Introduced in 1974, the Braille Book of the Year was created to both acknowledge excellence in writing as well as raise the profile of Braille books. In 1990, the award was won by Alex Miller for his book 'The Tivington Knot'. Presentations were made by Paul Karsten, Joyce Nichols, Fran Awcock, John Cockayne, Judith Stolls and the recipient Alex Miller. The narrator's award went to Bruce Kerr for audio version. 11 Black and White photographs and 3 proof sheetsawards, braille & talking book library, alex millar, paul karsten, joyce nichols, fran awcock, john cockayne, karl hughes, wilma bedford, bruce kerr, lindsay mcmillan

Annual report of the Braille & Talking Book Library including Minutes of the AGM, Board of Director's Report, President's report and financial statements. Items also included are: a picture of the 'The Greatest Thing in the World' - the oldest Braille book in the library, acknowledgement of the work of May Harrison, Joyce Cunnington, Joan Armytage, involvement in the Library Promotion Committee of Victoria to increase visibility, and receipt of Hear A Book's from Tasmania.1 volume with text and illustrationsbraille and talking book library, annual reports

Introduced in 1974, the Braille Book of the Year was created to both acknowledge excellence in writing as well as raise the profile of Braille books. In 1994, the award was won by (information needed)'. The Bathurst Award for Narrator of the Year award went to Beverley Dunn for the audio version of 'White Eye: a novel', whilst 'Coming of Age' by Anne Deveson won 'Book of the Year'. Presentations were made by Anne Deveson and Beverley Dunn.4 colour photographs of the eventawards, association for the blind, anne deveson

A display of Louis Braille Audio and BTBL audio books at the 1998 (?) awards ceremony at the Arts Centre. Audio books are scattered across two adjacent benches, with three felt-covered pin boards behind them. Audio book covers, some information about the Braille and Talking Book Library and Tilly Aston, as well as a tribute to 25 years of producing commercial quality talking books is attached to the boards.Display of LBA and BTBL audio books at ceremonybraille & talking book library, robert de graauw, louis braille audio, awards

Newspaper article about Neil Maxwell and the need for Yarra Valley Water to provide Braille water bills for residents who are vision impaired.1 article photocopied from a newspapernon-fictionelizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell, yarra valley water, advocacy

A seven day reminder pill box, a clear rectangular plastic box with the letters in blue "SMTWTFS". Braille is included to indicate the letter of each day. Plastic box with seven compartmentsA single letter on top of each compartment in large font: S M T W T F Sassistive devices, quanterron

This annual report covers both the AGM of 1962 and a special AGM held in 1961. Articles include: celebration of Alice McClelland's 40 years of service, resignation of A. Brahe and L. Dextor as Trustees and appointment of R Bigwood and E Webb to replace them, extension of membership so that blind readers could become voting members, overview of the decisions and affects of the decision to become an incorporated entity and the name from Victorian Association of Braille Writers to Braille Library of Victoria, the use of subcommittees to handle entertainments, building, publicity, library and braille textbooks, property owned at 4 Margaret Street, South Yarra was subdivided into 2 lots and sold, Braille Boat House has been redecorated and renovate and available for hire, appointment of Alan Woods to assist as a Reviser for music transcription and Ivan Molloy in the Home Teaching Service, resignation of Joyce Bolger, appointment of Doreen Ross, Mr and Mrs Hinchcliffe left as honorary caretakers and death of Mrs J Rowe, past Mayoress of Ballarat, who was a keen subscriber of the Ballarat branch.32 pages of text with drawingsbraille library of victoria, corporation records

Adjacent to the Braille and Talking Book Library was a small garden area. In this image, the park bench to the far left sits behind the fence facing Commercial Road.Lawn area with medium sized tree in the centre and two parks benches some distance either sidebraille & talking book library, robert de graauw

Designed by Raymond Lavender, American Printing House for the Blind, it was produced between 1962-1982. A modernized Braille writer, the Lavender allowed the paper to exit through the cover in a way similar to a typewriter. The keys are rectangular and the design is compact with no protruding parts. The cover, which is an integral part of the design, snaps on the case. The case and cover are made of Cycolac, a high impact resistant plastic. After the writer was in use for some time, it was discovered that the plastic material tended to warp and production was discontinued. (Information from the American Printing House for the Blind website). Lavender Braille Writer consisting of an oblong shaped structure made out of a beige coloured metal base with cream coloured keys and a beige coloured hard plastic cover. Braille letters are achieved by punching the various keys. A metallic handle is included.Beige coloured plastic rectangle object with cream buttons and silver returns lever with covering boxbraille equipment, assistive devices

Annual report of the Braille & Talking Book Library including Minutes of the AGM, Board of Director's Report, President's report and financial statements. Items also included are: Matcham Skipper sculpture awarded to Book of the Year, the work undertaken by Lions Clubs in raising funds for the library, the 150th anniversary of Louis Braille, working closer with public libraries, distribution of the Fraser Twins Sound Magazine and the generous donation by Mr and Mrs Frank Currie who gave $104 as part of their 50th Wedding Anniversary.1 volume with text and illustrationsbraille and talking book library, annual reports

Annual report of the Braille & Talking Book Library including Minutes of the AGM, Board of Director's Report, President's report and financial statements. Items also included are: a rocking chair gifted to Alice McClelland on her 60th year of involvement, retirement of Merle Griffin, 'Please Touch' exhibition at National Gallery of Victoria, creation of the Benalla Studio - funded by the Benalla Auxiliary and able to accommodate 3-4 people in a session, Margaret Ingham appointed Children's Book Specialist, renaming of existing studios to R Graeme Orr Studios (to honour former President), Library Talk commended at Public Relations Awards given by Australian Library Promotions Council, visit by children's television character 'Norm the Kangaroo' who filmed a segment of 'Shirl's Neighbourhood' around the building, thanks for Joyce Nicholson, Barrett Reid and Dr Stephen Murray-Smith as Award Selection Panel for Braille Book of the Year, need for newer building as Commercial Road premises are expensive to heat and light and all available space is occupied, book bounty scheme available for braille and audio books, Louis Braille Productions Ltd set up as a subsidary company, book reading broadcasts by ABC shows will be donated free of charge, inaugural children's catalogue of Braille books produced, resignations of Dr Simon Haskell and David Hume, appointment of Elaine Leahy and Norm Fidge, and death of Maxene Hewitt and establishment of children's book collection known as 'The Maxene Hewett Collection for Children' in her honour. There is also a photograph and staff listing as part of the annual report.1 volume of text and illustrationsbraille & talking book library, hector bathurst, maxene hewitt, alice mcclelland, alison forbes, jan smark, norm the kangaroo, nick gleeson, john poliness, andrew turk, merle griffen, gladys fanning, e.e. haynes, janene morrison, beverley jackson, dianna martin, margaret komen, penny crawford, merrie handbury, shirley robinson, sue hanson, faye donnelly, jane grimwade, jennifer spry, iris whittaker, john cockayne, martin nicol, jan odle, peter sellars, paul korsten, blanche d'alpuget, luu ngac hua, sir brian murray, warren horton, robert miller, sydney alderson

Annual report of the Braille & Talking Book Library including Minutes of the AGM, Board of Director's Report, President's report and financial statements. Items also included are: consultants used to streamline structure to reduce costs, take advantage of computer catalogue and resignation of Iris Whittaker and Seija Makinen, legacy from Valmai Jean Grey Bequest, Anne Barca, David Scott and Peter Walsh joined the Board, Braille Book of the Year panel (Joyce Nicholson, Stephen Murray-Smith, Barrett Reid) continue to short list titles for readers to vote on and Australia Council funds production of these titles, increased wait times to 18 months for new borrowers, introduction of computerised Profile matching for readers, full audio rights secured for six titles by LBP Ltd (Louis Braille Productions) and tone indexing introduced on to magazines at beginning of 1988.1 volume of text and illustrationsbraille and talking book library, annual report

Articles include the production of Christmas cards for purchase, the departure of Mr Davey as treasurer due to commitments in his personal life and that his property was completely burned out by bushfires and would be far more attention, catering difficulties at the Christmas party required improved facilities in the kitchen and this, as well as changes to seating and emergency exit changes due to meet building inspection, has seen an increase in bookings for the Hall, bathing box house at Chelsea still in good repair, two successful Braille Reading competitions held, J. Williams - a transcriber- visited American and returned home with a Perkins Brailler as she uses for the library and provided another one to the library, and although no response has been forthcoming from the Free Library Service Board of Victoria, the government inquiry into the Victorian Library Service has recommended that financial support be given to the Braille Library of Victoria.32 pages of text with drawingsbraille library of victoria, corporation records

Introduced in 1974, the Braille Book of the Year was created to both acknowledge excellence in writing as well as raise the profile of Braille books. In 1991, the award was won by Trevor Hay for his book 'Tartar City Woman: scenes from the life of Wang Hsin-ping, former citizen of China'. The Narrator of the Year award went to Paul Karo for 'The Rise and Fall of Alan Bond'. Presentations were made by Wilma Bedford (Director of Life Be In It), John Blackman, Rose Blustein, Ross Gibbs, Paul Cotter (?), Trevor Hay and Paul Karo. 14 colour photographs, 3 black and white and 1 proof sheet of negativesawards, braille & talking book library, wilma bedford, paul karo, trevor hay, wang hsin-ping, john blackman, rose blustein, john cook, peter walsh, ross gibbs, paul cotter

Annual report of the Braille & Talking Book Library including Minutes of the AGM, Board of Director's Report, President's report and financial statements. Items also included are: the expansion of the library to new readers gained from Hear A Book and the range of books available on commercially produced cassettes, the decreased loans for Large print as other public libraries offer these for loan, the continued support for selecting the Braille Book of the Year by the committee of Barrett Reid, Dr Stephen Murray Smith and Joyce Nicholson, appointment of Maxene Hewitt, Ray Hannah and Jan Smark, and retirement of Joan Simmonds.1 volume of print and illustrationsbraille and talking book library, annual reports

Articles include the decision to add a talking book collection to the library, including sponsorship for players, a survey conducted into reading habits of blind people, former Chief Cataloguer at State Library has volunteered to undertake reclassification work, highest number of Braille volumes produced this year than ever done previously in 77 years of operation, four Braille Proficiency Certificates awarded, resignation of Joan Armytage, new fire service installed, Christmas card sales boomed but rents from hall fell due to stricter control over late night functions.25 pages of text with drawingsbraille library of victoria, corporation records

Mary Halls "Minnie" Crabb (1885-1974) was the niece of the first librarian (May Harrison) for the Victorian Association of Braille Writers. After her aunt's death in 1912, Miss Crabb took on the role of librarian for the constantly expanding collection. In 1934, the Victorian Association of Braille Writers annual report advised that it had acquired a Crabb-Hulme Braille Printing Press. Two years in development, the Press was designed by Miss Crabb and built to her specifications by Mr Hulme. Invented to produce ephemeral material quickly, such as programs, catalogues and newsletters, it provided more opportunities for information to be quickly sent out to Braille readers. The daughter of James Hall Crabb, who ran the Prahran Telegraph from1882 until his death and the niece of J.M. Yelland who took over the paper until he sold it in 1895, Minnie would have seen printing presses in her youth and recognised the usefulness when producing large numbers of ephemeral materials. In March 1944, Miss Crabb retired from the library, in 1956 she married Charles Foster and she lived until in the St Kilda area until her passing in 1974, aged 89. This iconic image of Miss Crabb using the press has appeared in many reports since.High quality image of Minnie Crabbvictorian association of braille writers, minnie crabb

This brown painted metal case was used to carry and store a Braille Writer. It has metal caps on the corners and is lined with green felt. The handle on the front is leather. Two steel catches on the front hold it closed. Brown painted metal case with green felt lining and leather handle Marked on hinges 'U.K Patent No. 427897 and others'.braille equipment, assistive devices

Annual report of the Braille & Talking Book Library including Minutes of the AGM, Board of Director's Report, President's report and financial statements. Items also included are: CEP (Community Employment Programs) allowed for duplication of master tapes for storage off-site and development of computer catalogue records, budget estimate requires raising $600,000 in funds which has resulted in 1987 facing serious financial challenges, negotiations with RVIB broken down as print-handicapped philosophy not shared, Braille Book of the Year judges (Joyce Nicholson, Barrett Reid and Stephen Murray-Smith) shortlisted titles for readers to vote upon (John Bryson, Evil Angels) and best narrator (The Bathurst) went to Sean Myers, organisational restructure, resignation of Barbara Johnston and David Blyth, appointment of Jill Keeffe, new borrowers now waiting 11 months to receive first book due to limited staffing levels, bright orange cassette containers introduced (replacing pouches), Otari duplicating system first year in use, 'In Future' and 'Australian Geographic' began, 45 audio magazines including 1 Greek and 3 Italian now circulating, Braille Reading Marathon held, large print collection expanded due to Fitzroy Public Library discarding stock, Versapoint embosser purchased and link with Royal Society for the Blind in South Australia through Braille book catalogue.1 volume of text and illustrationsbraille and talking book library, annual report

A collection of images from the 1998 Braille and Talking Book Library awards ceremony at the ANZ Pavilion in the Arts Centre. Hosted by Rod Quantock, these images were taken by attendee Robert Degraauw and include a variety of speakers and attendees on the night.9 photographs of people at 1998 awards ceremonybraille & talking book library, robert de graauw, louis braille audio, deidre rubenstein, monica zetlin, paul karo, jeffrey hodgson, pamela morrow, stanley mcgeagh, stephanie daniel, rod quantock, john bryson, caroline lee, david tredinnick, rebecca macauley, stephen pease, glen morrow, awards

Annual report of the Braille & Talking Book Library including Minutes of the AGM, Board of Director's Report, President's report and financial statements. Items also included are: Miss Alice McClelland was invited to read the Honour Roll in recognition on her 51 years and 7 months of service with the library, appointment of Joan Simmonds as Chief Librarian, retirement of Ivan Molloy, Mrs Hearn, Peter Sumner and Heather Bedson, the first Braille Book of the Year presented to Keith Dunstan as decided by the literary panel of Barrett Reid, Stephen Murray Smith and Lloyd O'Neill, the revival of the Annual Fair, and the work of the Sixty-Niners, Benalla, Reservoir and Altona auxiliaries.1 volume with text and illustrationsbraille and talking book library, annual reports

Introduced in 1974, the Braille Book of the Year was created to both acknowledge excellence in writing as well as raise the profile of Braille books. In 1993, the award was won by Ruth Park for her book 'A Fence Around a Cuckoo'. The award was accepted by her literary agent Tim Curnow. The Bathurst Award for Narrator of the Year award went to Irini Pappas for the audio version of 'Put Your Whole Self In', a story about the Northcote Self Group Hydrotherapy and Massage group, by Meme McDonald, which also won 'Audio Book of the Year'. Presentations were made by Arnold Zable, Lorna Hayter, Meme McDonald, James Wright and Jeremy Wurm. 25 colour photographs, 4 black and white, 1 single negative (behind P1540.13) and 7 strips of negativeawards, braille & talking book library, james wright, arnold zable, lorna hayter, meme mcdonald, jeffrey hodgson, paul karo, rose blustein, irini pappas, jeremy wurm, michael carman, eileen larkin, iris wileman, elsie warren, beryl grover, ida dolinko, estelle cother, peggy stenboig, marjorie oke, ada handyside, sheila baldwin, joyce spokes, stanley mcgeagh, maggie millar

Black box containing a Matrix Braille writing machine, with a paper spool attached to the feeding mechanism. The front portion of box is hinged and lifts up to reveal keyboard. Top half of box lifts to reveal Braille writer which is bolted to a wooden base that can be lifted out. The base is secured with a metal latch. Machine has black keys and the wooden case has black leather-like covering, hinged lid, metal clasps, and leather handle on the side. "Model G, Matrix, Coventry Gauge & Tool Company, Ltd., No. 792, For The Royal National Institute for the Blind, London W.I." is stamped on the front,Black vinyl-covered case containing black metal writer and paper spool"Model G, Matrix, Coventry Gauge & Tool Company, Ltd., No. 792, For The Royal National Institute for the Blind, London W.I." is stamped on the front.braille equipment, royal national institute for the blind

Annual report of the Braille & Talking Book Library including Minutes of the AGM, Board of Director's Report, President's report and financial statements. Items also included are: embedding the new philosophy 'that all may read', VIP Tours began with tour of library and lunch at 'Onions' restaurant afterwards, increased loans but also a 5 month waiting list for new borrowers, Children's Christmas Party conducted, Barrett Reid, Joyce Nicholson and Dr Stephen Murray-Smith continue to be the literary panel for Braille Book of the Year, Annual Garden Party at Benalla, 63rd work anniversary of Alice McClelland, computerisation of card catalogue has received funds and should be completed by early 1986, and have the added benefit of eliminating wait times for new borrowers, resignation of Clare Lovegrove and Beverley Johnson and appointment of Seija Makinen and Alana McCann, first joint commission of braille books from RIDBC by Library and 8 state organisations, and purchase of an electric conveyor belt to help load the Australia Post truck with the daily 30 bags of mail received and the same outgoing.1 volume of text and illustrationsbraille and talking book library, annual report

Articles include the death of R. Bigwood, a committee member for 40 years and former Vice President, Sir Rohan Delacombe (Patron) launched the library's first Open Day, large print and Moon books are becoming more in demand, four Tellatouch machines have been ordered, a sample tape recorder has been received from England, an electric Braille typewriter has been acquired, Mrs Weir has left the flat but Mr and Mrs Hood are now keeping an eye on the garden and building, Perkins Braillers are in high demand, a new auxiliary has been established in Altona, and Christmas card sales were higher than previous.32 pages of text with drawingsbraille library of victoria, corporation records

In 1993, as part of the Melbourne Writer's Festival, a tent was set up so that people could come and listen to readings of books shortlisted for the Braille Book and Audio Narrator of the Year at lunchtime. These images show the audience and some selected presenters including Michael Carman. 8 coloured photographs and 7 strips of negativesawards, braille & talking book library, michael carman, james wright, karl hughes, kris benic, adrian beddows

With its distinct octagonal shape, the Braille and Talking Book Library was a distinctive building in Commercial Road. This view, taken in the mid-1990's by employee Robert Degraauw, shows the Commercial Road frontage, as well as the pedestrian lights across and the tram tracks in the roadway.Red octagonal brick building facing pedestrian crossing and roadwaybraille & talking book library, robert de graauw

Black box containing a Matrix Braille writing machine, with a 24mm-wide paper spool attached to the feeding mechanism. Corner of box is hinged and lifts up to reveal keyboard. Top half of box lifts to reveal Braille writer which is bolted to a wooden base that can be lifted out. The base is secured with a metal latch. Machine has black Bakelite keys with rubber pads beneath make this a "silent" machine; wooden case has black leather-like covering, hinged lid, metal clasps, and leather handle on the side. "Model G, Matrix, Coventry Gauge & Tool Company, Ltd., No. 1183, For The Royal National Institute for the Blind, London W.I." is stamped on the front,Black vinyl-covered case containing black metal writer and paper spool"Model G, Matrix, Coventry Gauge & Tool Company, Ltd., No. 1183, For The Royal National Institute for the Blind, London W.I." is stamped on the front.braille equipment, royal national institute for the blind

Annual report of the Braille & Talking Book Library including Minutes of the AGM, Board of Director's Report, President's report and financial statements. Items also included are: the structural re-organisation, increased borrowing has required increase in staffing, the entire share portfolio has been sold however 4 staff were retrenched and remaining staff undertook an 8% pay cut for 8% less hours (with many continuing to work the same hours), decision to phase out Clarke & Smith machines in favour of cassettes, due to lower staffing a waiting list for borrowers need to be established with up to an 8 week delay to join, braille interleaved books developed to allow sighted parents of blind children (or vice versa) to enjoy a book together, establishment of LBA allows for segregation of alternative production and sales of book to other organisations, Braille Book of the Year panel of Barrett Reid, Joyce Nicholson and Lloyd O'Neil, opening of Benalla Studio on 7 December 1982, and as library declared a free public library in May 1980, library receives state government funding at 3% of the state budget.1 volume of text and illustrationsbraille and talking book library, annual report

Wooden braille board with wooden header, hinged with brass hinges and small pins to clamp the paper to the board. Metal frames on each side hold a rod across the front of the board. The rod is fixed to two moveable parts which can go up or down the board as required.1 wooden back board with metal flanges either sideroyal victorian institute for the blind, braille equipment