They lost their space. Nearly lost their books. But never lost sight of their mission. This is the story of how one library for the blind survived—and is now thriving.
Christ is the Light of the world.
Yet many remain in the dark—not for lack of faith, but a literal lack of sight. For the blind, it’s a miracle each time the Light of Christ reaches them. Even an ordinary miracle.
Then there was one
When the English braille code changed universally in 2016, it meant that braille transcribers either had to be recertified or their skills would become obsolete. To make matters worse, that same year the Library of Congress determined that cassette tapes were out, and digital players were in. The result was that many libraries for the blind were unable to stay open. And so began the domino effect of library closings.
“The blind depend on books,” said Neimes. “They don’t get out like sighted people do. They can’t drive and often live in assisted living. Where are they going to get their Christian books?”
Around that time, a retired librarian and Braille expert in Jacksonville, Florida, gave Neimes a wise word of advice.
“She said to me, ‘Whatever you do, don’t let that library close,’” Neimes recalled. “So I stepped up, and there were five other people here in Jacksonville who could help, too.”
Neimes approached Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Jacksonville for help housing the books in a climate-controlled environment until a permanent library space was found.
Four years later, they were able to find space at a local mall and planned to rebrand. Now five libraries in one, Neimes thought and prayed about how they might rebrand this library and share its mission. One night, it came to her.
“I Read, I See…Jesus,” explained Neimes. “The word iris. An iris lets in light, and our library allows the blind to read God’s Word, letting in Christ, the Light of the World. So we became IRIS Lending Library for the Blind.”
The mall space worked out for a while, but when the 2020 pandemic hit, things went downhill.
“The mall really fell into disrepair,” said Neimes. “There were drips, rain barrels, the roof was giving way. After a particularly bad storm with heavy rain, the ceiling caved in and the owner never repaired it. There was mold and it was all in terrible condition.”
There were two leaks in the library, and it was a miracle that the books were unscathed. But Neimes and her team knew that this situation wasn’t sustainable.
A new chapter
With a COVID-era grant and generous donors, IRIS prepared to purchase land and build. But when the mall changed ownership, they were given only 60 days to vacate—nowhere near enough time for construction.
IRIS found an even better location than the first: a red brick building that had appraised for $1.2 million that they were able to purchase for $650,000.
“I called up LCEF for a loan for the property, and they did it,” said Neimes. “They came through for us because they’re there to support you. They’re very understanding, especially when hard times hit.”
LCEF’s Assistant Vice President of National Lending Solutions Blake Brown said that working with IRIS to support their mission was a joy because “the ministry speaks for itself and what wonderful work they do.
“We work with all different sizes and types of ministries, even brand-new ministries or those who got their start operating out of a basement,” he added. “We are more than a lender; we’re a partner in ministry. We want even the smallest of ministries to have confidence through working with LCEF, even when God’s plan for the future seems unclear. We love to help them work through the unknowns.”
Here to stay
IRIS moved into the new space in January 2025 and finally has the stability they needed. They now have 26 transcribers, a huge team of volunteers and they were able to gain RSO status with the LCMS, freeing them up to focus 100% on their patrons.
“Our patrons are so special,” said Neimes. “They always tell us how much they appreciate the resources, how it gives them hope and brightens their day. Christ is woven within the books that we offer, which is mostly Bible studies, devotions and books that help them learn how to live as a Christian. I see how these people have matured in their Christian faith through these books.
“It gives them the assurance that we’re here to stay,” she added. “These books are everything to our patrons. It’s access to God’s Word, which gives them the tools they need, the light, to help them deal with life.”