Talking Books Library

21 New Audio Magazines

By Alicia Waters | March 7, 2023

Twenty-one new audio magazines have been added to the NLS collection. Contact the Talking Books Library at (401)574-9310 if you would like to subscribe.

In addition, the following magazines have been discontinued:

·       Today’s Parent, braille
·       Popular Science, audio
·       Das Beste aus Reader’s Digest (German), audio

Topics: Books to Read, News & Info | No Comments »

Multiple Books on 1 Cartridge

By Alicia Waters | March 3, 2023

Perkins in Watertown, MA which is the vendor that sends out books for the RI Talking Books Library program, has begun placing multiple titles on a single cartridge for some members. Once the cartridge is inserted into the player, it will say how many titles are on the cartridge, but it will not tell you the specific titles. You may skip to the next title on the cartridge by pressing down the fast forward button FF or by using bookshelf mode.

If you are receiving multiple titles per cartridge and would like only 1 title per cartridge, please call us at (401)574-9310 or email talking.books@olis.ri.gov and will we contact Perkins.

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New NLS Spanish-language Website

By Alicia Waters | February 8, 2023

The Communications and Outreach Section is pleased to announce the launch of our NLS Spanish-language website. This new, 24-page site provides general program information, lists of resources in Spanish, and provides an easy way to access Spanish-language materials. By visiting the NLS website at www.loc.gov/nls/es/, those interested in NLS and its services can learn more about the program and how to apply, all en español.

The launch of this website coincides with an important anniversary. On February 8, 2019, the United States became the 50th member state to join the Marrakesh Treaty [loc.gov], a landmark copyright agreement allowing for the international exchange of accessible-format titles to serve those unable to read traditional books because of a disability. This agreement – along with the efforts of staff in the Office of Director and the Collections Division – contributed to the significant growth of the Spanish-language catalog, from modern bestsellers to treasured classics. Now, four years since joining this historic global initiative, NLS is proud to showcase their wealth of accessible resources and to create a space for Spanish speakers with visual and physical disabilities to enjoy the transformational power of reading.

Readers with low vision or blindness, or a disability that prevents them from using regular print materials can find information about NLS, apply for service, as well as find various resources and library materials in Spanish with ease. Take a look and share with others. www.loc.gov/nls/es/ [loc.gov]

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Black History Month February 1 to March 1

By Alicia Waters | February 1, 2023

Black History Month (February 1 to March 1) is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Celebrate Black History Month by reading titles listed below.

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Z. N Hurston (DB 100477)

This classic novel tells the story of Janie, a black woman who had three marriages: to middle-aged Logan Killicks, a prosperous farmer; to Joe Starks, a go-getter who makes Janie Mrs. Mayor Starks of Eatonville, Florida; and to Tea Cake Woods, who teaches Janie, at forty, the reality of love and happiness. Commercial audiobook. 1937.

The Dead Are Arising by Les Payne (DB 103798)

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist recounts the life of Malcolm X, drawing on interviews he conducted with those who knew him–siblings, friends, cellmates, Nation of Islam figures, FBI agents, cops, and political leaders. He traces Malcolm’s life from his birth until his Harlem assassination, including his exploits as a petty criminal, his religious awakening, and more. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2020.

A Promised Land by Barack Obama (DB 100966)

The first volume of Barack Obama’s presidential memoirs, recounting his journey from youth to president of the United States of America. He discusses his early aspirations, the trajectory of his political career, landmark moments of his first term, and reflections on American politics. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. Bestseller. 2020.

Black Bottom Saints by Alice Randall (DB 100828)

Joseph “Ziggy” Johnson spends his time through the Great Depression to after World War II as the gossip columnist for Detroit’s African-American newspaper and emcee for one of the hottest nightclubs in the Black Bottom neighborhood. On his death bed, he compiles Black Bottom’s list of saints. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2020.

Four Hundred Souls By Keisha Blaine (DB 102425)

A “community” history of African Americans spanning the four centuries between 1619 and 2019 that contains pieces from ninety writers, each covering the span of a few years. Each period of time is explored in a variety of ways, including essays, short stories, vignettes, and polemics. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. Bestseller. 2021.

The Black Church by Henry L. Gates (DB 102782)

Author of Dark Sky Rising (DB 94568) and Stony the Road (DB 94631) examines the role of the Christian church in Black American life from the time of slavery to the twenty-first century. Explores its impact on political movements for social justice. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2021.

James Baldwin by Quincy Troupe (DB 31579)

James Baldwin was one of the most important African-American writers of the twentieth century. On December 8, l987, his funeral was held in Harlem. Many of the tributes in this collection were presented then. Also included are interviews, critical essays, and selections from Baldwin’s writings.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (DB 80026)

In this autobiography told through vivid poems, Woodson explores her childhood as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s and her growing awareness of the civil rights movement. Reflects on the joy of finding her voice through writing stories, despite her difficulties with reading as a child. Commercial audiobook. For grades 4-7. 2014.

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Carroll Center for the Blind Registration for the Walk for Independence

By Alicia Waters | January 30, 2023

Join us on Saturday, June 3 from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Mt. Ida campus of UMass Amherst in Newton. The 2022 Walk was a banner year, and we hope you will participate in 2023 to help us reach our goals of 500 attendees and $225,000 raised to support the Carroll Center’s mission.

Participating is easy – just 3 simple steps:

1. Visit the Walk for Independence website [bbox.blackbaudhosting.com] to register for FREE!
2. Spread the word to your family and friends to ask them to support you.
3. Join us on Saturday, June 3 to celebrate the entire community coming together to improve the lives of people with vision loss.

Register Now [bbox.blackbaudhosting.com]

Topics: General, News & Info | No Comments »

The Many Faces of BARD on February 9

By Alicia Waters | January 27, 2023

The topic for the February 9, 2023, Many Faces of BARD program will be BARD Express. The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. eastern time and last for one hour. This program will be recorded.

The session will begin with a discussion of new BARD Express features and a demo of the upcoming new version release. The remainder of the time will be spent answering questions about the presentation or other questions related to BARD usage.

The session can be joined by going to https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1618927125?pwd=QUxvaG1hRnRQU2E3Y2MxK01zZUpjQT09 [loc.zoomgov.com]. The complete Zoom invitation is below.

Remember that the meeting is recorded. Do not speak if you do not wish to be on the recording. If you wish to speak, you may request to do so by raising your hand. On a PC, press Alt Y to toggle raising and lowering your hand. On a Mac Press Option Y and on a landline, press star 9. To mute or unmute yourself on a PC, press Alt A; on a Mac, press Command-Shift A; and on a landline, press Star 6. If you choose to dial in to the call, use the telephone numbers provided below. The Zoom.gov [zoom.gov] ID will not work with standard Zoom.us.

Join Zoom Meeting [loc.zoomgov.com]

One tap mobile:
US: +16692545252,,1618927125# or +16469641167,,1618927125#

Meeting URL:
https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1618927125?pwd=QUxvaG1hRnRQU2E3Y2MxK01zZUpjQT09 [loc.zoomgov.com]

Meeting ID:  161 892 7125
Passcode:  570141

Join by Telephone

For higher quality, dial a number based on your current location.

Dial:
+1 669 254 5252 US (San Jose)
+1 646 964 1167 US (US Spanish Line)
+1 646 828 7666 US (New York)
+1 415 449 4000 US (US Spanish Line)
+1 551 285 1373 US
+1 669 216 1590 US (San Jose)

Meeting ID:  161 892 7125
Skype for Business (Lync)
https://loc.zoomgov.com/skype/1618927125 [loc.zoomgov.com]

Topics: Accessibility, Programs | No Comments »

NLS Announces BARD MobileApp for the BlindShell

By Alicia Waters | January 5, 2023

Today, we’re excited to announce the launch of the BARD mobile app for the BlindShell Classic 2 and continue our journey in building the world’s greatest accessible cell phone platform. The BARD mobile app is the number one request from the sight loss community, and we’re proud to deliver this powerful new app.

Our team has assembled a dedicated BARD landing page where users can find plenty of useful information about the new app and maximize their BARD experience. Click here

If you haven’t already noticed, we’re determined to bring many additional new features and benefits to the BlindShell Classic 2 platform. We’re on a mission to break down barriers and enable individuals to communicate the way they choose.

Thank you being part of the world’s greatest accessible cell phone community.

Topics: Accessibility, Digital Update, Resources | No Comments »

Veterans to Receive Record Pay Increase in VA Compensation

By Alicia Waters | December 22, 2022

Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, Veterans and beneficiaries who receive VA compensation benefits will see an 8.7% increase in their monthly payments—the largest increase in over 30 years. LEARN MORE [lnks.gd]

Topics: General, News & Info | No Comments »

New NLS Catalog

By Alicia Waters | December 19, 2022

Finding your next great read is easier than ever with the new NLS Catalog search features! NLS Catalog boasts a new, clean design and advanced search functionality, direct links to BARD from catalog listings for quick downloads, and for the first time, patrons can directly request books to add to our collection! Patrons will also find links to contact a librarian and other resources to get the most out of NLS. Start exploring the catalog here: https://nlscatalog.loc.gov [nlscatalog.loc.gov].

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NLS BARD Support: Better Homes and Gardens

By Alicia Waters | December 8, 2022

NLS has added Better Homes and Gardens to the list of magazines that can be downloaded from BARD. This monthly magazine is available in the braille format.

Description: A resource for home ideas, food and recipes for everyday and special occasions, and garden know-how.

Subscribe to Better Homes And Gardens to have it automatically delivered to your BARD Wish List.

Topics: General | No Comments »


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