Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped Plans Move to Main Branch

In a few weeks, the Clinton-Macomb Public Library Main Branch will close the doors on its library gift store to welcome the Macomb Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH) in its stead.

Currently housed in the Macomb County Library on Hall Road, the LBPH provides books on tape and players, large-print books, equipment that enlarges text, equipment for printing Braille materials and more to all qualifying Macomb County residents.

“Macomb County runs the LBPH, and in order to save money, they approached us about taking over these services for the blind and physically handicapped,” said Jamie Morris, CMPL community relations.

Morris said not only would all LBPH services continue to be offered in the new location, but LBPH patrons would also enjoy the main branch’s longer hours.

With the LBPH slated to move in the fall, the library gift store has set a tentative closing date of Oct. 17. However, Friends of the Library, whose volunteers run the gift store, has plans to open a used book store in another area of the library by mid-November.

“While we are sorry to lose the library gift store to accommodate the Library for the Blind, we are very happy that our Friends of the Library approached us about this new arrangement,” said Library Director Larry Neal, in a release. “We think it’s a wonderful opportunity for the library as well as the Friends.”

Like the library gift store, profits from the Friends’ new venture will also be used to fund library programs.

“The Friends specialize in used books, and already sell used books in the gift store,” Morris said. “They don’t want to get into the whole retail thing (again), so they plan to stick with what they are familiar with.”

In an effort to sell out its inventory before closing, all items in the gift store will be 25 percent off beginning the week of Sept. 12. A special deal will also be available to those who visit the Clinton Township Festival of the Senses the weekend of Sept. 24-25. The Friends will sell used books at a booth at the festival, and those who purchase a used book from the Friends will receive a coupon for 40 percent off at the library gift store.

The library gift store is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Visit cmpl.org to find more information about further discounts and extra hours as the date of closing gets closer.