Resolution 2004-01
Concerning the closing of a Sub-Regional Talking Book
Library
WHEREAS
The blind are full citizens of the State of Florida, paying
taxes, voting in elections and enjoying all the benefits of citizenship
including full access to library services; and
WHEREAS
In 1950 the Library of Congress authorized the establishment
of the Florida Braille and Talking Book Library in Daytona Beach, Florida, and
since has established 11 sub-regional Talking Book Libraries throughout the
state in order to make library services available to the blind; and
WHEREAS
These Sub-Regional Libraries have become an interval part of
the system to make services available to blind citizens in their areas by
making services locally available and by sharing the cost of providing these
services; and
WHEREAS
Throughout the State of Florida these Sub-Regional libraries
have been expanding services within most participating libraries; and
WHEREAS
The Orange County Library system has made clear the intent
to close the Sub-Regional Braille and Talking Book services within their
library system meaning to pass the cost of bearing this service back on to the
already burdened shoulders of other libraries within the state; and
WHEREAS
Elimination of this Sub-Regional Braille and Talking Book
Library will leave Orange County blind people with no local library talking book
services; and
WHEREAS
Should other library systems follow the cost cutting lead of the Orange County Library System the entire Sub-Regional Braille and Talking Book Library system would be eliminated: NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED IN CONVENTION ASSEMBLED IN JACKSONVILLE THIS
31 DAY OF MAY, 2004 THAT The National
Federation of the Blind of Florida deplores and condemns the Orange County
Library System for its' intent to eliminate its' Sub-Regional Braille and
Talking Book Library ; and
The National Federation of the Blind of Florida will not
stand for anything less than a fully participating system , up to par with it's
counterparts around the state; and
Should the Orange County Library System continue in efforts to close its' Sub-Regional Library to the detriment of all blind Floridians the National Federation of the Blind of Florida will demonstrate it's resolve.