Uvodna slika

Special Library for the Blind and Visually Impaired of Srpska is institution which primary goal is to inform, educate, help and to participate in cultural life of blind and visually impaired people, as well as the development and promotion of library activities in the Republic of Srpska.

The establishment of the Library

The library was established by a decision of the Government of the Republic of Spike at the session held on July 13th 2006.  and officially was registered July 17th 2007.
 

Legal foundation 

Due to Librarian law and decision of the Government about establishment of the Library, librarian board of directors has adopted Statute of Special library for the blind and visually impaired of Srpska and on that way is determined how Library will work, conduct, function in compliance with law.  

 

Why do we need Special library for the blind people

There are over 2000 blind and visually impaired people in Republic of Srpska who wants to be a part of society – to involve and participate in it due to the rule that all people are equal in order to accomplish their rights.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities - adopted in 2006. among other things  points out the significance of access to the information and education. Article 4 of the Convention is focused on general obligation of state members and among other things points out relevance of promotion, development and availability of new technologies, including information and communications technologies, mobility aids, devices and assistive technologies, suitable for persons with disabilities.

Rights for education and participation in cultural life, as well the benefit that comes along with it should be one of the primary human rights and goulds.

Article 9 says that is neccessary  „To enable persons with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life“ and that all parties „shall take appropriate measures to ensure to persons with disabilities access, on an equal basis with others, to the physical environment, to transportation, to information and communications, including information and communications technologies and systems, and to other facilities and services open or provided to the public, both in urban and in rural areas“. And that is purpose of our library as well – to enable blind and visually persons access on information, technologies and other personalised content.

Basic and additional activities - goulds of the Library

Special library for the blind and visually impaired of Srpska apart from being institution that essential feature is to collect, edit and rents (loan) books in accessible formats it also conducts with publishing services like printing books written on Braille, editing and copying books and magazines in mp3 format.
We should also mention that in order to help blind and visually impaired people to integrate in society, library practice specialized trainings like – learning and reading on Braille, using of computers with audio software etc.
Library is also space where others – various manifestation (cultural, amusement) are being held.