[Iabs-talk] Fwd: Important Update regarding IL Talking Books Program - Funding Changes

[Denise R Avant]

Denise R. Avant
President
National Federation of the Blind of Illinois
Live the life you want
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> From: Melissa Wittenberg <Melissa.Wittenberg at CHICAGOLIGHTHOUSE.ORG>
> Date: January 27, 2016 at 6:45:47 PM EST
> To: Amy Peterson <Amy at equipforequality.org>
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> Subject: Important Update regarding IL Talking Books Program - Funding Changes
> 
> The following was brought to my attention today by the Director of Talking Books at the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS)…
>  
> Talking Book service is provided to anyone in Illinois who is blind, visually impaired, or has physical disabilities that prevent the reading of standard print. The service is funded by a blend of state and federal grant funds. As a result of the current state budget impasse, the Illinois State Library (ISL) informed Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) that they can no longer fund Talking Book and braille services for RAILS, the Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS), and the Chicago Public Library (CPL) after FY2016.
>  
> RAILS will work on a transition plan with their Board, ISL, IHLS, and CPL over the next several months to determine the best way to ensure that these valuable services continue. Part or all of the service could be transitioned to ISL. RAILS could also decide to fund part of the service through their reserve.
>  
> This information applies to all partners and patrons.  The Illinois State Library is the regional library in the state.  Funding being what it is in Illinois, especially in this budget standoff year, state and federal funding is no longer available to fund the subregionals as of July 1, 2016.  In the meantime, RAILS and CPL are exploring all their options while considering transition issues.  They won’t know for at least two months, maybe more, how they will be transitioning and how long they will continue to exist before moving all or part of their services to the State Library.
>  
> They will keep members informed of the latest developments.
>  
> In the meantime, ALL are urged to contact their elected officials to advocate for continued funding for Talking Book services – please spread the word along!!
>  
>  
> Melissa Wittenberg
> Senior Director | The Chicago Lighthouse North
> 222 Waukegan Road | Glenview, IL 60025
> Main Phone: 847.510.6200 | Direct Phone: 847.510.2060
> Fax: 847.729.2207 | Cell: 773.301.2726
> www.chicagolighthouse.org
> 
>                
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>  
> The contents of this message are legally privileged and/or confidential. The information is intended only for use of the intended recipient. If this message is received in error, please destroy it without reading and notify the sender immediately. This message should not be forwarded or distributed without the permission of the author.