RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Braille Circulating Library, which provides thousands of books in Braille to blind and vision-impaired patrons for free and was founded by a Richmond woman, will celebrate 100 years of service on Thursday. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, the Braille Circula ting Library will celebrate its 100th year of ministry at the Branch Museum, located at 2501 Monument Ave. in Richmond. According to officials, the Braille Circulating Library was founded by Richmonder Louise Harrison McCraw in March 1925. Its idea originated when McCraw saw a need to have Christian and inspirational books, sermons and other literature translated into Braille for the blind. McCraw reportedly started the library in her home and soon moved to the YMCA as the operation started to grow. It eventually became a mission project for Immanuel Baptist Church, occupying part of the church's former Pine Street location in Richmond's Oregon Hill area. In 1972, the library's board of directors purchased its current site at the corner of Mulberry Street and Stuart Avenue, a three-story brick building located in the Fan neighborhood. According to officials, the library still operates as a local ministry and offers thousands of books in Braille -- as well as large print books and cassette tapes on a variety of inspirational topics -- to blind and vision-impaired patrons all over the world for free. In 2009, a special recognition was awarded to the Braille Circulating Library by the Richmond City Council for its "many years of service." Additionally, the Library of Virginia included the library's founder, McCraw, in its "Virginia Women in History" exhibit and recognized her achievements with an Award of Honor in 2017. “We have received phone calls from blind individuals who thank us for the literature we make available to them," said Melody Roane, President of the Braille Circulating Library Board of Directors. "One gentleman from Kentucky told us that he is teaching a Bible study class using the materials he received from the Braille Circulating Library." Thursday's celebration will have refreshments, music, prize drawings and more information about the library. ...read more read less