State of Kansas
Proclamation by the Governor
To the people of Kansas, Greetings:
Whereas, the Kansas Talking Book Division of the State Library of Kansas is taking part in a week-long celebration marking the beginning of free library services for the blind; and
Whereas, the federal Pratt-Smoot act was enacted on March 3, 1931, establishing free library services for blind adults under the administration of a National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) in the Library of Congress; and
Whereas, Kansas Talking Books provides materials and supportive services to blind and print disabled Kansans; and
Whereas, these print impaired individuals may participate in enriching programs and activities connecting patrons to a collection of more than 100,000 items; and
Whereas these print disabled patrons may choose from materials ranging from digital books to Braille and tactile materials, audio and descriptive videos to popular magazines and current newspapers; and
Whereas, with the cooperation of the U.S. Postal Service, participants receive these materials through the mail free of charge.
Now, therefore, I, Laura Kelly, Governor of the State of Kansas, do hereby proclaim March 1st-5th, 2021 as Talking Books Week in Kansas and I urge all citizens to join in the celebration of this free library service for all Kansas residents who are unable to read or used standard printed materials due to vision impairment, physical impairment, reading and /or other print disabilities.
Kansas Libraries Report One Million Minutes of Reading
Since early June, more than 200 Kansas libraries have been carrying out summer reading programs that have allowed patrons of all ages to record their reading progress.
As of July 17th, the numbers are:
For more information, view the full press release or visit the State Library of Kansas website.
Announcing Titles for Kansas Notable Books 2020
Topeka, KS – State Librarian Eric Norris announced today the 15th annual selection of Kansas Notable Books. The fifteen books feature quality titles with wide public appeal, written either by a Kansan, set in Kansas, or about a Kansas related topic.
Sarah Tenfelde-Dubois (right) accepts the 2017 Literacy Legacy Award from Storytime Village on behalf of the State Library of Kansas
Images from the event