As part of its braille modernization initiative, the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) has launched a Braille-on-Demand project. This project will allow our active library patrons to request and receive up to one hard-copy braille title per month to keep for personal use. To be clear, this does not replace normal braille circulation, but is a way to get a permanent copy of a title you will re-read many times, like a cookbook or your child’s favorite bedtime story.
NLS must have an electronic version of a title in order to emboss it, so requested titles will be limited to braille books that are currently available on BARD. Some older titles may not be available. The maximum number of books you may request is one per month. Only complete titles will be distributed. Please be considerate and only request those books you intend to read multiple times and have room to store.
The form to request a braille-on-demand book can be found linked from https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NLSbrailleondemand. Patrons may complete the form themselves or contact their network library for assistance. They may also contact NLS Reference at nlsref@loc.gov for assistance in completing the form.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
515-281-1323
library@blind.state.ia.us
Denise Bean, Youth Service Librarian, is providing an amazing program throughout the year through a great partnership with Iowa’s public libraries. Denise shares the program When Story Time Comes to You in public libraries providing participants of all ages with a fun introduction to braille, the story of Louis Braille, hands-on activities and games. Participants are provided with braille activities to take home and public libraries are provided with braille information and a print/braille book to add to their collection. Check out the Library’s Events Calendar for programs dates.
Upcoming Locations for When Story Time Comes to You:
May 18th at 9:30am – Osage Public Library
May 25th at 1:00pm – Delhi Public Library
June 1st at 10:00am – Ericson Public Library (Boone)
June 7th at 10:00am – Winterset Public Library
June 14th at 10:00am – Grimes Public Library
June 21st at 3:00pm – Hawkins Memorial Library (La Porte City)
June 28th at 2:00pm – Greenfield Public Library
July 5th at 10:30am – Manchester Public Library
July 12th at 10:00am – Eldora Public Library
July 26th at 10:30am – Carnegie-Evans Public Library (Albia)
For more information please contact Denise Bean at denise.bean@blind.state.ia.us or 515-452-1338
To help us celebrate the 2022 Iowa Regional Braille Challenge that was held in February and to promote braille literacy, we worked with local, small business The Side Garage to create a shirt around the theme The Magic of Braille.
The T-shirts are available again to order through the Online Store until Sunday, April 3, 2022. The t-shirts will be shipped directly to you.
All shirts are crew neck and short sleeved. Shirts are heather black with gold lettering. The front of the t-shirt says in print: The Magic of Braille, with a graphic of a cauldron with books piled on top surrounded by stars. The back of the t-shirt says, The Magic of Braille, in braille. All sizing is unisex and all shirts are $20.00.
All proceeds from the t-shirt sales will benefit the Friends of the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped and future Braille Challenges.
Thank you for your support!
Join the Library and the Iowa Department for the Blind at the Des Moines Book Festival on Saturday, March 26th at Capital Square in Downtown Des Moines from 9:00am – 7:00pm. For more information about the DSM Book Festival: https://www.dsmpartnership.com/dsmbookfestival/
The library will be hosting programs for adults and families:
- 12:00pm: That All May Read: Intro to Braille Hands-On Worksho
- 2:00pm: The Story of Braille: stories and hands-on activities in the Just for Kids Room
We will also have a table throughout the day, so stop by!
The DSM Book Festival connects people who love books with the people who create them.
We are taking The Magic of Braille to the Des Moines Book Festival today!
The Magic of Braille T-shirts will be available to purchase starting today through April 4th in our online store.
Link to Online Store
All shirts are crew neck and short sleeved. Shirts are heather black with gold lettering. The front of the t-shirt says in print: The Magic of Braille, with a graphic of a cauldron with books piled on top surrounded by stars. The back of the t-shirt says, The Magic of Braille, in Braille. All sizing is unisex and all shirts are $20.00. The t-shirts will be mailed directly to you. We are pleased to work with local, small business The Side Garage.
All proceeds from the t-shirt sales will benefit the Friends of the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped who help fund library programs.
And join the Library and the Iowa Department for the Blind at the Des Moines Book Festival today at Capital Square in Downtown Des Moines from 9:00am – 7:00pm. For more information about the DSM Book Festival: https://www.dsmpartnership.com/dsmbookfestival/
The library will be hosting programs for adults and families:
- 12:00pm: That All May Read: Intro to Braille Hands-On Workshop
- 2:00pm: The Story of Braille: stories and hands-on activities in the Just for Kids Room
We will also have a table throughout the day, so stop by!
The DSM Book Festival connects people who love books with the people who create them.
Join the Library and the Iowa Department for the Blind at the Des Moines Book Festival on Saturday, March 26th at Capital Square in Downtown Des Moines from 9:00am – 7:00pm. For more information about the DSM Book Festival: https://www.dsmpartnership.com/dsmbookfestival/
The library will be hosting programs for adults and families:
- 12:00pm: That All May Read: Intro to Braille Hands-On Workshop
- 2:00pm: The Story of Braille: stories and hands-on activities in the Just for Kids Room
We will also have a table throughout the day, so stop by!
The DSM Book Festival connects people who love books with the people who create them.
