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Category: Braille History

Close-up of the fingers of two hands as the touch a paged filled with raised dots

19th-Century Tactile Music Notation in Spain

Posted by: Lindsay Conway

Did you know that systems of tactile music notation were created in the 19th century to enable people who were blind to read and write music? Today, we will learn about two systems that were developed and used in Spain before braille music code gained widespread adoption in the 20th century.

Close-up of the fingers of two hands as the touch a paged filled with raised dots

Alternatives to Braille: 19th-Century Experiments in Tactile Music Notation in the United States

Posted by: Lindsay Conway

Did you know that systems of tactile music notation were created in the United States in the 19th century, long before braille music became the standard? Today, we will learn about two of these systems, both of which were developed at the New York Institute for the Blind.

Close-up of the fingers of two hands as the touch a paged filled with raised dots

It’s National Library Week!

Posted by: Brian McCurdy

This week we are celebrating National Library Week! This year's Honorary Chair, Molly Shannon, honors the work of her favorite librarian--her mother. Read on to learn more about the history and importance of National Library Week.

Memorial bust portrait drawing of Etta Jossely Giffin. She has a determined look; her hair is short and wavy with some curls falling on her forehead. She is wearing a dark choker necklace.

Etta Josselyn Giffin: A Role Model of Women’s Enduring Leadership

Posted by: Juliette Appold

During Women's History Month, we celebrate Etta Josselyn Giffin (1863-1932). Giffin was the first director of what has become the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. Learn more about some of her achievements in this blog.

Close-up of the fingers of two hands as the touch a paged filled with raised dots

Triumph over Tragedy: The Love Story of Victoria and Joaquín Rodrigo

Posted by: Lindsay Conway

Celebrate Valentine's Day with the remarkable love story of composer Joaquin Rodrigo and his wife and collaborator, Victoria Kamhi de Rodrigo.