FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Tyler/East Texas)

Austin, TX – Join the Texas Talking Book Program (TBP) at the fourth annual East Texas White Cane Day on Friday, Oct. 23, at Bergfeld Park in Tyler, Texas, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by the East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind.

Celebrate the accomplishments and independence of people who are blind or visually impaired at this family-friendly public event. Local vendors, live entertainment, food trucks and resource organizations from across East Texas and the state will come together for a day of education, connection and celebration. In keeping with this year’s ”Freedom Through Independence” theme, TBP will showcase how thousands of Texans use its free accessible library and comprehensive patron services to read independently in the formats best suited to their needs.

Visitors can learn about TBP’s vast collection of audiobooks, braille books, assistive technologies, and accessible magazines and games available to eligible Texans statewide. TBP staff will be on hand to answer questions from the curious and help those eligible for TBP services join the program.

“By making books and stories accessible to people of all abilities, the Talking Book Program supports Texans’ literary independence and opens the door to a statewide family of readers,” said TBP Engagement Specialist Will Wadsworth. “East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind shares our commitments to community support and individual empowerment. That’s why we’re grateful for the invitation to this one-of-a-kind celebration. We can’t wait to show folks how TBP serves Texans and how easy it is to enroll in the program.”

Since 1931, TBP has provided free library services to Texans with visual, physical and reading disabilities. TBP library and services are free to all patrons. To learn more about TBP or apply for services, email tbp.services@tsl.texas.gov, visit www.TexasTalkingBooks.org or call toll-free 1-800-252-9605.

For more information about East Texas White Cane Day, visit easttexaslighthouse.org.

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The Texas State Library and Archives Commission provides Texans access to the information they need to be informed, productive citizens by preserving the archival record of Texas; enhancing the service capacity of public, academic and school libraries; assisting public agencies in the maintenance of their records; and meeting the reading needs of Texans with disabilities. For more information, visit www.tsl.texas.gov.