30 June 2010

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), a division of the Library of Congress, has named Virginia Beach’s Special Services Library as the 2009 Network Subregional Library of the Year for outstanding service to the blind and physically handicapped.

NLS presented the award, which includes a $1,000 cash prize, at a luncheon ceremony on Friday, June 18, in the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Pamela Brown, senior and disability services librarian, accepted the award on behalf of Special Services Library. Virginia Beach Public Library Director Marcy Sims and Bayside & Special Services Library Manager Carolyn Caywood also attended the ceremony.

“We're proud to partner with the Virginia Beach Special Services Library,” said Richard Sorey, Norfolk regional manager of the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired. “The staff does a phenomenal job and our customers are very appreciative of the service.” 

The Special Services Library was noted for its innovative programs for the visually impaired, including a field trip to the Contemporary Art Center, where two artists prepared exhibits to be enjoyed through touch, as well as numerous events to help those with vision impairments and their loved ones. The Special Services Library circulated 35,419 items to 905 customers in 2009. 

NLS administers the free library program that loans materials to residents of the United States and citizens living abroad who are unable to read or use standard print materials because of visual or physical handicaps. Materials loaned include Braille and recorded books and magazines, music scores in Braille and large print, and specially designed playback equipment.

For more information, contact Christine Brantley at (757) 385-4354