the Instruction Manual for
Braille Transcribing, words should not be divided between
braille pages. However, Section 5A of the official code,
English Braille American Edition, 1994, says that words may
be divided between braille pages. Would you clarify this for
me?
Instructor: Certainly. Although Section 5A of the official
code says that a word may be divided between braille pages,
the Library of Congress does not recommend it. This position
is based on two main factors. In print, words are rarely
divided between pages. In addition, many braille readers
feel that reading comprehension is hindered when words are
divided between braille pages. Also note that many agencies
and braille transcribing groups set their own guidelines
regarding word division at the end of the braille line and
between braille pages. 

Student: Since the official code says that I may divide
words between braille pages, will points be deducted from my
score as long as I divide them correctly?    
Instructor: No. If a word is syllabified correctly between
braille pages, points will not be deducted.

Student: The new instruction manual also recommends that a
beginning or ending single-letter syllable not be separated
from the rest of the word. Therefore, words such as "away,"
"around," and "body" need not be divided between braille
lines. However, I assume that if my dictionary shows the
division of such words, it is still permissible to divide
them at the end of the braille line. 
Instructor: Absolutely. Most publishers and dictionaries do
not separate a beginning or ending single-letter syllable
from the rest of the word--and it is recommended that
braille follow this practice. Once again, however, as long
as a word is divided correctly between braille lines, points
will not be deducted from the score on your trial
manuscript. Keep in mind that if a prefix or suffix is added
to such words as "away" or "body," the division should be
made. Examples: "give-a-way," "bod-y-guard."

Student: The 1984 edition of the instruction manual
recommended Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary for
the braille transcribing course. Unfortunately, this edition
has been out of print for quite some time. Does the 2000
edition of the instruction manual recommend a specific
dictionary to be used? 
Instructor: This is a question that is asked frequently by
students and braille transcribers. The new 2000 edition of
the instruction manual says that any reputable collegiate
dictionary less than ten years old may be used. Remember
when selecting a dictionary to make sure that it shows word
divisions. On occasion, major dictionaries differ on where a
word is divided. Be sure to send a braille note identifying
the dictionary used when submitting a lesson or a trial
manuscript to the Library of Congress for evaluation.

Student: I understand that the Braille Enthusiast's
Dictionary is a good source for dividing words. Is this
true?
Instructor: Definitely. The Braille Enthusiast's Dictionary
is not only an excellent source for dividing words, it also
shows the braille contractions that are used in these words.
The address for purchasing the Braille Enthusiast's
Dictionary is:

SCALARS Publishing 
P.O. Box 382834
Germantown, TN 38183-2834
(901) 737-0001
<www.scalarspublishing.com>

Student: I have just completed Lesson Ten in the braille
transcribing course. In Sentence 42, I divided the word
"blinded" at the end of the braille line according to
Section 11.5 of the 2000 edition of the instruction manual.
However, I was told that the entire word should have been
written on a new braille line. Would you tell me which is
correct? 
Instructor: Both section 47F of the official code and
Section 11.5 of the 2000 edition of the instruction manual
say that the short form words for "after," "blind," or
"friend" should not be used when followed by a vowel because
they then take on the appearance of another word. For
instance, if the short form for "blind" is used in
"blinded," the word is read as "bled." However, the short
form may be used when followed by a consonant or a hyphen in
a divided word. In Sentence 42, there is room to divide the
word "blinded" at the end of the braille line; thus, the
short form for "blind" should be used.


Meetings

National Braille Association
(NBA) Fall Regional Meeting and Workshops, the DoubleTree
Hotel, Sacramento, California; Thursday, October 25-
Saturday, October 27, 2001
     Spring Regional Meeting and Workshops, Holiday Inn Old
Town, Alexandria, Virginia; Thursday, April 11-Saturday,
April 13, 2002
     Fall Regional Meeting and Workshops, Marriott Hotel,
Overland Park, Kansas; Thursday, October 17-Saturday,
October 19, 2002 
     Twenty-seventh National Conference and Workshops,
Radisson Hotel, Middleburg Heights, Ohio (Cleveland
surburb); Thursday, May 1-Saturday, May 3, 2003
     For more information about these meetings, contact
National Braille Association, Three Townline Circle,
Rochester, NY 14623-2513; (716) 427-8260; web site:
<www.nationalbraille.org>.

California Transcribers and Educators of the Visually
Handicapped (CTEVH)
CTEVH XLIII Annual Conference, hotel TBA, San Diego,
California; Friday, March 15-Sunday, March 17, 2002
     For more information about this meeting, contact CTEVH,
741 North Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90029-3594, (323)
666-2211; web site:
<http://edtech.sdcs.k12.ca.us/epd/ctevhhome.html>.

Visual Aid Volunteers of Florida (VAVF)
VAVF 2002 Conference of Volunteers, hotel TBA, St.
Petersburg, Florida; May 2002 dates TBA
     For more information about this meeting, contact Peggy
Rogaski, 1780 Leyburn Court, Jacksonville, FL 32223-5006;
(904) 262-6705; e-mail <braillejax@aol.com>.


Lewis named Outstanding Volunteer

Robert Lewis, a volunteer at the Pittsburgh Regional Library
for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH) since the
1970s, received the Outstanding Volunteer in Senior Service
Award from the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
of Allegheny County last October.
     Lewis logs in approximately 32 hours of volunteer
service each week. A member of the Telephone Pioneers of
America, he dedicates about 18 hours weekly to repairing
cassette players. Overall, Lewis has donated more than 5,000
hours of service to LBPH. In addition, he prepares lunches
for the Meals on Wheels program, raises money for a
volunteer fire company, and installs Personal Alert systems
for elderly residents.


Wolfner Library recognizes volunteers

The first Wolfner Library Volunteer Recognition was held in
the James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Building on
Sunday afternoon, December 10, 2000. The lobby was decked
out in holiday garb, as were the guests. Several members of
the Wolfner staff "volunteered" to entertain the volunteers
in appreciation for their hard work during the past year. 
     Performers included Debbie Musselman, public service
librarian, and her son, Daniel; Ozzie Withers, automation
coordinator; Nancy Doering, youth services librarian; and
Ann Roberts, wife of director Richard Smith.
     Volunteers were given Certificates of Appreciation.
Doris Dulle, who works in the tape-duplication department,
also received a 100-hour pin. She is the first Wolfner
volunteer to reach this milestone. "The work of the Wolfner
volunteers really makes a difference in our library service.
We are proud of all of them and especially the achievement
of Doris Dulle," said Deborah Stroup, coordinator of
volunteers.


Say How? author retires from NLS

Ray Hagen, longtime narrator in the NLS Recording Studio,
hung up his headphones in early August of this year.
     Hagen began his career in 1973 as a narrator, later
taking on monitoring and reviewing assignments. He also
served as studio director from 1974 to 1977. Hagen has
recorded more than 400 books during his career. He
contributed his first column to this publication in 1993. In
1997, his column became a regular feature, for which he
received many accolades.
     The narrator is also known for compiling the
pronunciation guide Say How? and a pronunciation guide to
commercial names, The ABC Book. Both were distributed to all
studios that record talking books.
(photo caption: Ray Hagen)


Norma L. Schecter receives Veale Award

Norma L. Schecter, advisor, braille instructor, and resource
consultant for the Beach Cities Braille Guild, Inc., in
California, was the year 2000 recipient of the James H.
(Jim) Veale Humanitarian Award. The award is presented each
year by the Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind to a
sighted person "for contributions to the well-being of blind
people." Michael Mellor, editor of the magazine, presented
the plaque to Schecter in January 2001. 
     Upon receiving the award Schecter stated, "It's nice,
in my eighties, to receive recognition for my lifetime
dedication to braille. No two ways about it--braille has
enriched my life immeasurably, both in the stimulation of
its many challenges and in the friendships of so many
remarkable people it has brought me. I owe much more to
braille and the blindness community than it owes to me!"
     The Ziegler magazine, founded in 1907, is the longest-
published and most widely read general publication for blind
persons. This is the third year the Humanitarian Award has
been presented. Says Mellor, "This is a small gesture, but I
can think of no one who deserves it more. She is a true
advocate for blind people."


Senior Elfun Talking-Book Repair Program celebrates
milestone
In its first quarter 2001 report, the Cincinnati Chapter of
the Elfun Society announced the shipping of its 30,000th
repaired machine on February 23, 2001. The machine was sent
to Judith Bow at the Ohio State Library. The Elfuns
commemorated the occasion by sharing four decorated cakes--
one for each shift of the volunteer repair team. 
     In a letter to Richard Meyer and Bernie Burdick, co-
leaders of the Elfuns' Cincinnati Chapter Talking-Book
Repair Program, Brad Kormann, chief of the NLS Materials
Development Division, thanked and commended the Cincinnati
Elfuns for their diligent efforts on behalf of the talking-
book repair program. "NLS is most appreciative and highly
impressed with the 122,151 GE Cincinnati Elfun volunteer
hours spent in support of talking-book repair." 
     Kormann also recognized the Elfuns for contributing
great ideas. He noted that Elfun Bob Smith provided NLS with
some excellent repair suggestions during the NLS National
Audio Equipment Advisory Committee meeting. "He is a
valuable member of the committee," Kormann said.
     The first quarter 2001 report also contained other
significant accomplishments of the Senior Elfun Talking-Book
Repair Program volunteers. The group repaired and shipped
1,012 cassette players, repaired 282 amplifier boards,
repaired 47 jack boards, rejuvenated 1,012 batteries, and
fabricated 352 running-time modules for installation in C-1
machines. By the end of the quarter, the group had exceeded
its goal with a total of 30,508 machines repaired and
shipped. This generous contribution of service represents an
estimated savings of $50,424.


Georgia library joins "Hands-On Atlanta Day"

"Hands-On Atlanta Day"--one of the largest, single-day
volunteer efforts in the country--brought together more than
14,000 volunteers to make Atlanta a better place on October
7, 2000. Throughout the city, volunteers completed more than
200 service projects--from beautifying local parks, to
painting and renovating schools, to preparing meals for
homeless people. 
     The Georgia Regional Library for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped (LBPH) was one of the 200
organizations that benefited from this program. For four
hours, 33 volunteers helped with shelving and "pulling"
books, placing bar codes on new books, inspecting and
rewinding returned books, shelf reading, repairing cassette
tapes, repairing cassette machines, and general cleaning.
     The volunteers and staff enjoyed an affable day and
much needed work was accomplished at the library. The day
ended with a gathering at Centennial Olympic Park
celebrating the tremendous contributions the volunteers made
to their community.
(photo caption: Volunteer Jim Stetson, library staff member
and volunteer coordinator Denise Allen, and library staff
member Denise Henderson stand in front of posters listing
"Hands-On Atlanta Day" tasks at the Georgia regional
library.)


Telephone Pioneers coordinator visits library

Hazel Day, Region 16 Telephone Pioneers coordinator for NLS,
presented a framed Certificate of Appreciation to Telephone
Pioneers during a recent visit to the North Carolina Library
for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH).
     "Though we worked closely and were great friends with
her predecessor, Walt Alfred, this was the first time the
LBPH had received a visit from an NLS Telephone Pioneers
coordinator," said Hubert Griffith, processing supervisor. 
     On hand to greet Day and her husband, "Red," were
machine unit volunteers Will G. Martin (president), Jim
Howard, C.C. Hudson, and James A. Hutchins. Also present
were head librarian Francine Martin, volunteer director Gary
Ray, and machine-unit staffers Steve Davis, Moses Garner
Jr., Hubert Griffith, and Tamara Merritt. "Thanks to all who
participated with giving the Days more insight into the
LBPH's successful repair program," said Griffith. 
     Griffith presented a brief history about the machine
unit and the resurgence of the Pioneers at the LBPH, then
Gary Ray gave the Days a tour of the LBPH. They also
discussed equipment repair, exchanged ideas, and viewed
gadgets with the Pioneers and saw a demonstration of the
LBPH's automated inventory system (KLAS) designed by
Keystone Systems and new software (MS Access) for
maintaining the parts inventory. 
     Day complimented the Pioneers and staff for the
invaluable work they do. The Pioneers and staff were very
pleased by the visit from Day and impressed by her knowledge
of the service.
     "We look forward to working with Ms. Day and
corresponding with her as soon as she gets her NLS computer
online," Griffith concluded.


New York machine-repair persons get overview of talking-book
program

"An experienced group of volunteers received a really good
picture of why they do what they do," noted Mike Romeling,
machine supervisor, about the machine-repair workshop
recently held in Albany, New York. Telephone Pioneers from
Albany, Binghamton, Utica, and Glen Falls and Elfuns from
Schenectady and Utica attended the workshop.
     Hosted by the New York State Talking Book and Braille
Library (NYSTBBL), the annual Volunteer Machine Repair
Workshop opened with a welcome session. It included remarks
from talking-book patron, Kathy Casey, who explained why she
valued the talking-book program.
     She was followed by representatives from the NLS
Engineering Section--Kevin Watson, equipment repair officer,
and Raouf Amin, senior staff engineer. The two shared
information about changes in the machine-repair program.
They also led a spirited discussion centered on questions
from the machine-repair volunteers.
     "It gave people a chance to voice their concerns," said
Romeling. After lunch, the volunteers were taken on a tour,
which featured a demonstration of the library's new
automated materials handling system. Developed over the past
several years and now nearing completion, the system will
enable the library to increase book circulation. It will
also eliminate much of the repetitive and awkward manual
labor formerly done by staff members. The machinery will
allow staff to take on more satisfying and much-needed
projects.
(photo caption: G.E. Senior Elfuns with Jane Somers, Albany,
New York, regional librarian (sixth from right), and NLS
staffers Raouf Amin (third from left) and Kevin Watson
(fourth from left))
(photo caption: New York State Talking Book and Braille
Library director Jane Somers with Telephone Pioneers Bob
Koch and Charles Glennon and machine supervisor Mike
Romeling)


Access Services volunteer receives award 

Volunteer Fairfax, the Fairfax County (Virginia) Volunteer
Center, presented Hannah Lederman, age 89 and visually
impaired, with the Senior Volunteer Award during a ceremony
held at the McLean Hilton Hotel April 24, 2001. She was one
of eleven honorees chosen from more than 200 outstanding
volunteer leaders in the community.
     Lederman, avid patron of the talking-book program,
travels by MetroAccess to the Fairfax County Public Library,
Library Access Services, in the Government Center, every
week, in all kinds of weather. 
     Lederman has contributed more than 500 volunteer hours
helping to process tapes so that others can enjoy them.
According to Carole McElvain, her supervisor, Lederman is
faster at this than "youngsters in their 50s, 60s, and 70s!"
     In a letter, NLS director Frank Kurt Cylke complimented
the active senior citizen for her extraordinary efforts:
     Congratulations! It is wonderful to know that the
Fairfax County Public Library honored you with their Senior
Volunteer Award. You are a role-model for me. As a
'youngster'--according to Carole McElvain--I can only hope
to come close to your dedication.
(photo caption: Hannah Lederman on duty at Access Services)


Library of Michigan holds recognition luncheon

The United Nations established 2001 as the International
Year of Volunteers to promote the vital role that volunteers
play in communities throughout the world. The United States
has been celebrating National Volunteer Week since President
Richard Nixon signed an executive order in 1974. This year,
the Points of Light Foundation and the Volunteer Center
National Network declared the theme, "Change the World--
Volunteer!" and the United States observed National
Volunteer Week April 22-28.
     The Library of Michigan Service for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped celebrated its volunteers on
Thursday, April 26, by hosting a volunteer recognition.
Maggie Bacon, regional librarian, acknowledged that "the
Library of Michigan network of libraries for the blind and
physically handicapped has more than 80 volunteers
statewide. These volunteers perform a wide variety of tasks:
narrating books and magazines on tape, cleaning and
repairing talking-book equipment, repairing cassettes,
answering telephones, and advising us on service issues as
well as advocating for the service. We rely on them locally,
statewide, and nationally to provide the quality of service
that our patrons have come to expect."
     The program boasted opening remarks from the deputy
state librarian Jo Budler and Joan Bauer, director of
volunteer services for Ingham Regional Medical Center and
member of the Lansing city council. NLS volunteer/government
information specialist Freddie Peaco was also on hand to
present the awards. 
     The highlight of the program was the recognition of
retiring narrator Margaret Hendrix with a plaque to honor
her 23 years of service. All volunteers received
certificates of appreciation and tote bags silk-screened
with the words "Volunteers Are Shining Stars."
(photo caption: Desirae Kato, volunteer services
coordinator, presents Margaret Hendrix with an award for 23
years of narrating at the Library of Michigan Service for
the Blind and Physically Handicapped.)


Thirtieth anniversary of New Hampshire library

In October 2000, the New Hampshire regional library
commemorated its thirtieth anniversary serving blind and
physically handicapped persons in the state. The
celebration, held in the State Capitol Building, began with
a proclamation from Governor Jeanne Shaheen. 
     In recognizing Eileen Keim, supervising librarian, and
the New Hampshire State Library Talking-Book Service for 30
years of service each, Carolyn Hoover Sung, chief of the NLS
Network Division, presented a historic overview. She
recalled, "In March of 1970, under the direction of Eileen
Keim, service was initiated for 525 blind and physically
handicapped New Hampshire readers who had been served by the
Massachusetts regional library. That year, Richard Nixon was
president, Xerox machines were old technology--having been
around since 1960--but personal computers (microcomputers)
were ten years in the future."
     Sung noted that the library accepted machine-lending
responsibilities in the early 1970s. "With it the Telephone
Pioneers, some of whom we are honoring today, began
supporting the regional library. This year marks the
fortieth anniversary of the natural partnership between NLS
and the Telephone Pioneers."
     The Network Division chief continued, "The New
Hampshire library eventually moved from its first home in
the surplus property warehouse at 12 Hills Avenue to the
Walker building, a much larger space. In fact, the Walker
building was so large that Keim is reported to have worn
roller skates when working in the stacks so that she could
quickly return to the office to answer the telephone. The
library later moved into its present location, and Keim was
able to hang up her skates." 
     Keim further applied her creativity to expanding
library service. She maintained a volunteer recording
program for a number of years, which made New Hampshire the
first program to record and distribute Yankee magazine. Sung
said, "Even after the local recording was discontinued the
library acquired, duplicated, and distributed magazines
recorded elsewhere until the tape duplication equipment was
no longer usable."
     Sung commended the library, which serves 2,525 readers
with talking books, large-print books, and descriptive
videos. "While this library has remained small in comparison
to some regional libraries in other states, it has never
lost its focus on personalized service to readers. Such
service has been a hallmark of this library since its
inception and provides a firm foundation for future service.
The person we have to thank for that is Eileen Keim." She
concluded, "Eileen, I salute you."
     Michael York, state librarian, expressed appreciation
for the retiring librarian and acknowledged the support of
library volunteers. New Hampshire Verizon president J.
Michael Hickey honored the Telephone Pioneers for their
service with Certificates of Appreciation. York and Sung
presented certificates to the other service volunteers.
(photo caption: The New Hampshire repair group received
recognition from the state library for 30 years of service.)


California hosts workshops for volunteers 

Forty-two California machine-repair volunteers received tips
on improving service, conducting testing, and solving
various types of repair problems during two workshops held
in March.
     Organized by John Brewster, information technology
manager at the Braille Institute Library in Los Angeles, the
workshops were conducted by Kevin Buck, materials
maintenance coordinator, and Kevin Watson, equipment repair
officer, both from NLS. 
     The first workshop was held at the Los Angeles Sight
Center. Braille Institute Library director Henry C. Chang
welcomed the 21 Pioneers and independent volunteers who
participated.
     Twenty volunteers attended the second event at the San
Diego workshop, which was held at the Telephone Pioneers
Repair Center. 
     All the volunteers who participated said the program
was worthwhile and very informative.
(photo caption: Library director Henry C. Chang welcomes
participants during the machine-repair workshop in Los
Angeles, California.)


Update is published quarterly by:
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped
Library of Congress
Washington, DC 20542
Correspondence should be addressed to Publications and Media
Section.

Coordinating editor: Freddie Peaco
Publication editor: Jane Caulton
Braille student-instructor dialog: John Wilkinson