The South African Library for the Blind (Salb) – the only library of its kind on the African continent – turns 95 this year.
The South African Library for the Blind (Salb) – the only library of its kind on the African continent – turns 95 this year.
Founded in 1919 with a collection of 100 Braille works, the library now has its own Braille printing press, and is among the world leaders in the production and distribution of audio books, according to board chair William Rowland.
The initial collection was donated by a British missionary, Eleanor Comber. On her return to England at the end of 1918 she persuaded a Miss Ethel Wood to take charge of the 100 Braille books and pamphlets she had brought with her from England and to start a library service.
“From those small foundations has grown one of the biggest free library services for the blind in the world,” said Salb director Francois Hendrikz.
It is a government-funded institution, with the South African Post Office providing a free service for the delivery and return of books to members of the library, who are to be found all over South Africa.
“While our historical roots are in Grahamstown, we are a national library with over 4000 members,” Hendrikz said.
In order to serve the reading needs of the visually impaired throughout South Africa, the library’s postage room handles 123 000 items per year.
The collection of 10 000 Braille books and 13 000 audio books grows monthly, said Hendrikz. “We try to have the latest popular books printed in Braille or recorded as soon as possible after they become available,” he said.
The library is also expanding its collection of books in indigenous languages. The library is encouraging and promoting the use of Braille, particularly among the young.
A range of interactive “touch and feel” children’s books have also been developed by the library, Hendrikz said. One of the objectives of the celebrations is to raise awareness of the free services Salb offers, said Rowland.
The unveiling of a commemorative 1919 plaque will take place on Thursday 23 January at the Library and will be the first of a number of events planned for 2014 to celebrate the 95th anniversary.
More information will be made available on the Salb website www.salb.org.za and Facebook page.
