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G2S Project Code: 2022-WA-91824
State: Washington
Fiscal Year: 2022

Grantee
Washington State Library

Project Director
Director Name: Danielle Miller
Director Phone: 206-615-1588
Director Email: danielle.miller@sos.wa.gov

General Information
Title: Washington Talking Book & Braille Library
State Project Code: 9142-2341-40, 9550-2341-10
Start Date: 10/01/2022
End Date: 09/30/2023
Abstract: The Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) builds community and provides equal access to information and reading materials for Washington residents unable to read standard print. WTBBL provides free, statewide library services consisting of books and magazines in alternate formats by mail or download to meet the information, education, and recreational needs of visually impaired, blind, deaf-blind, physically disabled (such that it is difficult to hold a book or turn a page), and reading-disabled residents statewide who are eligible under the criteria of the U.S. Library of Congress, National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS). It also provides readers’ advisory, youth services programming, and local audio and braille book production for this audience.
State Goal: Goal 3. Serve all who cannot read standard print statewide

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$519,018.97

$823,967.00

$0.00

$1,342,985.97

Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.
Education
Literacy

Activities
Activity Details
Title: Local Audio and Braille Book Production
Narrative: The Washington Talking Book and Braille Library has two local book production departments: The Braille Department and the Audiobook Production Department. Each department produces materials in alternate formats to meet the needs of its patrons with print impairments. The local production focuses on materials about the Pacific Northwest, set in the Pacific Northwest, or by Pacific Northwest authors. The books produced supplement the shared National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled collection and increase access to reading materials for WTBBL patrons and other patrons nationwide. Audiobooks are made available on digital cartridge for physical circulation and uploaded to the national download site, BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download). Braille books are uploaded to BARD and embossed on demand, youth braille books are embossed and added to the circulating collection. During this reporting period, the Audiobook Production Department produced 164 new books and the Braille Department produced 27 new books.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Creation
Format: Combined physical & digital

Quantity
Number of items digitized: 164
Number of items digitized and available to the public: 0
Number of physical items: 27
Number of open-source applications/software/systems: 0
Number of proprietary applications/software/systems: 0
Number of learning resources (e.g. toolkits, guides): 0
Number of plans/frameworks: 0

Partner Information

Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No

Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No

Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Urban
Suburban
Rural
For what age groups: All Ages
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: Yes
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: Washington Talking Book and Braille Library
Address: 2021 9th Ave
City: Seattle
State: WA
Zip: 98121

Activity Details
Title: Audiobook, braille book, and large print book lending
Narrative: WTBBL provides patrons access to customized reading services by providing multiple books on a single digital cartridge, making the entire collection available at all times. Patrons can get access to an entire series on one cartridge, make requests of works or authors in preferred order or combinations, and the circulation is tailored to their specific profiles. Physical books are also an option for those that prefer it. The circulation statistics include audio or braille books downloaded, audiobook titles, braille books, and large print books circulated.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Lending
Format: Combined physical & digital

Quantity
Total number of items circulated: 584,830
Average number of items circulated / month: 48,736
Total number of ILL transactions: 0
Average number of ILL transactions / month: 0

Partner Information

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Outreach was a focus for WTBBL during this reporting period. They implemented a podcasting and multimedia program, held a reception for White Cane Day with vendor tables after a walk from the Space Needle to WTBBL, and hosted a summer reading program, braille challenge, and book club. WTBBL was honored by the Washington Council of the Blind as the Business of the Year. Since WTBBL transitioned from the purview of the Seattle Public Library to the Washington State Library in 2008, volunteers have contributed over 100,000 hours. Volunteers narrate audiobooks, proofread braille, and serve on advisory boards.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
The outreach resulted in a gain of 1,321 new borrowers. WTBBL staff conducted a patron satisfaction survey in 2023. Some comments in response to the question, "WTBBL is doing well at: _______" "selecting and providing audiobooks for me and my interests" "getting the blind or others help to be able to have a better life" "helping me remain active and educated. Helps me feel normal!" "creating ways people at home can be part of something special"
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Outreach is an important part of the talking book and braille program, as potential users may not be aware of the service.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
Yes
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:

Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative

Project Tags: Talking Book, Braille, Print Disabled