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Category: Washington Talking Book and Braille Library

Ray Charles doc tops “WTBBL Jewels” poll

Ray Charles doc tops “WTBBL Jewels” poll

(Image courtesy of WTBBL) Legendary singer Ray Charles remains a beloved figure years after his death. That even carried over to our recent Library Jewels blog series featuring items of the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library in Seattle. WTBBL is part of the Washington State Library. A WTBBL patron ledger featuring the entertainer’s real name – Ray C. Robinson – topped the poll with 48 percent of the votes, edging a photo of WTBBL’s “turntable” room with 37 percent….

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Time to pick your favorite WTBBL ‘Jewel’

Time to pick your favorite WTBBL ‘Jewel’

One of the most beloved services of our Washington State Library is the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library in Seattle. We’ve featured three interesting WTBBL-related items for our September “Library Jewels” blog series, and now it’s time for you, our dear blog reader, to choose your favorite. Just go to the online poll below to vote. You have until this Friday at 5 p.m. to select your fave. WTBBL’s “turntable” room WTBBL’s Pratt sculpture WTBBL’s Ray Charles connection [poll…

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Library Jewel #3: WTBBL’s Ray Charles connection

Library Jewel #3: WTBBL’s Ray Charles connection

(Photo courtesy of Washington Talking Book & Braille Library) During its long history, the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library in Seattle has had thousands of patrons. In fact, a handwritten ledger kept track of WTBBL patrons registered from 1919 to 1984. One name will grab your attention once you know his stage name. On page 54 (above) is a 1949 entry for a braille borrower who would go on to stardom. Ray C. Robinson, later known as the famous…

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Library Jewel #2: WTBBL’s Pratt sculpture

Library Jewel #2: WTBBL’s Pratt sculpture

As you approach the front entrance of the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library in Seattle, you notice a beautiful, unique wooden sculpture. The wooden art was created by artist Dudley Pratt, commissioned in memory of University District bookseller Harry Hartman, who was blind and a WTBBL patron for more than 20 years. After Hartman’s death in 1945, fellow members of the publishing industry raised funds to be used toward a reading room in his name. The sculpture served as…

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September Library Jewel #1: WTBBL’s “turntable” room

September Library Jewel #1: WTBBL’s “turntable” room

(Photos courtesy Washington Talking Book & Braille Library) This month, we’re devoting all three of September’s Library Jewels to the amazing Washington Talking Book & Braille Library in downtown Seattle. WTBBL (pronounced Wuh-tah’-bull) an important and beloved part of our Washington State Library. It provides audiobooks in various formats, as well as large print and braille books, to about 9,000 patrons throughout Washington. The first of our three “WTBBL Jewels” is a pair of photos showing what is now the…

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Wyman helps open Chinese braille exhibit

Wyman helps open Chinese braille exhibit

Secretary Wyman (center) takes part at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Chinese braille exhibit at WTBBL this week. The ribbon cutting ceremony was led by Guo Weimin (right), deputy minister of State Council Information Office, People’s Republic of China, Wyman, and President Zhang Wei (left) of the China Braille Press. Secretary of State Kim Wyman joined Chinese officials in formally opening a free exhibit on Chinese braille at the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library in Seattle Monday morning….

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WTBBL hosting Chinese braille exhibit

WTBBL hosting Chinese braille exhibit

The Washington State Talking Book & Braille Library in Seattle is honored to host a free exhibit on Chinese braille Sept. 22 to Sept. 26. The event coincides with a visit by Chinese President Xi to Seattle, Everett, Tacoma and Redmond. The exhibit is available for viewing from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Wednesday. Saturday’s exhibit hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Staff from the China Braille Press and…

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You can donate to WTBBL through GiveBIG!

You can donate to WTBBL through GiveBIG!

This Tuesday (May 5), the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library is again participating in The Seattle Foundation’s GiveBIG!, a one-day, online charitable giving event. It’s all happening from midnight to midnight and together we can make a difference in WTBBL’s future! Learn more and donate at WTBBL’s GiveBiG profile page here. For phone donations, please contact WTBBL’s David Junius at (206) 615-0417 or (800) 542-0866. The Washington Talking Book & Braille Library, which is part of the Washington State…

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WTBBL exhibit showcases blind community

WTBBL exhibit showcases blind community

(Images courtesy of WTBBL) The widely acclaimed Washington Talking Book & Braille Library is known for providing audiobooks and other services to thousands of patrons across the state who can’t read standard-print material. Now, until early December, it’s hosting a great new photo exhibit that focuses on the people who benefit from the library’s services and programs. The exhibit, called “Innocent Eyes,” is produced by Stephanie Jarstad, a Seattle-based professional photographer. The 32-photo exhibit features stunning portraits of eight blind…

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100 reasons to like this event

100 reasons to like this event

Ten-Squared Talking Book Club members Isidore Starr, Vivian Knutson and Emma Harman (left to right). In the back row are (left to right) Secretary of State Kim Wyman, State Librarian Rand Simmons and WTBBL Manager Danielle Miller. (Photo courtesy of John Pai)  For years, the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library has been nationally renowned for offering outstanding service and programs for people of all ages who have trouble reading standard print. It also knows how to throw a party…

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