Macomb Library for the Blind
and Physically Handicapped
 

 

 

  

 

  Library History


In the Spring of 1979, there were only two areas in Michigan which were not served locally by a subregional LBPH. Macomb County was one of the two.  Cora Ellen DeVinney, Assistant Director of the Macomb County Library, and Peg Lamont, began to entertain the idea of providing LBPH service through the Macomb County Library's Extension Division which Lamont headed.

By August, 1979, the County Library moved from its small, cramped quarters to a brand new building. The Extension Division underwent some service changes. In early 1981, Lamont submitted a list of trends and recommendations to DeVinney which laid the foundation to establish a subregional.

Surveys were sent to over 650 individuals who were blind and institutions serving people who were blind or physically handicapped. The response was positive and Macomb now had the facility, as well as the support of its target audience, to request funding for such a venture. This money was secured through LSCA (Library Services and Construction Act) Title I funds in the Spring of 1982. The Library Cooperative of Macomb became the Macomb LBPH's fiscal agent in 1983. Macomb received $15,590.00 from state LSCA funds, based on a formula of a flat $10,000.00 plus $10.00 per active reader. The remaining budget of just under $40,000.00 came from both the Macomb County Library and the Library Cooperative. These two library organizations provided the staffing, shelving space, office equipment, and telephone expenses. The National Library Service (NLS) supplied the standard equipment and materials, including 1,000 current talking book titles in cassette and disc formats, playback equipment, mailing cartons, and postage-free mail. The State Library provided back-up service. Macomb decided against a time-and-space-consuming manual circulation system in lieu of an automated system based on the west side of the state.

Lamont began publicizing the program and enlisting public and volunteer support. Staff members of the Macomb Intermediate School District shared their knowledge of service to blind and physically handicapped students and were instrumental in garnering local Lion and Lioness Clubs' support. This intervention resulted in a Lioness Club donation of a Coleman Color Reader which is a magnification device for low-vision readers. Member libraries of the Library Network of Macomb donated an audio tape telexcopier to duplicate copies of popular titles.

After losing its original bid for LBPH service ten years previously because of facility problems, the Macomb LBPH opened its doors to local service on January 17, 1983. In the past years, the Macomb LBPH has seen growth: more materials, more equipment, and new technology to give the best service possible.


Macomb LBPH Directors

Peg Lamont, founder - 1983-1989

Linda S. Champion - 1989 - 2000

Beverlee Babcock - 2000 -


National Association of Counties NACo Awards

  • Talking Books for Blind and Physically Handicapped, 1983

  • "Talking Books" Video Tape, 1986

  • Blind Awareness Month, 1987

  • R.E.A.D.S. Automated Circulation System, 1992

  • Bi-Folkal Intergenerational Programming Kits, 1994

  • Library Technological Accessibility for Handicapped Patrons, 1994

  • Descriptive Videos for Visually-Impaired Patrons, 1995

  • Library Programming for Hearing-Impaired Children, 1995

  • Blind Homebound Senior Women's Telephone Support Group, 1996

  • Blind and Visually-Impaired Library User Internet Access, 1998

  • Blind Newspaper Access, 1999

  • Handicapped Children's Print/Talking Book Kits, 2000

  • Disability and Sensitivity Awareness Puppet Shows, 2001

  • Juvenile Alcohol and Tobacco Prevention Programs with Follow-Up Visits, 2002

 

 

Home   Our Services   How To Apply   Adaptive Equipment   Support Services
Kids on the Block  Library History  Newsletter  Location  Contact Us

© 2008  Macomb Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

 

 

Hit Counter