Make a Noise in Libraries (MANIL) Fortnight is an annual campaign to bring public libraries and blind and partially sighted people together to improve access to books and information.
Make a Noise in Libraries Fortnight 2012 will run from 11 to 24 June.
Our theme is 'Six Steps to library services for blind and partially sighted people'.
The Six Steps initiative is led by Share the Vision in partnership with the Society of Chief Librarians and the Scottish Library & Information Council. 181 out of 205 library authorities in the UK have pledged to undertake six simple low cost actions to improve their library service for people with sight loss.
One of the six steps is to participate in Make a Noise in Libraries Fortnight.
RNIB National Library Service can provide support and advice to help get things started.
Library survey
Between 11 and 24 June, blind and partially sighted people will be contacting their local libraries to find out how well they are delivering on their 'Six Steps' commitment. Would you like to join in? Contact Una Regan for more details on 0161 355 2079 or email una.regan@rnib.org.uk
MANIL events 2012
Many libraries across the country are holding reading activities and book events during MANIL Fortnight. Find out what's happening at a library near you
Free resources for libraries
Promotional materials
For download:
Order your supplies today - email una.regan@rnib.org.uk with your name, address and and quantities required.
Ideas and support
• Browse our list of MANIL event ideas for activities that have worked well for other libraries including ebook events.
• Host a hands-on taster session and talk for your staff and/or customers about the accessible features of mainstream ebook readers. Peter Atkin from RNIB's Media and Culture Team is available to visit your library to demonstrate a range of ebook readers and answer questions. Email peter.atkin@rnib.org.uk for details.
• Author podcasts - download audio interviews with well-known authors for use in reading groups and MANIL activities - Stephen Kelman, Alexander McCall Smith, Jo Brand, Sarah Waters and more
• Borrow books in braille and giant print from RNIB to support your reading groups or for use in a themed display.
• Travelling RNIB Archive - borrow one of our Archive packs, containing photographs, equipment and artefacts relating to the history of braille and touch reading. Contact Philip Jeffs, RNIB Archivist, on 0161 355 2047 or email philip.jeffs@rnib.org.uk
• Big Print newspaper and radio and TV guide - take out a subscription for your blind and partially sighted customers to add to the range of daily newspapers and magazines you offer.
• Read for RNIB - find out how your library or reading group can raise funds for RNIB and support MANIL at the same time.
And don't forget to visit the award-winning Reading Sight website for information and resources for public library staff including practical advice on running reading groups and marketing activities to blind and partially sighted people, and 'Your Reading Choices', an online tool to identify customers' reading needs.
Help with publicity
We will publicise all MANIL events on our website so please let us know what you are doing. Send us the title of your event, the date, time and venue, a brief summary of what will be happening and contact details. Email megan.gilks@rnib.org.uk
What libraries say about MANIL
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"MANIL is good for publicity and helps to raise the profile of our library service with a group that can be difficult to reach."
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"We use MANIL to promote our large print and spoken word collections to customers, as well as reaching out to new customers."
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"Members of the local association for the blind expect us to do something during MANIL."
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"MANIL is a useful way of focusing our attentions on our blind and partially sighted borrowers and an opportunity to make other people aware of what we have available."
If you are blind or partially sighted
There are various ways to get involved:
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Help us monitor how well your library is meeting its commitment to the Six Steps initiative. You can do this by visiting your local library or over the phone. We will give you some quick questions to ask, for example does your library offer audio and large print books, provide access technology and are they organising an activity to mark this year's MANIL Fortnight? Your feedback will help us establish what is available in your area. Email una.regan@rnib.org.uk or call Una on 0161 355 2079 to register your interest.
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Go along to one of the many MANIL events being organised by libraries between 11 and 24 June. Activities in previous years have included open days, coffee mornings, book displays, reading groups, storytelling, drumming workshops and much more.
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Let us know how your local library is faring in the current climate of financial cuts. Have you lost out due to library closures or reduced services? Tell us online by filling in our quick Cuts watch form. Or perhaps your library provides a sterling service and you'd like to tell us all about it.
By using and asking for services at your local library, you will be demonstrating the need for accessible books and information for blind and partially sighted people - and you might be pleasantly surprised by what's on offer.
Contact
Make a Noise in Libraries Fortnight is run by RNIB National Library Service. To find out more, contact Megan Gilks on 0161 355 2080 or email megan.gilks@rnib.org.uk