Press Release

Audio Books for the Blind on the Block Again!!!

November 2004

The Victoria Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for Equality (NFB:AE) has learned that as a cost cutting measure, the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) Talking Book Library service will be dramatically reduced in the New Year. “This is appalling given that only 3 to 5 percent of print material is available to Canadians who are blind and vision impaired, not to mention those Canadians who have other print disabilities” said Margaret Oakman, Vice-President of the Victoria Chapter of the NFB:AE.

About 450 Victoria residents currently enjoy the access to information afforded them through this vital talking book library service, access that is otherwise completely denied them. “If following in the foot-steps of the BC Liberal Government who cut nearly all support to the production of audio books in 2001 is a burgeoning trend, the NFB:AE will fight to stop it”, said John Rae, National President.

The GVPL website indicates that the hours for the rest of the library facilities have been extended, but the hours for the talking book service will be reduced to business hours, Monday through Friday 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. “If the mandate of our public libraries is to serve all British Columbians, this Board is embarking on a discriminatory path,” added Margaret Oakman.

The CNIB who only serves those who are blind and visually impaired indicate that Canadians who use talking books read about 60 books per year, whereas their sighted fellow Canadians read on average 1.5. There is also the issue of transportation for the elderly who often accept the help of family members to drive them to appointments, shopping and the Library, and that is most often done in the evening or on weekends.

”If there is a need to cut costs, then Library hours should be reduced for all patrons not just those who rely on talking books,” said Oakman. “To target the services that are so vital to patrons who have a vision impairment is simply mean spirited and should not be tolerated by society.”

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For further information, contact

Margaret Oakman: 250-382-3757
John Rae, National President: 416-941-1547

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