December 2000

Focus on Volunteers

We want to give a big "thank you" to the approximately 50 Telephone Pioneers throughout Michigan that help us keep working machines in the hands of our patrons. Since about 1950, Pioneer groups have been linking up with local libraries for the blind and physically handicapped to repair disc and cassette players, as well peripheral equipment such as headphones. They provide a vital contribution to the goal of reaching and serving eligible patrons by ensuring that we have enough equipment in working order that patrons never have to wait for a repair on their machine, as we can simply replace it for them. The Pioneers receive no remuneration whatsoever for their long hours - long years, in many cases!

Congratulations to the Oakland County Library for the Visually and Physically Impaired (LVPI) Telephone Pioneers for their receipt of the JC Penney Local Golden Rule Award Program. The JCPenney Golden Rule Award was established in 1982 to recognize, reward and encourage outstanding volunteer efforts in selected communities across the country. The LBVI librarian, Betty Ramey, nominated the group for this year's award.

Focus on Ski for Light

Ski for Light, an international, week-long cross-crountry skiing event that pairs visually and mobility impaired skiers with non-disabled guides, will be held this year in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The event is scheduled to take place from January 21 through January 28, 2001. If you would like more information, please contact: George D. Bianculli at 1-612-827-3232.

Focus on Our New Web Page!

We've got a new look! Our new web page, with more links and information than ever before now includes a link entitled "Looking for a Good Book to Read?" Follow that link and you will find a listing of the Treasury of Good Reading, Oprah's Book Club Selections, and even a listing of staff picks.

Your comments and suggestions for improving or changing this new site are welcome.

Focus on Service

We want to extend our best wishes to all of you for the upcoming holiday season. Below is a list of dates during the months of December and January when SBPH will be closed. Please don't hesitate to call us early in

December to stock up on books for the long winter nights ahead!

December 22 and 25 - Christmas Holiday
December 29 and January 1 - New Year's Holiday
January 15 - Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday

Library of Michigan, Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

Call: 517-373-5614

Toll-Free: 1-800-992-9012

Internet: http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,1607,7-154-28077_54234---,00.html 

Eligibility: Anyone unable to hold or read regular printed materials may receive this free service.

Services:

• Recorded books: records, and cassettes
• Books in Braille
• Described videotapes

Materials:

• Fiction and nonfiction
• Adult and children's books
• General interest magazines

Gifts and Bequests:

• May be sent to the Library of Michigan Foundation