The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH) and Culinary Literacy Center (CLC) will receive a Community Partner Award from Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ASB) at the Louis Braille Awards luncheon on Friday, May 3.

In its 59th year, the Louis Braille Awards honors individuals and partner organizations that have made significant contributions on behalf of those who are blind or visually impaired. This year’s awards celebrate Accessibility to the Arts in Philadelphia.

Both the LBPH and the CLC have impacted the lives of many of ASB’s clients and their families throughout the partnership between the organizations. In addition to programming in the community and library events, LPBH has instituted an on-site book club for ASB clients, while many ASB clients have participated in CLC programs, gaining lasting skills and knowledge on healthier eating habits.

The Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped – now located at 1500 Spring Garden Street – is part of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress (NLS), and serves Pennsylvania residents who have difficulty reading due to a physical impairment, a reading disability, or a vision challenge. Library offerings include books in Braille, large print books, screen magnify tools, and screen-reading software.

The Culinary Literacy Center, opened in 2014, is a commercial-grade, state-of-the-art kitchen within the Parkway Central Library on Vine Street that serves as a classroom and dining space for Philadelphians. The CLC encourages a love of food and cooking through a variety of free and ticketed programming. It provides literacy training and fosters the development of problem-solving skills through cooking, supporting healthy lifestyles for people of all ages, and a healthy planet for generations to come.

Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ASB) is a nonprofit human services organization that promotes independence and self-sufficiency in individuals facing blindness or loss of vision. Building on a history of nearly 145 years, ASB is the Philadelphia area’s largest and oldest provider of education and training services for the visually impaired. ASB fosters individualized, goal-oriented plans for its clients and works to create strong strategic partnerships with organizations within the Greater Philadelphia Area to provide additional resources and opportunities.

The public is welcome to attend the awards ceremony. Tickets can be purcahsed though Eventbrite.