|
Letter from the Director
I begin with some new and upcoming changes to our library building here in downtown Baltimore. First we have new lettering on the exterior of the building. The original lettering which included the words “physically handicapped” has been removed. It has been replaced with “Maryland State Library Agency”, our parent agency, and “Library for the Blind and Print Disabled”, reflecting our current name and mission to serve all persons needing access to alternate formats from standard print. In addition, we added a bronze plaque near the entrance that reads “Library for the Blind and Print Disabled” in raised letters and braille. Thanks go especially to our Procurement Officer Se’an Herbert for her management of this project.
Inside the building, we put a new bench in the lobby with extra handrails to aid people with standing and sitting, for added accessibility in our spaces. We want people to feel welcome, comfortable and safe in our library. Thanks go especially to Assistant Director Mary Ramos for recognizing this need and finding just the right seating for our patrons.
In the next few months, we will begin a project to level and repair the sidewalks around the building to make navigation safer and easier. During the construction phase though, there may be limited access to certain parts of the sidewalk. We will keep our patrons notified.
As in our building, we continue to enhance and innovate our services. As the virtual hike of the Hundred Acre Wood wrapped up at the end of April, a new series of financial webinars presented by CASH Campaign is slated for May. And then in June, the Summer Reading Program launches with a theme of “Color Our World.” There will be lots of opportunities to read and participate in programs created by our Outreach and Marketing Librarian Ashley Biggs, our Youth Librarian LaShawn Myles, and the National Library Service.
Baltimore Clayworks continues to visit us on the fourth Friday of each month through June. It has been great to see our patrons' creativity.
We have nearly 350 books on BARD read by our volunteer narrators. These include several Black-Eyed Susan nominated books. In addition to listening to Marylandia books, check out our podcasts and Technology User Group recordings on our Maryland State Library Agency podcast channel. For a recent TUG meeting, Jerry Price interviewed award-winning Master Chef Christina Ha.
On May 6, LBPD will begin a pilot of BARD 2 with enhanced wish list and search features. We appreciate your feedback throughout the pilot.
As you can see there is so much going on and you’ll find more information in this newsletter. We continue to build on our success as the 2024 NLS Regional Library of the Year. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you, and happy reading!
John Owen
Director
BARD 2 Offers New Features for Patrons
BARD, the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download website, now offers expanded functionality and will serve as a gateway to exciting new services in the future.
We are pleased to announce that if you use BARD on the web, you will have access to BARD 2 in early May. If you’re not a BARD user, this is your chance to sign up for the service and get instant access to hundreds of thousands of audio and braille books and magazines for reading with an NLS digital talking-book machine, a personal smart device with BARD Mobile, a Braille eReader, or your PC with the BARD Express player. Contact us at 410-230-2424 to sign up for BARD.
Features of the new website include:
- Reorganization of the Wish List, Reading History, Subscriptions, and Account Settings under one menu.
- New sorting capabilities of book lists. You can now search through book lists and refine the results by format, language, and subject.
- An updated search engine, so finding books is easier and faster than ever before.
- Advanced search functionality.
Access to the new and improved BARD website requires a change in your login procedures. We have contacted all BARD web users and provided instructions for the new login procedures. If you have any questions, need assistance, or just want to tell us about your experience with BARD 2, contact us at 410-230-2424 or reference.desk@maryland.gov.
|
|
|
 Technology User Group - hands reading an electronic braille reader.
Technology User Group
The next three Technology User Group meetings will be held on:
-
May 10: Where to find technology help, questions, assistance, and resources
-
June 14: Rebecca Rosenberg talks about the Rebokeh App, and Humanware demos Prodigi Software
-
July 12: New Skills for Smart Speakers
All meetings begin at 10:00 a.m., and can be accessed by either calling in or via Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID: 656 203 7293
Call in Number:
1-301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 656 203 7293#
One Tap Mobile:
+13017158592,,6562037293#
 Podcast - microphone on black background
Listen to the latest podcast!
Youth Highlights
Cindy Freland Collection
The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled is excited to celebrate the addition of the Cindy Freland collection -- captivating children’s books that bring Maryland’s wildlife and history to life! Freland’s engaging storytelling and vivid descriptions make her books a fantastic addition for young readers who love adventure and learning about the Chesapeake Bay. To mark this special occasion, all new patrons under 18 will receive a free, adorable crab plush when they sign up. Don’t miss this chance to explore these delightful stories and welcome a cuddly new friend! If you want to learn more, please contact the Youth Reference Desk at kidsdesk.lbpd@maryland.gov.
|
 Introducing Remind!
Life is busy! Need a reminder?
Keep track of LBPD youth programs with Remind. Receive updates via text, app, or email notifications. Download the Remind app on your smartphone.
Kids: Use the link: rmd.at/db3hefg.
Teens: Use the link: rmd.at/7ebgc6.
OR
Kids: Text @db3hefg to number 81010.
Teens: Text @7ebgc6 to number 81010.
2025 Summer Reading, Summer Fun!
Why “Color Our World”?
The 2025 theme, “Color Our World,” encourages libraries to embrace the beauty of art in all its forms, creating a colorful tapestry of experiences for everyone.
This summer, we encourage you to express yourself through art, images, movement, music, and performance. It’s time to “Color Our World”!
2025 Youth Program Highlight
Loom Knitting for Youth Blind Crafters
Do you enjoy crafting and making new things? Join Terry Powers and Terri Nettles, two expert blind crafters, as they teach LBPD youth patrons how to create a rolled-up brim hat using the loom knit technique. Loom knitting is a craft that uses a loom instead of needles to weave yarn into fabric. All classes will be virtual, and materials will be provided to those who register.
Platform: Zoom Virtual
Audience: Ages 6-17 years old
Objectives: Students will be able to:
- Learn how to orient the loom
- Learn the wrap stitch
- Learn the anatomy of the loom
- Thread yarn with a needle
- Work with the loom to create a brimmed hat
Dates & Time: This is a 3-session class. The duration of each session is one hour.
- Wednesday, July 16th
- Wednesday, July 23rd
- Wednesday, July 30th
Time: All sessions will begin at 2 PM.
Registration closes on May 30th.
Register using the following link: https://forms.gle/EVADuvP2w6kU5e2i8
|
Magazine Highlight
Please contact the library to subscribe to this or any other magazines.
Talking Book Topics
The audio magazine version of the March–April 2025 issue of Talking Book Topics (TBT), along with the paper order forms, will be delayed due to changes in the production process. This may also affect the May-June edition.
In the meantime, patrons can still enjoy the all past and present issues in the following ways:
- Listen to the audio magazine version on BARD.
- Access PDF versions of the magazine and order forms on the Talking Book Topics landing page.
- Explore the HTML version, which includes direct links to BARD so you can easily add books to your wish list or download them right away.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience during this transition.
|
Collections Connections
With hundreds of thousands of audio and braille books and magazines available from NLS, it’s hard to know where to start when searching. Collections Connections, a free email newsletter from the NLS Collection Development staff, can help. Each month it highlights fiction and nonfiction titles focused on a timely theme. To sign up, send your name and email address to the Collection Connections team at connections@loc.gov. You can unsubscribe yourself from the list at any time.
|
Be My Eyes Adds Shortcuts for Siri
Be My Eyes is an app that connects blind and low vision users who need assistance with volunteers and service companies providing real-time virtual support. Using live video and artificial intelligence (AI), Be My Eyes users can receive descriptions to add context to items “seen” with an outward-facing camera, as well as product support and guidance to assist with everyday tasks.
If you have the app installed on your iPhone, you can ask Siri to provide live descriptions with Be My Eyes. The first time you ask Siri to describe something, Siri will inquire if you wish to activate this as a shortcut. Say yes, and then you can simply point your back camera at a page, person or object and give the command, “Siri, describe with Be My Eyes.” Siri shortcuts allow users to easily access Be My Eyes with voice commands – no button-pressing required!
You can also use Siri shortcuts to access other Be My Eyes features. For instance, if you make regular calls to a specific service company, you may want to add a custom phrase to call that company from the Be My Eyes Service Directory. From the Be My Eyes app settings, you can find a list of both added and suggested Siri shortcuts. Some of the default phrases you can use now with Be My Eyes include:
- Call a volunteer with Be My Eyes
- Ask Be My Eyes
- Read with Be My Eyes
- Describe quickly with Be My Eyes
|
|
 Collection Highlights
May/June 2025
Accessory to War: The Unspoken Alliance Between Astrophysics and the Military, by Neil deGrasse Tyson
BRG 04475, Available only in digital braille. Request a printed copy through the Braille on Demand program.
DB 92454
In this far-reaching foray into the millennia-long relationship between science and military power, acclaimed astrophysicist and author Neil deGrasse Tyson and Avis Lang examine how the methods and tools of astrophysics have been enlisted in the service of war. Spanning early celestial navigation to satellite- enabled warfare, "Accessory to war" is a richly researched and provocative examination of the intersection of science, technology, industry, and power that will introduce Tyson's millions of fans to yet another dimension of how the universe has shaped our lives and world.
Judy: The Unforgettable Story of the Dog Who Went to War and Became a True Hero, by Damien Lewis
DB 118002
After being bombed and shipwrecked repeatedly while serving as a mascot of World War II Royal Navy gunboats, Judy ended up in Japanese prisoner of war camps in North Sumatra. In the midst of this living hell was a beautiful and regal-looking liver and white English pointer named Judy. Whether she was scavenging food to help feed the starving inmates of a Japanese POW camp, or by her presence alone bringing inspiration and hope to men, she was cherished and adored by the Allied servicemen who fought to survive alongside her. “Judy” tells one of the most heartwarming and inspiring tales you will ever hear.
 Marylandia Updates
May/June 2025
In honor of National Military Appreciation Month, check out this collection of articles and updates written by the Baltimore Sun during WWII.
War and the Military
Written Under Fire: Baltimore Sun Correspondents' Dispatches from Normandy to the German Surrender, compiled by The Baltimore Sun, narrated by Ray Sachs
DBC 05263
A collection of stories by war correspondents from The Baltimore Sun about Marylanders who served in the military during the Allied invasion of World War II.
|
|
|
|
|
