On Wednesday, May 8, the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) will be participating in GiveBIG, a twenty-four hour, online giving campaign that is designed to support Washington state nonprofit organizations. This year, WTBBL’s goal is to raise $12,000 toward purchasing new equipment for the Braille Production Department.

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WTBBL’s Braille Production Department produces books written by local authors from the Pacific Northwest or books about the Pacific Northwest to add to its collection, increasing access for readers throughout the country. The books are transcribed from print into braille by trained volunteer transcribers.

When the transcription is complete, a proofreading team comprised of a tactile braille reader and a sighted monitor (called a copyholder) review the transcribers’ work to ensure accuracy against the original print book. In order to produce the braille itself, costly, highly specialized embossing equipment is needed. The equipment has aged over the past ten years and needs replacement as newer technology is available that will improve efficiency and productivity.

Learn more and donate at WTBBL’s GiveBIG profile page:https://bit.ly/2TrFZ58. For phone donations, please contact the Library at 206-615-0400.

The Washington Talking Book & Braille Library receives support from the Washington State Heritage Center Trust. For more information visit www.sos.wa.gov/charities.