There are a few causes of brake noise. First I would clean the brake shoes and rim. Use sandpaper on the pads and an abrasive dish sponge on the rim. Second thing to try is to adjust the position of the brake pads. They should have a little "toe in" - the leading edge of the pad should touch the rim first. As time goes on the toe in gets worn away and they will need to be adjusted. Lastly, replace the pads or live with the noise. If you can stop, they are working!
Pablo, November 2009
