Friends 2026 Donation to the Library for the Blind
The goal of The Friends is to support the Iowa Library for the Blind. Each year at the Perowsky Workshop the Friends present a check made possible by the donations and membership fees of our supporters. We were once again able to give $12,000 to the library. We participate in the Perowsky Workshop and Luncheon, enjoying good food and fun activities.
Picture of the new Digital Audio Player from the National Library Service. Iowa is in the pilot program for the release of the new digital audio player. The Department for the Blind presented a demonstration. It can hold 200 books in memory, download from BARD thought WiFi and play through it's speaker or through headphones or ear buds.
Through the generous donation by the Friends, the Library has purchased two 3D printers. One is a Dremel Digilab and one is a Flashforge Adventurer 3 Pro. They will be used to create 3D models and objects for the library collection to be used by patrons and students. The Library is also planning future programs and demonstrations around 3D printing and printers.
Inspiration for all Seasons
Three Barbershop quartets ( one male, one female) have volunteered their talents for The Friends of the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped at our annual Jolly Time.
Friends Win Florence Grannis Award for Service for 2017
The Florence Grannis Library Service Award is given annually to honor individuals whose exemplary service recalls the selfless spirit of Ms. Grannis, the founder of the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Grannis, who died in 2004, served as regional librarian from the Library's inception in 1960 until her retirement in 1976. Florence said, “A library for the blind should supply borrowers the books and information they want when they want them."
The Friends have provided the library with funding as well as being advocates for the library.They have allowed us to do so much in the library and to provide so many great services. I thank the Friends for their dedication and commitment to helping the library.
Their slogan is "Be Among Friends" and this is always the case. We would like to thank the Friends for their true volunteerism and present to them the Florence Grannis Award.
The 2017 recipient of the Florence Grannis award is a group of amazing people. They are creative, fun, hard-working and dedicated to ensuring our library is able to offer the best services possible. This years recipient of the Florence Grannis Award is the Friends of the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.