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April 1995 |
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April 1995 |
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Lisa Williams
Executive Assistant
Governor's Office for Individuals with
Disabilities
Pamela Thompson may not immediately tell you where the old Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped is located. She recalls going there to borrow tapes and records only once. She preferred to borrow through the mail. But now, with the new Library, Ms. Thompson, who was born with a rare eye disease, not only borrows tapes and large print books, she picks them out in person. "It's easy for me to get to the Library", stated Thompson who lives in Baltimore County and rides the subway. The new Library is located on the corner of Franklin and Park adjacent to the Central Branch of the Enoch Pratt Library . For many individuals like Thompson, one of the major criticisms of the old Library was its location. The building, a storefront, was also in need of numerous major repairs. Established in 1968, the small building was cramped with nowhere to grow. An interagency committee which included Library patrons, recommended building a new Library and former Governor William Donald Schaefer agreed.
The new Library, completed in 1992, now boasts a circulation of 350, 000 items for its 8,000 patrons. Thompson volunteers there on Wednesday and Thursday mornings . " Pam Thompson is one of our regular volunteers. She is dependable and has a cheery attitude", stated Elise A. Leonard, one of the enjoyed the six tapes on the Kennedys" stated Thompson.
Thompson, 32, who is legally blind, is the only one in her family with a vision impairment but she doesn't allow the impairment to hinder her. She is proud of her independence and is thankful for supportive parents, a brother and godmother. "Growing up with a disability Was hard at times because some kids would tease me, but they didn't understand . Now that I am an adult I don't let what people say bother me. I do my day-to-day activities just like everyone else added Thompson. In addition to enjoying books and tapes from the Library, Thompson is on the usher board of her church and enjoys music and visits with friends.
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