The Message for the Blind by S. N. Haskell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 24, 1913

The Message for the Blind

By S. N. Haskell

Thinking the readers of the Review and Herald might be interested in the work we have been doing the past few months in supplying books for the libraries for the blind, we will give some particulars in regard to the work. There is no work more important at the present time than the distribution of message-filled literature. Wars and rumors of wars and storms by sea and land unite with many other tokens in proclaiming that the Lord is coming soon. We can not conceive how it is possible for any one who truly believes these things not to do all in his power to help prepare the people for the coming of the Lord.

There are many thousands of blind people scattered over the country who are not reached by the large quantity of literature that is distributed year by year for the seeing people. Thousands of dollars’ worth of our books have been placed in public libraries for the seeing people, but in the past we have not had one large bound book for the libraries for the blind. The number of blind people is increasing so rapidly that the work of educating them is not all left with the fifty-three State educational institutions for the blind. Many of the public schools in our large cities have a department for the blind. All are taught to read, and a large amount of literature is being printed for the use of the blind.

Some time ago, our attention was especially called to the libraries for the blind, and upon investigation we found that in the most of the States there were circulating libraries for the blind; some of the States have three or four of these libraries. The government carries the books to blind readers and returns them free of postage. There are very few religious books in any of these libraries. There are histories, books on science, educational books of all kinds, and many novels, but little reading-matter that would lead the blind into the kingdom of heaven. The Catholics seem to be the only denomination that has given much attention to the needs of the blind. They are placing many of their books in these libraries.

I just received the late catalogue from one of the largest circulating libraries for the blind in the country, and there are in that library alone twenty-four volumes that the titles reveal to be Catholic books, and others that might be taken for Catholic works.

The Christian Record has for years been doing a good work, and I understand our printing-office at College View has printed fifteen or more tracts for the blind, which are doing much good; but they have not had the facilities with which to print large bound books.

Several agents selling the special number of the Bible Training School have for some time been donating a portion of the profits on each paper sold to create a fund with which to print books for the blind. When sufficient funds had accumulated through the efforts of these faithful agents, we began printing, and now have “Steps to Christ,” “Our Paradise Home,” and the chapter from “Desire of Ages” entitled “The Lord Is Risen” printed in the New York point. Before we did any printing, we communicated with the leading institutions for the blind to ascertain which style of print was most widely used, and found the New York point was read more generally than any other.

As many read the American braille who can not read the New York point, we are having “Steps to Christ” printed in the American braille, and will have it ready for distribution in about two months. All our printing has been done by the American Printing House for the Blind in Kentucky, which is subsidized by the United States government.

We have received requests for the books from libraries in over thirty States, and several of these States already have three or four different libraries where the books are placed. We shall quote a few of the many words of appreciation we have received from the librarians. The following is from one of the large Eastern cities:—

“We were very glad to learn of the three books which have recently been put into embossed type for the blind, and which you so kindly offer to give to this library for the use of the blind readers. We shall be glad indeed to receive them, and feel sure that they will receive good use and be greatly appreciated. Thank you very kindly for extending this offer to us.”

The following was received from one of the States of the Middle West:—

“Your letter concerning the three books of religious literature donated to the blind has been received and contents duly noted. The need of books of this character has long been felt, and I know that many hearts will be gladdened and cheered by them. Perhaps those who donate these books can never conceive of the pleasure and happiness they will bring into many lives. Books mean much more to blind people than the average seeing person can estimate.”

“Anxiously awaiting the new books in behalf of the readers of this library, which number about five hundred, I am, “Very sincerely yours.”

We wish to print “Patriarchs and Prophets” in an abbreviated form for the blind. This will cost about two thousand five hundred dollars. If any one has a stray dollar or two that he does not know what to do with, send it to us and we will use it to help print these books. S. N. Haskell.

South Lancaster, Mass.