Vol. 35, No. 2
June 2005

GREETINGS FROM YOUR
ARIZONA FRIENDS OF TALKING BOOK

"What I spent I lost; what I possessed is left to others;
what I gave away remains with me."

Joseph Addison (1672-1719)
English poet reading from a charitable man’s epitaph.

Recently, I saw one of my favorite patients, 92-year-old Mrs. Jackson. She’s been my patient now for 5 years, is legally blind from macular degeneration and glaucoma, and an avid patron of the Talking Book Library. When I told her how the Library’s recording studios were being converted from analog to digital technology, and how this was going to make the books easier to use and the sound quality better, she immediately had some sensible advice for me. She said, “Dr. Rockwell…don’t screw it up.”

Evidently, like most of us, she’s a little resistant to change. But, I took it more to mean she’s been very, VERY happy with the service all these years. In fact, she’s told me many times how she’d never make it without Talking Books.

I quickly assured her I really have nothing to do with the technology conversion process – that’s all being handled by the National Library Service. However, I did tell her how the AZ Friends of Talking Books (AZFTB) is raising the money necessary for the local studio conversion; unfortunately, state funding is not enough. Since this project began, we’ve raised a considerable amount of money, but we still have a long way to go to reach our goal of $60,000.

Our fundraising efforts have included grants from groups like the American Optometric Association, donations from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and the AZ Optometric Charitable foundation, and fundraisers involving Baja Fresh and Bashas’. However, the majority of our contributions have come from people like you.

A short time ago, I sent a contribution request letter to my parent’s church back in Indiana, not really expecting much in return. Incredibly, we just received a $500 check from ONE Sunday school class in that church. These are people thousands of miles away who will never benefit from this local service, and some of whom have never even been to Arizona. That’s the kind of generosity I’ve encountered since we started this fundraising project. With that in mind, I ask you to consider a donation toward the studio conversion project, and the Library that’s given so much to the people of Arizona.

Additionally, the AZFTB is pleased to announce the “Arizona Talking Book Friend for Life – Studio Conversion Project” contribution plaque to be displayed at the Library. This plaque will honor individuals, and civic or church groups who fall within four tiers of giving: 1) “Manuscript” – ($250+), 2) “Volume” – ($500+), 3) “Tome” – ($1,000+), and 4) “Book” – ($2,000+). Of course, anonymity will be honored by request. We’re also offering a studio naming opportunity for those interested in giving an even larger donation toward this great cause.

If interested in these specific opportunities, or any kind of donation, feel free to contact the Braille and Talking Book Library at (602) 255-5578, or 1(800) 255-5578, or send a check to the Library’s address. Of course, any donation would be greatly appreciated. Likewise, please pass this article along to friends, families, groups or businesses looking for a worthy cause.

When you begin to consider making a gift toward this project, think of that Sunday school class in Indiana, and especially think of fellow Library patrons like my patient, Mrs. Jackson. Your contribution will not only serve thousands of visually and physically handicapped Arizonans, but it will go a long way to making sure…I “don’t screw this up.”

Warmest regards,

Dr. David T. Rockwell
President, AZ Friends of Talking Books

P.S. You should also mark your calendars for an AZFTB fundraising event being held in Phoenix on September 23rd. More information will be forthcoming.