Articles in the annual report include: a brief history of the organisation on it's 80th anniversary, resignation of Herbert Thompson who had provided over 50 years of voluntary service in the library, Braille teacher and Council member with a plaque commemorating him in the Library, the addition of Reverend Noel McCaw on the Council as Mr Thompson's replacement and A.F. Albert's appointment as Vice President, the unexpected demolition of 'Heathfield; in Woollahra due to it's condition and a rethinking of strategy given the demand for a kindergarten in the western suburbs, intention to rebuild the lower hall in William St to accommodate studios, offices, repair and storage facilities to satisfy the growing demand for tapes, outline of the Blind Book Society and how it became an auxiliary to the Society so that the assets and goodwill of the BBS were transferred to the RBS, support for this action by Frank Clune and other authors, transcription work done by the Braille Writers Association of NSW includes Leaving Certificate exams, knitting patterns, recipes and musical compositions, references to the change in talking book machines and teachers checking transcribers work to ensure mild censorship does not occur, two examples of how the support can change the life of a blind person, the assembling of a giant flower basket (10 x 15 feet) for the Town Hall Float in the Waratah Festival which was filled with 25,000 sweet peas and a bow of 6 foot wide satin - sadly the truck carrying this would not start and the float was not seen, dropping of sales due to plastic goods and imported products, 17 First Prizes and 12 Second Prizes in various handicrafts at the Royal Easter Show, the work of Margaret Green in providing services to blind children across the state, a visit by world-famous blind pianist George Shearing, pictures of the opening of the "Light House" home for Aged Blind Women and the Alexis Albert Hostel for Aged Blind Men, renovations have occurred at the Helen Keller Hostel and drama and singing classes are held as well as the local choir Waimea Singers directed by Nellie Sweeney, cricketer Ken Curtis took a hat trick - the first in Australian blind cricket history - in the third match between NSW and Victoria at Kooyong in December 1960, three musicians (Julian Lee, Percy Roberts and George Herrmann) were in contact with pianist Percy Shearing before his television appearance, drama classes provided by Irene Alexander have been well attended with some students giving dramatic presentations on radio stations, monthly musical concerts continue to be held in the Society's hall, the continued success of the Black and White Ball, the huge success of the 2UW Blind Appeal providing much needed funds, the addition of the Silver Lighthouse to the group of Auxiliaries, the passing of E K Gordon who was a Foundation Member of the Committee as well as roles with the Newcastle branch and Nursery for Blind Babies, the ACT Liaison Group obtained free passes for bus services within the Territory, the 'Glow Worm' sessions ended in its 21st year on 2GB with Goodie Reeve now reading news excerpts and Betty Hatherley's session on 2UW have been replaced by recorded announcements.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, annual report, justice maxwell, paul cullen, h.f. benning, herbert thompson, c d darvall, ken bunn, e t herford, roy kippax, k. g hunter-kerr, phyllis bourke, w.a. davis, alexis albert, noel mccaw, buildings, talking books, blind book library, kenneth bruce, frank clune, dame mary gilmore, roy young, braille writers association of new south wales, transcription, t brockhoff, zita ainsworth, l farrell, a faulks, percy cooper, m duncan, dorothy juleff, margaret green, victor maxwell kindergarten, light house home, alexis albert hostel, helen keller hostel, waimea singers, nellie sweeney, ken curtis, cricket, julian lee, percy roberts, george herrmann, irene alexander, maurice chevalier, nola dekyvere, betty hatherley, l c haynes, fundraising, l atkins, l a maurer, j lamond, j wishart, jill hamer, w. cannington, e k gordon, j blair, b macleay, lions club of mayfield, lions club of sydney, lions club of burwood, apex, lions club of bondi, n g wilson, j v brickwood, goodie reeve, 2uw, 2gb

Hard cover book: Bible, Old & New Testaments Editor: Rev. George Leo Haydock Publisher: James Semple, 7 Stirling Road, Glasgow Date: 1875 Further Information: Brown leather bound with extensive gilt pattering to Spine and Front Board, Cross icon to front board and brass book clasps to corners.non-fictionThis edition is part of what Bible bibliographers classify as the Haydock Quarto Series. It uses the Douay Rheims version (the standard English translation of the Latin Vulgate for Roman Catholics) and is heavily updated with extensive annotations. The subject volume is a large, decorative family Bible. Bibles of this style were peak Victorian subscription publishing, and publishers like Semple typically issued these in unbound parts or sold them via travelling canvassers, bound in heavy, blind stamped or gilt leather meant to serve as a visual centerpiece in a Victorian home.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, the holy bible the old testament and the new testament, bible, book, religion, holy bible, rev geo leo haydock, latin vulgate, family bible

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850’s to the late 1950’s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, and to reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. As with many Mechanics' Institutes in Australia, the one which operated in Warrnambool was established and overseen for many years by key individuals associated with the development of the city itself. The WMI publication collection is historically significant because of its association with local people, places and the key historical themes in the development of Warrnambool of rural development, industry, farming, education, and community. The collection documents and illustrates the changing interests, focus and tastes of Victorians, especially those in regional cities. Generally the individual items in the collection are not particularly rare, as examples of all probably exist in other public collections in Victoria. It is primarily because there are so very few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, which lends this overall collection its significance. Many items in the WMI Collection have the potential to support further research, both as individual objects and through the collection in its entirety. This material is significant for its ability to assist in the interpretation of the history of the area and adds to the general understanding of the development of the township. Many components of the WMI publication collection complement and reinforce the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Collection, the Warrnambool Art Gallery Collection, and that in the Warrnambool Historical Society, and also contribute to a clearer understanding of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute collections. This will greatly enhance the appreciation of the few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections across Victoria, and also in New South Wales. The similarities and differences between the small number of collections that have survived can provide further insights into how the people of Victoria in general, and Warrnambool in particular, constructed a civic culture of adult learning to foster an informed citizenry. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is of both local and state significance. George Eliot Author: Mathilde Blind Publisher: W H Allen & Co Date; 1884Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 920 ELI Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, george eliot, mathilde blind

This selection of images was shortlisted for inclusion in the book 'Lighthouse on the Boulevard' by Judith Buckrich. They include items from the State Library of Victoria collection, as well as those in the archives. The final edition of the book did not include all of them, but those that were have indications in the individual description page for each image. 59 scanned photographs of RVIB, blind people and buildingsroyal victorian institute for the blind, buildings, leal house, employment, tilly aston, aaron solomon, annie rose drummond, j.t. hogarth, neil westh, trudi westh, augusta tutton, jeremy king, robert toseland, mary pipczak, anita sun, maria robinson, george dyer, malcolm brodie, trevor anderson, david blyth, don draffin, bruce allen, kevin murfitt, peter ward, eileen ayre, rosanne cunningham, reverend william moss, david palmer, george findlay, ormond hall, blind soldiers

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 1996, the award was won by 'The Monkey's Mask' by Dorothy Porter. The Bathurst Award for Narrator of the Year award went to Humphrey Bower for the audio version of "Death of a River Guide". Presentations were made by Rose Blustein and others at the Commercial Road library.15 colour photographs of the eventDavid Israel Photography October 1996awards, association for the blind, rose blustein, rebecca maxwell, book of the year, humphrey bower, dorothy porter, eve lustig, don draffin, elizabeth woods

In 1997, author Bryce Courtenay visited the Commercial Road of the Association for the Blind's library. He met library user Lorna Hayter and saw audio copies of his book 'The Potato Factory'.5 colour photographs of Bryce Courtenay's visit to the Commercial Road libraryOn P0435A: Pic 7A 70% Spring News 97association for the blind, library, bryce courtenay, lorna hayter, rose blustein

When author C.H. Nipper created historical overview of the first 60 years of the RVIB, various topics were covered by an unordered series of pages on individual topics. These are: Admittance of Aboriginal people (1/2 page) Blinded soldiers (5 pages) Blindness - causes and prevention (4 pages) Buildings and Land (Snippets) - gas - grant of crown land - heating - insurance - water Change of name (1 page) Deaf-Blind and the Multiple Handicapped (3 pages) Education (9 pages, 1 missing) Employment: - Placement of blind people in employment (1 page) - Insurance brokerage as a profession of the blind by Fred C Tolstrup (3 pages) Fundraising (Snippets) - Coles Book Arcade - Sporting matches Kiosks for the Blind (1/2 page) Music (5 pages) Nursing (2 pages) Organ (Snippets) Ormond Hall (3 pages) Pensions (1/2 page) Rehabilitation Training centre (3 pages) Talking Book Library (1 1/2 pages)2 page foreward and 17 page historyroyal victorian institute for the blind, c.h. nipper, blind soldiers, deaf-blind, ormond hall, fundraising, rvib nursery, nellie melba, alice mcclelland, charles halle, blinded soldiers bowling club, talking books, employment, aboriginal and torrens strait islander people, pensions, fred c tolstrup, blindness, rehabilitation, education, buildings

An overview of activities and achievements during the past financial year. Articles in annual report include: increasing need for services and sustainable funding models, closure of Paul Cullen Centre in Roselands due to changing to government legislation, refurbishment of Enfield office and renaming of client services area to Paul Cullen Centre, upgrade of recording studios from analogue to digital, commitment to creation of national blindness agency and reduction of costs due to de-duplication of library and production services, winning the TDK Audio Book of the Year with "The God of Small Things" and Trish Trinick Prize for Best Narration for the same title, winning the Premier's Award for Macleay Argus Talking Newspaper Service, held our first Recreation Expo, expansion of Sensory Playroom, and profiles of clients Jamahl, Natasia, Ros and Cliff.1 printed volume of information about the RBS during the financial yearroyal blind society of nsw, annual reports, nastasia campanella, paul cullen centre, roselands nursing home, john chatterton, ros martin

An overview of activities and achievements during the past financial year. Articles in annual report include: launch of telephone based talking newspaper 'Today's News Now', pilot project in Canberra to obtain apprenticeships for 11 clients, development of computer-based training module, involvement in DAISY Consortium, completion of 'As I See It' - a video and handbook training package, achieved goal of $1M to upgrade RBS studios to digital technology, discussion with RVIB to create a national talking book library, the decision to sell the Paul Cullen Centre nursing home due to cost of compliance with new legislation, and client profiles of Lolita, Shayne Allen, Krystel, Tim, Nona and Xen and images of clients Callum, Sam, Lachlan and Debbie.1 printed volume of information about the RBS during the financial yearroyal blind society of nsw, annual reports, shayne allen, krystal keller, tim noonan, talking newspaper service, john landau, carol ireland, richard miller, katherine purcell, mike fryer, mark walker, justice windeyer, keith barton, roslyn lambert, chris cullen, frank martin, ivan cribb, averil legg, gai wibberley, lina jabbour, mike brown, john chatterton, barry chapman, john valder, angelo loukakis, nicholas opolski, scott monk, emma steele

An overview of activities and achievements during the past financial year. Articles in annual report include: Carol Ireland's trip to PNG on behalf of ACROD to assess training needs with staff of the St John's Association for the Blind in Port Moresby, received funding for a new deafblind service model, Braille teacher Trish James was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to study deafblindness, retirement of Library Director Bill Byrne after 19 years of service, 3M sponsored their eleventh but last Talking Book Awards, launch of new talking newspaper service in Port Stephens (the 25th title now offered), launch of 'When Even Glasses Don't Help' by Dr Brendan Nelson - a comprehensive report undertaken by RBS on blindness and vision loss, Technology in Focus 3 day exhibition held at Enfield, joining the DAISY consortium, and the opportunity to have 2 'Behind the Budget' luncheons due to the change in government.1 printed volume of information about the RBS during the financial yearroyal blind society of nsw, annual reports, john chatterton, nona wakefield, jon isaacs, dr brendan nelson, wendy harmer, greig pickhaver, gareth evans, ian kortlang, robert gottliebson, averil legg, barry chapman, sandra yates, christopher cullen, lina jabbour, mike brown, frank martin, mark walker, mike fryer, helen dewhurst, richard miller, carol ireland, sue bates, fundraising, talking newspaper service, awards, bill byrne, deaf-blind

Articles in the annual report include: the awarding of an O.B.E. to Vice President H.F. Benning, presentation of a silver cigarette box to Roy Kippax for his 50th year of service, aim to move out of old William Street building by the second half of 1971, Mark IV Talking Book machine began to be circulated, first library advisory committee on book selection was convened, images of the Alexis Albert, Helen Keller and Lighthouse hostels, formation of Nepean, Lighthouse Younger Set, Ryde and Hornsby auxiliaries, the use of a swear jar by the 'Blind Club' of the Queensland Hotel (cnr Erskine & Kent St) to top up the RBS donation box, the various blind bowling and cricket clubs, the use of the Main Hall by the Boomerang Singers, and various volunteers who assist departments with their work.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, alexis albert, lady albert, sandy robertson kindergarten, australian national council of and for the blind, balmain blind bowling combination, william street blind women's bowling club, helen keller hostel, braille writers association, h.f. benning, r.w. alkin, roy kippax, victor maxwell kindergarten, w.a. davis, k. bruce, lighthouse hostel, alexis albert hostel, r wellsmore, h.c. standen, ray watson, paul cullen, ian burnet, nola dekyvere, alan wotherspoon, ron frazer, annual report, cricket

This newsletter was produced to keep RVIB auxiliaries informed of news, activities and events that occurred across the state, and to recognise individual auxiliaries and their members undertaking the valuable work of raising funds for RVIB. Produced six times a year, changing to monthly and possibly quarterly. In 1996, this included the introduction of a duplicator at the Wangaratta library to create local cassette copies of the The Chronicle and the dial in service for the Talking Book catalogue, a new course to 'kick start' students for tertiary studies, award for Dorothy Hamilton, Dr Harry Cooper unveiling a bronze sculpture of a koala and her joeys at Healesville Sanctuary, 'More than just a Look' exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria, profile of Bea Doherty and Jessie Twaddle, disbanding of Moe Auxiliary, and the passing of members from various auxiliaries.1 v. in various pagingsAlso titled: RVIB Auxiliary newsletterroyal victorian institute for the blind, auxiliaries

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: acknowledgement of the work on Thomas Luxton as foundation president, having a stand at the Royal Melbourne Show, acknowledgement of Joan Cunnington for working 50 years as a transcribing and producing the most volumes (789) of any transcriber, display of a thermoform map designed by 2nd year Architecture students of the Melbourne University campus, Sir Paul Hasluck winning the Braille Book of the Year award, first edition of Library Talk audio magazine, congratulations from the Federation of Blind Citizens on providing 2 track cassettes, retirement of Alice McClelland and Geoffrey Wilson, and a delegate attending the Australian and New Zealand Association of Teachers of the Visually Handicapped conference,1 volume of illustrations and textbraille and talking book library, thomas luxton, joan harris, mary wynne, kerryn dobson, joyce cunnington, elizabeth fraser, hector bathurst, deanna debona, tony o'shea, david wluka, joan simmonds, paul hasluck, gough whitlam, book of the year, annual report

The DAISY consortium was established in 1996 to develop an industry standard for the emerging digital book market. It's partners recognised that by incorporating the same features when constructing digital recordings with text, and using an established structure, publications could be usefully exchanged and sent around the world. In 2011 the consortium celebrated it's 15th anniversary and commemoration badges were sent to it's members, which included NILS (the production and library divisions of the Royal Blind Society of NSW, Vision Australia Foundation and RVIB). The badge has a blue swirl above and below the words 'daisy consortium' with '15th anniversary' at the base.Small badge with black writing on white backgrounddaisy consortium 15th anniverary badges, national information library service

To identify AFB staff members, a name badge was struck.. Names were printed in black on a silver background, with the logo of the Association for the Blind - in black - to the left of the logo and above the staff members name. The words 'Association for the Blind' sit to the right of the symbol, whilst 'Braille & Talking Book LIbrary' is located beneath the wearer's name. This badge was donated by Rose Blustein. 1 plastic name badge with AFB logoassociation for the blind, badges

Male handles Clarke & Smith talking book cartridges, placing one cartridge on a bookcase filled with numbered cartridges, whilst holding another two in his other hand. To the side of him is a cane basket that contains black mailing cases with silver reinforced corners and strapping. These cases were used to send the cartridges out to talking book clients. Behind the man is another bookshelf, with the two bottom shelves containing mailing cases, the next two Clarke & Smith cartridges and possibly Clarke & Smith tapetes and tapete mailing pouches on the top shelf. A metal fan hits on top of the bookcase.Digital image of man with audio book cartridgestalking books, library, royal victorian institute for the blind

Female holds a cassette tape whilst looking at a sheet of paper in her other hand. The tape has been pulled from a cardboard box which has a reference number (eg: C90), a title and the sequential number (Side 5) listed on the front side of the box. Multiple boxes are nestled on wooden shelves, each with a black band that is attached below the box to assist in pulling them on and off the shelves. Books on cassettes were physically bulky and were stored separately for easy retrieval and return when borrowers were done. When a tape was dispatched, the requisite number of cassettes were removed and placed into mailing pouches for dispatch. Upon return, the cassettes were placed in individual boxes, that allowed staff to retrieve selected parts of a book if needed or incomplete books were returned. Underneath the image is written "Up to date talking book cassette library". Digital image of woman holding a cassette taperoyal blind society of new south wales, talking books

In 1990, the Braille Library and Talking Book Library merged with the Association for the Blind, to ensure library services were maintained in Victoria. This plaque recognises the assistance provided to the new entity by the Port Phillip Rotarians.1 digital image of plaque with inscriptionRotary International (symbol) The Talking Book Library greatly appreciates the support received from the Rotary Club of Port Phillip - Melbourne March 1991association for the blind, braille and talking book library

The Talking Book Library of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind is celebrating its 50th anniversary during 1984. This service began in 1934 with 78 rpm records. These were later superceded by 33rpm records which remained in use until 1960. The first cassettes were imported from England and weighed 7 lb. along with the player which weighed 28 lb. These 18 track cassettes usually contained one whole book. In the early 1970's a change was made to smaller cassettes containing 12 hours of recorded material on 6 tracks. The latest system currently being introduced is the Library of Congress 4 Track System utilising cassettes which play for 6 hours and machinery which is adaptable to the conventional 2 track system cassette. The Talking Book Library today provides services to 2500 readers as opposed to only 500 in 1964. The service is free of charge to anyone who is visually handicapped and includes talking books, talking book machines, mail service, servicing of machines at regular intervals and any modifications that may be required. Over 1600 cassettes are handled daily. The library currently holds over 3500 individual titles. Catalogues are available in print, audio and braille format. Once selection is made, borrowers may receive at least 3 books at any one time. Other services include current magazines, foreign language books, newspapers and magazines and regional country newspapers. Many books are recorded at the R.V.I.B. by our volunteer readers while others are bought from similar agencies in Australia and overseas. The department of the R.V.I.B. relies almost entirely on voluntary donations from the public. Other services provided by the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind Community Resources Section, Aids & Equipment Shop, Tertiary Resource Service, Industrial Department, Retired Personnel Allowance, Children's Services, Social Services, Housing Loans, Vocational Development1 digital image of typewritten pageroyal victorian institute for the blind, talking books

Used to raise both funds and awareness, this matchbooks were produced with colourful illustrations on the front (a lamp shining above the octagonal Braille Library building) and rear (a female brailling at home). Inside a message 'As a Thank-Offering for my sight I give this gift to the Honorary Treasurer, Braille Library, S.E.1', as well as matches printed alternately with 'Braille Library' and 'South Yarra'.1 book of red headed matchesThe Light That Never Fails Free Lending Library For The Blind, Commercial Rd, S. Yarra The Victorian Association of Braille Writers Braille is a series of tiny raised dots by which the blind can readfundraising, marketing

Brochure advertising a ride to and from Ballarat on a vintage steam train to raise funds for Talking Book Library relocation from South Yarra to Kooyong, and the Kelaston Day Centre. The Tilly Aston Fund was part of the Centenary Appeal, and it was hinted that the lady herself may appear.Brochure advertising ride to Ballarat to raise funds for Talking Book Librarynon-fictionneil maxwell, association for the blind, fundraising

The Feelix library was developed to help children who were blind or have low vision experience the connection with books via tactile objects. Each print book was hand selected, a clear Braille overlay placed on the pages, and items relating to the story were made or purchased and added to the kit. The kit (book and objects) was held inside a cardboard suitcase and sent through the mail in a bright orange, zippered plastic padded pouch with a carry strap. Launched at the Melbourne Zoo on 11 February 2003, ambassador Sigrid Thornton read 'The Story about Ping' by Margery Flack and Kurt Wiese to a group of five children, who played with the other objects in the suitcase as well as those for 'The Tiger who Came to Tea' by Judith Kerr. These included a soft toy duck in bright plaid fabric, a shiny metal tea pot, a cassette recording of the story, tactile books for both stories, and metal cups.36 digital photographs of Sigrid Thornton and five children at launch of Feelix libraryroyal victorian institute for the blind, feelix, sigrid thornton

The Feelix library was developed to help children who were blind or have low vision experience the connection with books via tactile objects. Each print book was hand selected, a clear Braille overlay placed on the pages, and items relating to the story were made or purchased and added to the kit. The kit (book and objects) was held inside a cardboard suitcase and sent through the mail in a bright orange, zippered plastic padded pouch with a carry strap. Launched at the Melbourne Zoo on 11 February 2003, ambassador Sigrid Thornton read 'Owl Babies' by Martin Waddell to the crowd. These images were taken of the families who attended, including Zoos Victoria CEO Laura Mumaw, Minister for Community Services Sherryl Garbut and RVIB CEO Doug Kent.36 digital photographs of families and official guests at launch of Feelix libraryroyal victorian institute for the blind, feelix, sigrid thornton, sherryl garbut, laura mumaw, doug kent, louise curtin

The Feelix library was developed to help children who were blind or have low vision experience the connection with books via tactile objects. Each print book was hand selected, a clear Braille overlay placed on the pages, and items relating to the story were made or purchased and added to the kit. The kit (book and objects) was held inside a cardboard suitcase and sent through the mail in a bright orange, zippered plastic padded pouch with a carry strap. Launched at the Melbourne Zoo on 11 February 2003, these images were taken of the families who attended, including Zoos Victoria CEO Laura Mumaw, Minister for Community Services Sherryl Garbut and RVIB CEO Doug Kent, and the Feelix kits displayed on the day.37 digital photographs of families and official guests at launch of Feelix libraryroyal victorian institute for the blind, feelix, sigrid thornton, sherryl garbut, laura mumaw, doug kent, louise curtin

The Feelix library was developed to help children who were blind or have low vision experience the connection with books via tactile objects. Each print book was hand selected, a clear Braille overlay placed on the pages, and items relating to the story were made or purchased and added to the kit. The kit (book and objects) was held inside a cardboard suitcase and sent through the mail in a bright orange, zippered plastic padded pouch with a carry strap. On August 22, 2007 Feelix staff organised an activity to supplement the book "We're going on a bear hunt" by Michael Rosen. First the book was read, then the young children (and their parents) replicated the actions of the book's characters in their search for a Bear who followed them home for morning tea. Later that day, Burwood School children also joined in on their own Bear Hunt.70 digital images of staff and children during the Bear Huntroyal victorian institute for the blind, feelix, rvib burwood school, louise curtin, ed gamble