Senate Resolution 17

A resolution recognizing Talking Book Services, the statewide library service for Mississippians with visual, physical or organic reading disabilities, which is housed at the Mississippi Library Commission, For 50 years of service on July 1, 2020.

WHEREAS, on July 1, 1970, the Talking Book Service was established in Mississippi at the Mississippi Library Commission, allowing Mississippians with visual and physical disabilities the opportunity to utilize library service; and

WHEREAS, Talking Book Services is a partnership with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled in the Library of Congress; and

WHEREAS, the free service started with 1,200 Mississippi patrons, who received reading materials and equipment through the U.S. mail; and

WHEREAS, the format changed through the years from vinyl records, to cassette tapes, and now digital cartridges and downloadable materials, as well as Braille books and magazines; and

WHEREAS, Talking Book Services currently has close to 5,000 registered patrons who borrow over 130,000 items per year; and

WHEREAS, since 1998, the service includes Large Print Direct, which mails large print books to eligible Talking Books patrons:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby extend the recognition and best wishes of the Mississippi Senate to Talking Book Services of the Mississippi Library Commission on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary on July 1, 2020, of providing library service in appropriate formats to Mississippians.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Mississippi Library Commission and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.