About

Portsmouth Central Library hosts a day filled with events and activities, in collaboration with The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), to mark 200 years since the invention of braille.

Drop in to the library on Saturday 7 June to enjoy fun activities for the whole family, as well as the opportunity to learn more about the library's significant support for the blind and partially sighted community.

On the day you can:

• Explore the braille exhibition, open from 10am.
• Create your own braille bookmark drop-in workshop led by internationally renowned braille artist Clarke Reynolds. Create your name in braille on a bookmark from 11am to 11.45am.
• Hear from Clarke Reynolds as he launches his first children’s book, 'Mr Dot and his Magical White Cane Adventures'. The book will be braille as standard for everyone, making it truly inclusive. It's dedicated to a young visually impaired person called Etta, who will also be attending the event. A copy of the book will be handed over to the library to be booked out.
• Learn more in the braille 200 presentation with RNIB's Library Engagement Manager, Lara Marshall from 12pm to 12.15pm.
• Enjoy a special braille tuition drop-in workshop for beginners lead by local braille specialists 'All Things Dotty' from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.
• Hear Portsmouth Libraries visual impairment officer Julie Duffy and founder of 'All Things Dotty' Brandon Hulcoop share their personal braille stories from 1.30pm to 2pm. There will also be time to open to the audience for attendees to share their stories.
• Take two! There will be a repeat of the 'Make Your Own Braille Bookmark' workshop, at 2pm.

Take up the chance the learn more about braille, enjoy the activities, and celebrate the library's support to the visually impaired community in Portsmouth.