Randy Landgrebe named director, Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                              Contact:       Shoshana Hebshi

Nov. 29, 2010                                                                                                       515.281.1338

Randy Landgrebe named director of Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

The Iowa Department for the Blind has named Randy Landgrebe to oversee the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped as its program administrator.

Landgrebe, who recently returned to the Department after working as circulation manager at Bemis Public Library in Littleton, Colo., began his new position Monday, Nov. 29. Prior to working in Colorado, Landgrebe, 55, served as the assistant library director for the IDB library. 

Born and raised in Newton, Landgrebe attended the University of Iowa for undergraduate and graduate studies. He said he was glad to return to Iowa, where his family still resides, and to the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, which provides essential services for blind, visually impaired and print handicapped Iowans.

“This library is a unique place,” said Landgrebe. “It has more to offer than most libraries in the sense that we give individuals far more than books. We give them oftentimes a reason for hope from the most basic experience of getting through a difficult day to providing the tools for doing a job search. It embodies opportunity. Every library should do that, but we are unique in that we do embody hope.”

Landgrebe oversees 20 library employees, plus a cadre of more than 100 volunteers from the community. The library provides books and magazines in alternative formats for those who cannot read standard print. Each day more than 1,000 pieces of material are shipped through the mail to borrowers across the state of Iowa. The service is free to Iowans, and no postage is required.

IDB Director Karen Keninger said she was pleased that Landgrebe accepted the position, and said his experience and leadership ability will be key components in continuing the tradition of superlative service.

“He understands and is totally committed to our philosophy, which makes him a perfect fit for this position,” said Keninger, who served as library director from 2000 to 2008. “His experience in both public libraries and our library gives him a broad perspective from which he can draw to maintain the best library for the blind in the country.”

For more information about this announcement, the Library or the Iowa Department for the Blind, contact Shoshana Hebshi, communications specialist, at (515) 281-1338 or Shoshana.Hebshi@blind.state.ia.us

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