View of Mrs. Webster (in sleeveless blouse) helping children check out books at the desk at Cahuenga Branch Library. Mrs. Webster brought a group of 9 children, averaging 4 1/2 to 5 years of age, from the Nursery School for Visually Handicapped Children. Most of the children are totally blind. One or two might be able to see light and shadow or a little color, but some were born prematurely, even without eyes. They reside at the Nursery School Monday through Friday and are taught to experience life through sound, taste, and feel. Emphasis is on developing sensitive finger tips in preparation for learning Braille at other schools later on. The children walked around the room, feeling the books on the shelves, the book rack, tables, etc. Many asked for books on specific subjects and these were checked out on their teacher's card. They enjoyed listening to the sound of the recordac machine. Later, the group sat in a semi-circle and listened to the librarian tell the story of "Ask Mr. Bear." The children were encouraged to participate in the sound effects of the different animals. As the group left the library, they were presented with a jack-o-lantern filled with Hershey treats in keeping with the Halloween season. The library, located at 4591 Santa Monica Boulevard, was built with a $35,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie. Photo dated: October 22, 1958.
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