This week we are celebrating National Friends of Libraries Week. Our Friends group supports our library in so many ways. In 2016, the Friends of the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, provided $11,000 to assist our library. The funds allowed the library to purchase early literacy materials for the collection; including early reader braille and audio books, activity kits, games and more. These funds will also be used to develop early literacy programs. Funds were also used to purchase digital cartridges, large print titles for the collection and to fund various programs throughout the year.
In 2015, the Friends provided the funding to purchase a 3D printer for the library. The 
printer has been used to create 3D tactiles to be used by students and patrons. This summer, 3D tactiles were printed for an astronomy program for teens. These included 3D models of comets, space craft, space shuttle, Mars terrain and more. These 3D tactiles will soon be added to the library’s collection and be made available for checkout. Watch for more information soon.
For more information about the Friends of the Iowa
Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped visit their website, http://www.iafriendslibraryfortheblind.org/