John Barton, Chair

Victoria Library Board

November 23, 2004

Dear Mr. Barton,

I am writing on behalf of the Canadian Federation of the Blind regarding the pending cutbacks to staffing of the talking book library in Victoria. We are opposed to these cutbacks. Blind people deserve the same access to libraries as other citizens. Punishing blind people by reducing library staffing hours is a violation of our rights. I am sure the minimal savings gained from such a move could be collected in another way.

The number of materials available to blind people in alternate format, such as recorded books, make up only three to four percent of what is available to the sighted population. Instead of decreasing library services to blind people, libraries should work toward increasing reading materials and other supports to blind patrons.

One of the news clips that covered this issue claimed that reduced staffing levels at the talking book library would not impact blind readers because blind people could still obtain books without staff being present; this statement is discriminatory. The library has an obligation to serve blind people in the same way it serves sighted people. As well, the added issue of finding books independently as a blind person exists. Unless accompanied by sighted people, we cannot browse or locate books on our own, as the talking book covers are in print.

The Canadian Federation of the Blind strongly urges the Victoria Library Board to reconsider staffing cutbacks to the talking book section of the central Victoria Library. Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.

The Canadian Federation of the Blind is a grass-roots, nonprofit organization made up of blind people committed to the equality and empowerment of blind Canadians. If you wish to contact us about the cutbacks or if you would like more information about the Federation, please contact us at the phone number or address above.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Lalonde, President,

Canadian Federation of the Blind