Update ISSN 0160-9203 July-September 2001, Vol. 24, No. 3 National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped The Library of Congress Missouri elementary school students set up studio with $12,000 grant A very enterprising group of students from Holman Elementary School, Berkeley, Missouri, set up a recording studio with a $12,000 service-learning grant from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The students, led by Title I aide Mel Schneider, supplement the library's audio cassette collection of Show Me Readers Award books, a reading program for grades one through three sponsored by the Missouri Association of School Librarians. They also record excerpts from textbooks to help other students who have problems with reading. Students work after school and on Saturday, which means they donate their own time. The project began last summer with the receipt of the grant. Setting up the studio was an arduous effort. The studio operations had to meet NLS specifications, which meant that students had to be narrators, monitors, and reviewers. The school sound-isolated a small storage closet to use as a studio. Holman then purchased microphones, computers and editing software, mixers, and other audio equipment needed for quality recording. A school district speech pathologist worked with the students to improve their diction and enunciation. Susan Ford, a Wolfner patron and volunteer, critiqued the tapes and helped the students learn to read slowly and distinctly. The young recorders, who work closely with Wolfner coordinator of volunteers Deborah Stroup, not only provide a community service but are becoming stronger readers themselves, according to Holman principal Judy Bick. To join the project, students have to demonstrate good grades, strong reading ability, and excellent behavior. Students who record books must be patient enough to rerecord lines that sound jumbled on the computer. They must be willing to accept criticism from other students, to speak so people can understand what they say, to pause at commas, and to change pitch to signal someone talking in a story. Doniesha Carter, 12, was unable to read as a second grader four years ago, but this year in sixth grade, she was able to join the service project. Carter wants to become a librarian some day and said she got involved because, "I get to help other kids not as able as we are to read." Alexia Cech, a fourth grade student, recently received a Lieutenant Governor's Service Award for recording Stella Louella's Runaway Book. The success of the program has received a great deal of attention. In October, Schneider and Stroup will conduct a workshop for DESE on how schools can set up their own recording programs. (photo caption: Shuron Clark, the Holman student who recorded the first book on tape, accepts a certificate from Deborah Stroup, Wolfner coordinator of volunteers, during Wolfner Library Volunteer Recognition in December 2000.) Hicks honored for thirty-one years of service The Alabama Public Library Service Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (ALBPH) used the occasion of the Take a Talking Book campaign for senior adults to honor one of its loyal volunteers. The campaign was introduced during the quarterly public library administrators meeting at ALBPH in January. At the meeting, Bobbie Browning and Mike Watson of BellSouth; Brad Kormann, chief of the NLS Materials Development Division; and Fara Zaleski, head of the Alabama regional library, recognized Fred Hicks for 31 years of volunteer service with the Telephone Pioneers of America. "The Take a Talking Book campaign is a relevant setting to honor Fred since he has been so dedicated in his service to keeping our talking-book equipment repaired and in proper working order," said Zaleski. Kormann presented Hicks with a plaque from NLS and commended him for his long and faithful involvement in the nationwide talking-book repair program. This three-month public education campaign is designed to make Alabama citizens aware of the library services available through ALBPH. Librarians were asked to deliver press kits that included press releases, cassette radio spots, and video public service announcements to their local media. The library also included posters, brochures, applications, bookmarks, and braille alphabet cards. (photo caption: Telephone Pioneer Fred Hicks (center) was recognized for 31 years of volunteer service. He is joined (left to right) by Bobbie Browning and Mike Watson of BellSouth; Brad Kormann, chief of the NLS Materials Development Division; and Fara Zaleski, head of the Alabama regional library.) (photo caption: Telephone Pioneer Fred Hicks (center) was recognized for 31 years of volunteer service. He is joined (left to right) by Bobbie Browning and Mike Watson of BellSouth; Brad Kormann, chief of the NLS Materials Development Division; and Fara Zaleski, head of the Alabama regional library.) Advisory committee meets The National Audio Equipment Advisory Committee (NAEAC) meeting on April 4-6, 2001, brought together representatives of consumer groups, repair volunteers, and network librarians to review the current status of NLS's equipment manufacturing and repair programs and to discuss the direction of change for the future. The committee's three subgroups also developed specific recommendations of interest to their constituents for consideration by NLS. Following welcoming remarks by NLS director Frank Kurt Cylke and Materials Development Division chief Brad Kormann, NLS Engineering Section head John Cookson, moderator, reviewed improvements planned for sound amplifiers, extension levers, headphones, solar battery chargers, and other accessories. Quality Assurance Section head Don Smith summarized concerns in the past year's production and repairs, giving particular attention to headphones, E-1 repairs, and C-1 repairs. Equipment and materials maintenance coordinator Kevin Buck and equipment repair officer Kevin Watson updated the group on volunteer repair operations. They reported that the Telephone Pioneers alone repaired more than 76,000 playback machines in the year 2000. Repair volunteers discussed concerns about specific equipment and accessories, as well as the need for timely information about manufacture and repairs through service bulletins and manual revisions. The subcommittee also thanked Watson for his work in setting up an online network to exchange machine repair information. The NAEAC consumer representatives commended NLS volunteers, librarians, and staff for providing quality service to blind and handicapped patrons, but they also urged NLS to improve communication by conducting a survey of NLS patrons and an orientation to blindness for staff and sighted NAEAC participants. The representatives also saluted NLS for its work toward agreements on standards and features of digital playback machines. Consumers emphasized their desire to have input in determining features of digital talking books and playback devices. NLS director Frank Kurt Cylke presented six international visitors to NLS from Russia and Eastern Europe. The librarians, all specialists in services for blind and handicapped patrons in their home countries, were at NLS for a two-month introduction to their American counterparts and to the system that provides library services to blind and handicapped patrons in a democratic setting. The visits are part of an annual program at the Library of Congress, sponsored by the Soros Foundation, which was established to help strengthen civil institutions in fledgling democracies of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Telephone Pioneer named Volunteer of the Week Jerry Adamson, a Telephone Pioneer, was named Volunteer of the Week by the Rock Island Argus (Illinois) daily newspaper. The Moline, Illinois, resident was selected for the week of April 9, 2001, and featured in the Life section of the paper. He was nominated for the honor by fellow Pioneer Dick Edlund who wrote: "I would like to nominate a person who is a volunteer to the entire community, Jerrold Adamson." "Long before he retired as a supervisor at Ameritech, he was freely giving time and efforts to many causes--PTA, Indian Guides, fundraising, and driving school kids to shoe stores to fit them with new shoes. He has helped to put up Christmas lights along Ben Butterworth Parkway and helped with organizing Relay for Life. "But his big project and love is to work on and lead a group of retired volunteers repairing cassette players provided by the government to the vision-impaired people of the area. He will probably never turn down a request from someone to provide a helping hand. He truly gives freely of himself." Upon receiving the recognition, Adamson commented, "I am proud to volunteer for the Telephone Pioneers, a group that was founded in 1911 to answer the call of those in need. "Basically, it's a national project to repair cassette players used for talking books for blind readers. Locally, we have about 20 people helping. "In addition to repairing the cassette players, we help with other community projects, including Special Olympics events and books for inner-city school kids to promote reading and self-awareness." Volunteers master new skills During the months of March through May 2001, certificates in braille transcribing were awarded to forty persons. Thirty- five of those were awarded in literary braille transcribing, four in mathematics braille transcribing, and one in mathematics braille proofreading. LITERARY BRAILLE TRANSCRIBERS Alabama Rachel Yvette Jay, Athens Arizona Stacy D. Carnes, Florence Lori Michelle Kirsop, Youngtown David Klein, Scottsdale Andrew Padilla, Florence California Phillip R. Alva, Folsom Lois Anderson, Palo Alto Yolanda Bennett, Concord Nancy J. Bray, Concord Jerry Gallo, Folsom Martha G. Green, Long Beach Linda L. Gregson, Chino Hills Diane L. Spence, Anaheim Connecticut James J. Semaan, Cheshire Jeffrey Kaye Walker, Cheshire Delaware Freeda M. Rigby, Dover Florida Riki Greenbaum, St. Petersburg Minnesota Jennifer M. Dunnam, Minneapolis Steven M. Westbrook, Duluth Nebraska Mark A. Schnabel, Lincoln Nevada Kent W. Hansen, Las Vegas Charles Sanford, Las Vegas Danny Andrew Young Sr., Las Vegas New Jersey Sara W. Livingston, Glen Rock Ruth J. Pianin, Fairfield New York Ruth Barwick, New Hartford Benjamin Patterson, Napanoch Lenore E. Putinas, Medina Ohio Thomas Schoonover, Grafton Pennsylvania Mary G. Carney, White Oak South Dakota Lorenzo Benallie, Sioux Falls Paul E. Hunter, Yankton Texas Kathy T. Haskins, Gatesville Jan Wilcox, Cypress Virginia Peggy R. Gross, Richmond MATHEMATICS BRAILLE TRANSCRIBERS Marianne Y. Barnes, Sacramento, California David J. Borg, Florence, Arizona Rick D. Killman, Carlisle, Indiana Susan L. Yoshida, Fairport, New York MATHEMATICS BRAILLE PROOFREADER John M. Romeo, Newton, Iowa Braille student-instructor dialog The Braille Development Section receives numerous questions concerning a variety of problems in braille transcribing. This article addresses some of them. The question-and-answer format is intended to give clarity. Student: I am working on my thirty-five-page trial manuscript for Library of Congress certification. According to the new 2000 edition of the Instruction Manual for Braille Transcribing, words should not be divided between braille pages. However, Section 5A of the official code, English Braille American Edition, 1994, says that words may be divided between braille pages. Would you clarify this for me? Instructor: Certainly. Although Section 5A of the official code says that a word may be divided between braille pages, the Library of Congress does not recommend it. This position is based on two main factors. In print, words are rarely divided between pages. In addition, many braille readers feel that reading comprehension is hindered when words are divided between braille pages. Also note that many agencies and braille transcribing groups set their own guidelines regarding word division at the end of the braille line and between braille pages. Student: Since the official code says that I may divide words between braille pages, will points be deducted from my score as long as I divide them correctly? Instructor: No. If a word is syllabified correctly between braille pages, points will not be deducted. Student: The new instruction manual also recommends that a beginning or ending single-letter syllable not be separated from the rest of the word. Therefore, words such as "away," "around," and "body" need not be divided between braille lines. However, I assume that if my dictionary shows the division of such words, it is still permissible to divide them at the end of the braille line. Instructor: Absolutely. Most publishers and dictionaries do not separate a beginning or ending single-letter syllable from the rest of the word--and it is recommended that braille follow this practice. Once again, however, as long as a word is divided correctly between braille lines, points will not be deducted from the score on your trial manuscript. Keep in mind that if a prefix or suffix is added to such words as "away" or "body," the division should be made. Examples: "give-a-way," "bod-y-guard." Student: The 1984 edition of the instruction manual recommended Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary for the braille transcribing course. Unfortunately, this edition has been out of print for quite some time. Does the 2000 edition of the instruction manual recommend a specific dictionary to be used? Instructor: This is a question that is asked frequently by students and braille transcribers. The new 2000 edition of the instruction manual says that any reputable collegiate dictionary less than ten years old may be used. Remember when selecting a dictionary to make sure that it shows word divisions. On occasion, major dictionaries differ on where a word is divided. Be sure to send a braille note identifying the dictionary used when submitting a lesson or a trial manuscript to the Library of Congress for evaluation. Student: I understand that the Braille Enthusiast's Dictionary is a good source for dividing words. Is this true? Instructor: Definitely. The Braille Enthusiast's Dictionary is not only an excellent source for dividing words, it also shows the braille contractions that are used in these words. The address for purchasing the Braille Enthusiast's Dictionary is: SCALARS Publishing P.O. Box 382834 Germantown, TN 38183-2834 (901) 737-0001 Student: I have just completed Lesson Ten in the braille transcribing course. In Sentence 42, I divided the word "blinded" at the end of the braille line according to Section 11.5 of the 2000 edition of the instruction manual. However, I was told that the entire word should have been written on a new braille line. Would you tell me which is correct? Instructor: Both section 47F of the official code and Section 11.5 of the 2000 edition of the instruction manual say that the short form words for "after," "blind," or "friend" should not be used when followed by a vowel because they then take on the appearance of another word. For instance, if the short form for "blind" is used in "blinded," the word is read as "bled." However, the short form may be used when followed by a consonant or a hyphen in a divided word. In Sentence 42, there is room to divide the word "blinded" at the end of the braille line; thus, the short form for "blind" should be used. Meetings National Braille Association (NBA) Fall Regional Meeting and Workshops, the DoubleTree Hotel, Sacramento, California; Thursday, October 25- Saturday, October 27, 2001 Spring Regional Meeting and Workshops, Holiday Inn Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia; Thursday, April 11-Saturday, April 13, 2002 Fall Regional Meeting and Workshops, Marriott Hotel, Overland Park, Kansas; Thursday, October 17-Saturday, October 19, 2002 Twenty-seventh National Conference and Workshops, Radisson Hotel, Middleburg Heights, Ohio (Cleveland surburb); Thursday, May 1-Saturday, May 3, 2003 For more information about these meetings, contact National Braille Association, Three Townline Circle, Rochester, NY 14623-2513; (716) 427-8260; web site: . California Transcribers and Educators of the Visually Handicapped (CTEVH) CTEVH XLIII Annual Conference, hotel TBA, San Diego, California; Friday, March 15-Sunday, March 17, 2002 For more information about this meeting, contact CTEVH, 741 North Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90029-3594, (323) 666-2211; web site: . Visual Aid Volunteers of Florida (VAVF) VAVF 2002 Conference of Volunteers, hotel TBA, St. Petersburg, Florida; May 2002 dates TBA For more information about this meeting, contact Peggy Rogaski, 1780 Leyburn Court, Jacksonville, FL 32223-5006; (904) 262-6705; e-mail . Lewis named Outstanding Volunteer Robert Lewis, a volunteer at the Pittsburgh Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH) since the 1970s, received the Outstanding Volunteer in Senior Service Award from the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Allegheny County last October. Lewis logs in approximately 32 hours of volunteer service each week. A member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, he dedicates about 18 hours weekly to repairing cassette players. Overall, Lewis has donated more than 5,000 hours of service to LBPH. In addition, he prepares lunches for the Meals on Wheels program, raises money for a volunteer fire company, and installs Personal Alert systems for elderly residents. Wolfner Library recognizes volunteers The first Wolfner Library Volunteer Recognition was held in the James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Building on Sunday afternoon, December 10, 2000. The lobby was decked out in holiday garb, as were the guests. Several members of the Wolfner staff "volunteered" to entertain the volunteers in appreciation for their hard work during the past year. Performers included Debbie Musselman, public service librarian, and her son, Daniel; Ozzie Withers, automation coordinator; Nancy Doering, youth services librarian; and Ann Roberts, wife of director Richard Smith. Volunteers were given Certificates of Appreciation. Doris Dulle, who works in the tape-duplication department, also received a 100-hour pin. She is the first Wolfner volunteer to reach this milestone. "The work of the Wolfner volunteers really makes a difference in our library service. We are proud of all of them and especially the achievement of Doris Dulle," said Deborah Stroup, coordinator of volunteers. Say How? author retires from NLS Ray Hagen, longtime narrator in the NLS Recording Studio, hung up his headphones in early August of this year. Hagen began his career in 1973 as a narrator, later taking on monitoring and reviewing assignments. He also served as studio director from 1974 to 1977. Hagen has recorded more than 400 books during his career. He contributed his first column to this publication in 1993. In 1997, his column became a regular feature, for which he received many accolades. The narrator is also known for compiling the pronunciation guide Say How? and a pronunciation guide to commercial names, The ABC Book. Both were distributed to all studios that record talking books. (photo caption: Ray Hagen) Norma L. Schecter receives Veale Award Norma L. Schecter, advisor, braille instructor, and resource consultant for the Beach Cities Braille Guild, Inc., in California, was the year 2000 recipient of the James H. (Jim) Veale Humanitarian Award. The award is presented each year by the Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind to a sighted person "for contributions to the well-being of blind people." Michael Mellor, editor of the magazine, presented the plaque to Schecter in January 2001. Upon receiving the award Schecter stated, "It's nice, in my eighties, to receive recognition for my lifetime dedication to braille. No two ways about it--braille has enriched my life immeasurably, both in the stimulation of its many challenges and in the friendships of so many remarkable people it has brought me. I owe much more to braille and the blindness community than it owes to me!" The Ziegler magazine, founded in 1907, is the longest- published and most widely read general publication for blind persons. This is the third year the Humanitarian Award has been presented. Says Mellor, "This is a small gesture, but I can think of no one who deserves it more. She is a true advocate for blind people." Senior Elfun Talking-Book Repair Program celebrates milestone In its first quarter 2001 report, the Cincinnati Chapter of the Elfun Society announced the shipping of its 30,000th repaired machine on February 23, 2001. The machine was sent to Judith Bow at the Ohio State Library. The Elfuns commemorated the occasion by sharing four decorated cakes-- one for each shift of the volunteer repair team. In a letter to Richard Meyer and Bernie Burdick, co- leaders of the Elfuns' Cincinnati Chapter Talking-Book Repair Program, Brad Kormann, chief of the NLS Materials Development Division, thanked and commended the Cincinnati Elfuns for their diligent efforts on behalf of the talking- book repair program. "NLS is most appreciative and highly impressed with the 122,151 GE Cincinnati Elfun volunteer hours spent in support of talking-book repair." Kormann also recognized the Elfuns for contributing great ideas. He noted that Elfun Bob Smith provided NLS with some excellent repair suggestions during the NLS National Audio Equipment Advisory Committee meeting. "He is a valuable member of the committee," Kormann said. The first quarter 2001 report also contained other significant accomplishments of the Senior Elfun Talking-Book Repair Program volunteers. The group repaired and shipped 1,012 cassette players, repaired 282 amplifier boards, repaired 47 jack boards, rejuvenated 1,012 batteries, and fabricated 352 running-time modules for installation in C-1 machines. By the end of the quarter, the group had exceeded its goal with a total of 30,508 machines repaired and shipped. This generous contribution of service represents an estimated savings of $50,424. Georgia library joins "Hands-On Atlanta Day" "Hands-On Atlanta Day"--one of the largest, single-day volunteer efforts in the country--brought together more than 14,000 volunteers to make Atlanta a better place on October 7, 2000. Throughout the city, volunteers completed more than 200 service projects--from beautifying local parks, to painting and renovating schools, to preparing meals for homeless people. The Georgia Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH) was one of the 200 organizations that benefited from this program. For four hours, 33 volunteers helped with shelving and "pulling" books, placing bar codes on new books, inspecting and rewinding returned books, shelf reading, repairing cassette tapes, repairing cassette machines, and general cleaning. The volunteers and staff enjoyed an affable day and much needed work was accomplished at the library. The day ended with a gathering at Centennial Olympic Park celebrating the tremendous contributions the volunteers made to their community. (photo caption: Volunteer Jim Stetson, library staff member and volunteer coordinator Denise Allen, and library staff member Denise Henderson stand in front of posters listing "Hands-On Atlanta Day" tasks at the Georgia regional library.) Telephone Pioneers coordinator visits library Hazel Day, Region 16 Telephone Pioneers coordinator for NLS, presented a framed Certificate of Appreciation to Telephone Pioneers during a recent visit to the North Carolina Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH). "Though we worked closely and were great friends with her predecessor, Walt Alfred, this was the first time the LBPH had received a visit from an NLS Telephone Pioneers coordinator," said Hubert Griffith, processing supervisor. On hand to greet Day and her husband, "Red," were machine unit volunteers Will G. Martin (president), Jim Howard, C.C. Hudson, and James A. Hutchins. Also present were head librarian Francine Martin, volunteer director Gary Ray, and machine-unit staffers Steve Davis, Moses Garner Jr., Hubert Griffith, and Tamara Merritt. "Thanks to all who participated with giving the Days more insight into the LBPH's successful repair program," said Griffith. Griffith presented a brief history about the machine unit and the resurgence of the Pioneers at the LBPH, then Gary Ray gave the Days a tour of the LBPH. They also discussed equipment repair, exchanged ideas, and viewed gadgets with the Pioneers and saw a demonstration of the LBPH's automated inventory system (KLAS) designed by Keystone Systems and new software (MS Access) for maintaining the parts inventory. Day complimented the Pioneers and staff for the invaluable work they do. The Pioneers and staff were very pleased by the visit from Day and impressed by her knowledge of the service. "We look forward to working with Ms. Day and corresponding with her as soon as she gets her NLS computer online," Griffith concluded. New York machine-repair persons get overview of talking-book program "An experienced group of volunteers received a really good picture of why they do what they do," noted Mike Romeling, machine supervisor, about the machine-repair workshop recently held in Albany, New York. Telephone Pioneers from Albany, Binghamton, Utica, and Glen Falls and Elfuns from Schenectady and Utica attended the workshop. Hosted by the New York State Talking Book and Braille Library (NYSTBBL), the annual Volunteer Machine Repair Workshop opened with a welcome session. It included remarks from talking-book patron, Kathy Casey, who explained why she valued the talking-book program. She was followed by representatives from the NLS Engineering Section--Kevin Watson, equipment repair officer, and Raouf Amin, senior staff engineer. The two shared information about changes in the machine-repair program. They also led a spirited discussion centered on questions from the machine-repair volunteers. "It gave people a chance to voice their concerns," said Romeling. After lunch, the volunteers were taken on a tour, which featured a demonstration of the library's new automated materials handling system. Developed over the past several years and now nearing completion, the system will enable the library to increase book circulation. It will also eliminate much of the repetitive and awkward manual labor formerly done by staff members. The machinery will allow staff to take on more satisfying and much-needed projects. (photo caption: G.E. Senior Elfuns with Jane Somers, Albany, New York, regional librarian (sixth from right), and NLS staffers Raouf Amin (third from left) and Kevin Watson (fourth from left)) (photo caption: New York State Talking Book and Braille Library director Jane Somers with Telephone Pioneers Bob Koch and Charles Glennon and machine supervisor Mike Romeling) Access Services volunteer receives award Volunteer Fairfax, the Fairfax County (Virginia) Volunteer Center, presented Hannah Lederman, age 89 and visually impaired, with the Senior Volunteer Award during a ceremony held at the McLean Hilton Hotel April 24, 2001. She was one of eleven honorees chosen from more than 200 outstanding volunteer leaders in the community. Lederman, avid patron of the talking-book program, travels by MetroAccess to the Fairfax County Public Library, Library Access Services, in the Government Center, every week, in all kinds of weather. Lederman has contributed more than 500 volunteer hours helping to process tapes so that others can enjoy them. According to Carole McElvain, her supervisor, Lederman is faster at this than "youngsters in their 50s, 60s, and 70s!" In a letter, NLS director Frank Kurt Cylke complimented the active senior citizen for her extraordinary efforts: Congratulations! It is wonderful to know that the Fairfax County Public Library honored you with their Senior Volunteer Award. You are a role-model for me. As a 'youngster'--according to Carole McElvain--I can only hope to come close to your dedication. (photo caption: Hannah Lederman on duty at Access Services) Library of Michigan holds recognition luncheon The United Nations established 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers to promote the vital role that volunteers play in communities throughout the world. The United States has been celebrating National Volunteer Week since President Richard Nixon signed an executive order in 1974. This year, the Points of Light Foundation and the Volunteer Center National Network declared the theme, "Change the World-- Volunteer!" and the United States observed National Volunteer Week April 22-28. The Library of Michigan Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped celebrated its volunteers on Thursday, April 26, by hosting a volunteer recognition. Maggie Bacon, regional librarian, acknowledged that "the Library of Michigan network of libraries for the blind and physically handicapped has more than 80 volunteers statewide. These volunteers perform a wide variety of tasks: narrating books and magazines on tape, cleaning and repairing talking-book equipment, repairing cassettes, answering telephones, and advising us on service issues as well as advocating for the service. We rely on them locally, statewide, and nationally to provide the quality of service that our patrons have come to expect." The program boasted opening remarks from the deputy state librarian Jo Budler and Joan Bauer, director of volunteer services for Ingham Regional Medical Center and member of the Lansing city council. NLS volunteer/government information specialist Freddie Peaco was also on hand to present the awards. The highlight of the program was the recognition of retiring narrator Margaret Hendrix with a plaque to honor her 23 years of service. All volunteers received certificates of appreciation and tote bags silk-screened with the words "Volunteers Are Shining Stars." (photo caption: Desirae Kato, volunteer services coordinator, presents Margaret Hendrix with an award for 23 years of narrating at the Library of Michigan Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.) Thirtieth anniversary of New Hampshire library In October 2000, the New Hampshire regional library commemorated its thirtieth anniversary serving blind and physically handicapped persons in the state. The celebration, held in the State Capitol Building, began with a proclamation from Governor Jeanne Shaheen. In recognizing Eileen Keim, supervising librarian, and the New Hampshire State Library Talking-Book Service for 30 years of service each, Carolyn Hoover Sung, chief of the NLS Network Division, presented a historic overview. She recalled, "In March of 1970, under the direction of Eileen Keim, service was initiated for 525 blind and physically handicapped New Hampshire readers who had been served by the Massachusetts regional library. That year, Richard Nixon was president, Xerox machines were old technology--having been around since 1960--but personal computers (microcomputers) were ten years in the future." Sung noted that the library accepted machine-lending responsibilities in the early 1970s. "With it the Telephone Pioneers, some of whom we are honoring today, began supporting the regional library. This year marks the fortieth anniversary of the natural partnership between NLS and the Telephone Pioneers." The Network Division chief continued, "The New Hampshire library eventually moved from its first home in the surplus property warehouse at 12 Hills Avenue to the Walker building, a much larger space. In fact, the Walker building was so large that Keim is reported to have worn roller skates when working in the stacks so that she could quickly return to the office to answer the telephone. The library later moved into its present location, and Keim was able to hang up her skates." Keim further applied her creativity to expanding library service. She maintained a volunteer recording program for a number of years, which made New Hampshire the first program to record and distribute Yankee magazine. Sung said, "Even after the local recording was discontinued the library acquired, duplicated, and distributed magazines recorded elsewhere until the tape duplication equipment was no longer usable." Sung commended the library, which serves 2,525 readers with talking books, large-print books, and descriptive videos. "While this library has remained small in comparison to some regional libraries in other states, it has never lost its focus on personalized service to readers. Such service has been a hallmark of this library since its inception and provides a firm foundation for future service. The person we have to thank for that is Eileen Keim." She concluded, "Eileen, I salute you." Michael York, state librarian, expressed appreciation for the retiring librarian and acknowledged the support of library volunteers. New Hampshire Verizon president J. Michael Hickey honored the Telephone Pioneers for their service with Certificates of Appreciation. York and Sung presented certificates to the other service volunteers. (photo caption: The New Hampshire repair group received recognition from the state library for 30 years of service.) California hosts workshops for volunteers Forty-two California machine-repair volunteers received tips on improving service, conducting testing, and solving various types of repair problems during two workshops held in March. Organized by John Brewster, information technology manager at the Braille Institute Library in Los Angeles, the workshops were conducted by Kevin Buck, materials maintenance coordinator, and Kevin Watson, equipment repair officer, both from NLS. The first workshop was held at the Los Angeles Sight Center. Braille Institute Library director Henry C. Chang welcomed the 21 Pioneers and independent volunteers who participated. Twenty volunteers attended the second event at the San Diego workshop, which was held at the Telephone Pioneers Repair Center. All the volunteers who participated said the program was worthwhile and very informative. (photo caption: Library director Henry C. Chang welcomes participants during the machine-repair workshop in Los Angeles, California.) Update is published quarterly by: National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped Library of Congress Washington, DC 20542 Correspondence should be addressed to Publications and Media Section. Coordinating editor: Freddie Peaco Publication editor: Jane Caulton Braille student-instructor dialog: John Wilkinson