(Santa Fe, N.M) –Throughout this year, New Mexico State Library’s Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH) celebrates 50 years of continuous service to New Mexico’s visually impaired, physically handicapped, or disabled readers. The celebratory year will highlight this special program offered by LBPH to blind and physically handicapped patrons, as well as all the special individuals that have delivered excellent service through the years.
On October 25th at 11:00AM, LBPH will commemorate this with a 50th Anniversary luncheon event, inviting the many special volunteers, supporters, and advocates of the program. Attendees will include representatives from the National Library Service and the New Mexico Commission for the Blind.
Established in 1967, the New Mexico Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped delivers reading materials, enriching the lives of visually or physically impaired New Mexicans. The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) coordinated the beginning of the program in Santa Fe in the same year as the opening of the then State Library building next to the Roundhouse Capital Building. Part of a national network coordinated by the Library of Congress, LBPH is one of 56 regional libraries.
Each year, LBPH meets the needs of nearly 3,000 New Mexico citizens, and delivers over 120,000 items through mailed and downloadable audible books. Beyond books, LBPH has been a connecting point for both volunteers and patrons. Through its reader’s advisory service, patrons can call and talk to volunteers or staff, who make personalized recommendations based on the patron’s individual interests.
“For some of our patrons, reaching a familiar, kind voice over the phone at LBPH is such an important part of the service. Not only do they get to discuss what they’d like to read, but they also get a chance to reflect and share their own story with someone. And our fantastic staff and volunteers make those moments of connection happen,” shares Tim Donahue, LBPH Outreach Librarian.
LBPH’s longest registered patron is Maria Briggs of Socorro, and has been a patron since 1968. “Services are great! People are great and I love everyone that works there!” At age 94, Ms. Briggs still receives Braille magazines in the mail from LBPH. Richard Andaloza of Alamogordo has been a regular patron since 1969. “It’s been really good being with you. You have always taken care of me. I don’t know when I ordered a book you didn’t have. It’s been super,” he says.
During the event, volunteers and Friends of the Library will be recognized for their generous contributions, including reader’s advisory service, contributions to recording local books, and for fundraising efforts. To learn more about LBPH’s programs, please visit nmstatelibrary.org or by call 1-800-456-5515.
About the New Mexico State Library
The mission of the New Mexico State Library is to provide leadership that empowers libraries to support the educational, economic, and health goals of their communities. The State Library also delivers direct library and information services to those who need them. The State Library supports research, life-long learning, and cultural enrichment for all New Mexicans. The New Mexico State Library is a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.