Optical Prism January 2015 | Page 39

Glimpses CNIB AWARDS CANADIAN URBAN LIBRARIES COUNCIL The CNIB awarded the Dr. Dayton M. Forman Memorial Award for 2014 to the Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC) for its work in removing barriers for people with print disabilities. The award was established by the CNIB Library Board in 1996 and recognizes outstanding leadership in the advancement of library and information services for Canadians living with vision loss or print disabilities. The Canadian Urban Libraries Council received the award based on its creation of the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA). “CELA works for the more than three million Canadians with print disabilities, providing equitable access to library materials through their public libraries,” said John M. Rafferty, President and CEO, CNIB. “No one should have to rely on a charity for library access – CULC’s determination and hard work in the launch of CELA is helping make this a reality.” CELA has a strong, robust foundation upon which to build a new pan Canadian service,” said Biss. “We thank CNIB for recognizing our efforts to date, and we know that together we will build something special that will make an enduring difference in people’s lives.” The award was accepted by Catherine Biss, CEO, Markham Public Library and former Chair of Canadian Urban Libraries Council this afternoon at a luncheon held in conjunction with meetings of the CNIB National Board of Directors, Council of Chairs and Executive Management Team at the CNIB Centre. The partnership between CULC and CNIB was pivotal to achieving the long standing vision of CNIB to see equitable library service for people with print disabilities delivered through Canada’s public libraries. This year’s award is a celebration of a courageous coming together of organizations, agencies, professionals, and volunteers with a common purpose: equitable library service for ALL Canadians. “Equitable library service must be accessible to everyone through their local public library, and through CELA this is becoming a reality. We value CNIB’s almost 100 years of service and it’s because of this that Tradition Matters Building A Stronger Vision Together Plastic Plus is now the exclusive distributor of all Rodenstock lens products in Canada Tel: 416-789-4307 1-800-268-1617 Fax: 1-800-530-9172 Optical Prism | January-February 2015 35 www.plasticplus.ca