Minnesota Agencies

Advises the staff of the Minnesota Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped on long-range plans and library services.

Effective September 1, 2007, the Minnesota Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped is renamed the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library (MBTBL). The library's name had not changed since it was established in 1933. In 2005, the Minnesota Legislature passed a law requiring state agencies to remove archaic or outdated language referring to people with certain disabilities. The statute identifies the term "handicapped" as an outdated term requiring the library to change its name.

The library's advisory committee suggested two possible names: the Minnesota Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, or the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library. Library patrons were allowed to vote on the two names or offer an alternative. 597 patrons voted and overwhelmingly selected Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library as the revised library name.

Despite the name change, the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library mission remains the same, said MBTBL Library Program Director Catherine Durivage. The library staff will continue to provide library services to people who cannot read standard print material due to a visual or physical disability. (information from Radio Talking Book: Radio News, September 2007)

5 members (people who use the Minnesota Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped); appointed by commissioner of education; per diem and expenses.

Terminology disclaimer: The terminology used to describe people with disabilities has changed over time. Although outmoded and offensive terms may be found within older agency records, the Legislative Reference Library does not endorse these terms.