GLS News A newsletter for friends of the Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled https://gls.georgialibraries.org Volume 12, Issue 1, Spring 2024 Vanessa Meadows receives NFBGA award. We are shining a spotlight on our very own Vanessa Meadows, GLS Atlanta Assistant Manager, who recently received an award from the National Federation of the Blind of Georgia (NFBGA) for her contributions and dedication to the Atlanta Metropolitan Chapter of NFBGA. Local chapters of NFBGA were tasked with selecting a person who actively promotes the policies and programs of the federation. The Atlanta Metropolitan Chapter chose Vanessa in recognition of her unwavering dedication to the organization. In true Federation spirit, Vanessa Meadows donates her time, talent, and financial resources to help others live the lives they want. She takes on the hard jobs with joy in her heart, and her fun-loving personality encourages others to do the same. With love and commitment, Vanessa steps up to fill a need whenever a problem is identified, with no expectation of reimbursement or recognition, working to make a strong Federation. Vanessa currently serves as 1st Vice President of the chapter. Vanessa was recognized in October at the 50th annual NFBGA convention. Chartered in 1973, NFBGA is the state affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind. Bingo on the Go in Albany, GA. Meet the GLS Friends group and Vanessa Meadows for some blind-friendly bingo in Albany. Thursday, March 28 12 noon to 3 p.m. Northwest Library, 2507 Dawson Rd. Find out more & RSVP at 229-420-3243. Ask for DeMilya. GLS staff announcements. We are pleased to announce a couple of recent staff developments at GLS. Since Barnaby Camp was promoted last year to GLS Atlanta Manager, we had a position to fill among our team of Reader Advisors. Yolanda Mashburn joined us in that role in December. She brings more than a decade of experience in management, research, and event planning in various sectors across Georgia and the U.S. Yolanda holds a bachelor of science degree in political science from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and a certificate in paralegal studies from Clayton State University. In her free time, she enjoys reading current biographies, self-help, astronomy, and business management books. Yolanda finds creative expression in making resin art. Almost one year after joining GLS as an Inventory Assistant, Asa Jurai has accepted the new position of Inventory Supervisor of the GLS Distribution Center (GDC). With nine years of retail experience and 15 years as a sighted guide, Asa is eager to further explore the work of GLS and grow within the organization. Welcome, Asa and Yolanda! Start a new book club with GLS. Are you passionate about books, eager to share your favorite reads, and excited about building a community of like-minded readers? We are looking for volunteers to create vibrant and engaging book clubs for GLS patrons. A book club is a fantastic way to connect with others who share your love for literature and build meaningful connections and friendships. A newly formed GLS book club can be specific to your location or geared to a particular interest. If you are interested in starting a new book club or would like more information, contact Lamar at lrobinson@georgialibraries.org or call 1-800-248-6701. Book review: The Country of the Blind Andrew Leland s The Country of the Blind: a Memoir at the End of Sight (DB115575, BR25166) is a powerful and moving account of the author s personal journey through losing his sight, due to retinitis pigmentosa. Leland recounts his journey from shock and denial following his initial diagnosis as a youth, to acceptance, as his condition dramatically worsened in his forties. This book is a must read for anyone who is losing their sight or wants to better understand the experience of those who are. Before losing his sight, Andrew Leland was a writer whose work appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker, McSweeney s and other publications. He approaches his new life with a journalistic perspective, exploring the culture of blind community, attending an NFB convention, and visiting a training center where he meets other blind people who are living productive and fulfilling lives. The author humorously recalls his own foibles learning to use a white cane and awkward encounters with strangers. Leland writes openly about his struggles with imposter syndrome, as he still retains some sight, and his feelings of inadequacy as a husband and father. In addition to his personal story, Leland also provides a thoughtful exploration of the history of blindness and the way society has perceived the blind, from Greek mythology to recent advances, as well as controversies within the blind community. He describes the role of technology in providing independence to the blind, from the development of braille to e-readers. He examines the many stereotypes and misconceptions about blindness, and he challenges the notion that blindness is a life sentence. Reviewed by Barnaby Camp, GLS Atlanta Manager Don't miss our recurring programs on Zoom: * Tech Talk - Monthly: Second Tuesday, 10 a.m.-12 noon * Peer Support Group - Monthly: Third Wednesday, 2-4 p.m. * For Grown Folks Only Book Club - Bimonthly (March, May): Second Wednesday, 2-4 p.m. Donors' corner Your donations are appreciated. Please make checks payable to the USG Foundation and write GLSBPD on the memo line. Mail checks to: GLS Atlanta, One Margaret Mitchell Sq., NW, First Floor, Atlanta, GA 30303. Visit https://gls.georgialibraries.org/newsletter to subscribe to GLS News and to read current and back issues. Call 1-800-248-6701 to request this newsletter in alternative formats. GLS News is published quarterly by the Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS), a division of Georgia Public Library Service, a unit of the University System of Georgia. This publication is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to Georgia Public Library Service under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act. Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled Director: Kristin White Toll Free: 1-800-248-6701 Fax: 404-657-1459 https://gls.georgialibraries.org/