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Letter from the Director
Summer has arrived, making it a great time to get outside, stay active, and enjoy some reading. Whether you’re relaxing on the porch, traveling, or joining a neighborhood event, the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) is ready to go wherever you do. With the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) Mobile app, you can download talking books, braille books, or magazines straight to your mobile devices or braille eReaders at any time and from any place. If you are new to BARD Mobile, getting started is easy! If you do not have an account with LBPD, you can fill out an application for service on our website, or contact us by phone or email, and we will help you register and get started. If you are a current LBPD patron who does not have a BARD account or cannot access your existing one, we can help you over the phone or via email (reference.desk@maryland.gov).
We are also encouraging adult and youth patrons to participate in the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) summer reading program and make reading part of your summer adventure.
There’s even more happening this summer. Right now, we’re in the middle of our time-traveling adventure, Where in Maryland History is Roxxane Rios?, as well as our youth summer road trip. While you enjoy the sunshine, take a peek at our exciting events coming up this fall.
Stay connected with Maryland LBPD so we can discover, learn, and enjoy new things together.
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 Technology User Group - hands reading an electronic braille reader.
Technology User Group
On Saturday, July 11th at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) is exploring two of the most powerful reading tools available to the visually impaired community: the Kindle app for iOS and the Kindle skill for Alexa. If instant access to millions of books and magazines sounds appealing, this is a must-attend session. We’ll explore the real story behind Kindle accessibility:
- How well does the iOS app actually work with Voiceover when you’re reading, browsing, or navigating long texts?
- Is the Alexa Kindle skill strong enough to become part of your daily reading routine?
- What challenges do users commonly face — and how can you work around them?
- And yes, we’re even tackling the big question: Is Kindle Unlimited worth the subscription price, or is it just another hyped service that doesn’t deliver?
If you’ve ever wished for more reading options, more flexibility, or more control over how you access books, this session is designed for you. Bring your curiosity, your questions, and maybe even your own Kindle frustrations. We’re unpacking it all.
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
Join LBPD's 2026 Youth Summer Reading Program and discover something new this summer. This year's theme, Unearth a Story, invites readers of all ages to explore books, activities, and events that uncover hidden stories and spark curiosity. Youth who register early can receive Digby the Triceratops while supplies last and can earn prizes by completing the program by August 15, 2026.
Youth can access MARINA, a search engine of library catalogs, to locate large print titles across Maryland. MARINA enables Maryland public library cardholders to borrow items in public library collections around the state and have the borrowed items delivered to them at their local public library branch. Items can not be delivered to Maryland LBPD or mailed to your home. A link to MARINA can be found on your local Maryland public library’s website or by visiting the MARINA website at
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Additionally, through a partnership with another cooperating National Library Service (NLS) network library, LBPD can request large print titles through a library lending program for Maryland youth patrons. This Large Print Lending Program offers large print titles to youth patrons of other network libraries. Maryland youth patrons can request up to 5 books at a time. The books can be mailed directly to the patron. Youth patrons can request individual titles or can be set up for automatic selection to receive books regularly. If you want to learn more, please contact the Youth Reference Desk at kidsdesk.lbpd@maryland.gov.
Hadley Blog Update
Living with vision loss brings many changes — learning about an eye condition, finding new ways to do everyday things, and managing the emotions that come with it. That’s why Hadley created Vision, Loss, Help & Hope, a blog offering practical ideas, honest conversations, and encouragement from others on the same path. Posts cover topics like where to find help after a diagnosis, five free apps that make daily life easier, and how to find a way forward.
HadleyHelps.org | 800-323-4238 | info@HadleyHelps.org
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Tech Alert: A New Way To Air Fry
The latest innovation in accessible culinary technology is a voice-guided kitchen appliance designed to simplify air frying and related cooking tasks.
The Emerson SmartVoice Air Fryer supports a full suite of functions—including baking, broiling, air frying, warming, and dehydrating—all activated entirely through spoken commands. Notably, the device operates without reliance on Wi‑Fi or third‑party voice assistants. Further information is available at the manufacturer’s site:
emersonsmart.com/collections/smartvoice-air-fryers.
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 Collection Highlights
Rebellion 1776, by Laurie Halse.Anderson
DB 137188
In March 1776, Elsbeth Culpepper finally had hope. Hope that the Patriots would beat the British Army and free Boston. Hope that she could quit working as a kitchen maid and start apprenticing with a seamstress. Hope that she and Pappa would live together under the same roof again. But the flames of war quickly turn all her hopes to ash. The British and Loyalists prepare to flee, plunging Boston into chaos. As Elsbeth searches for her missing father, she stumbles across a stranger dying of smallpox. An epidemic rages in tandem with the American Revolution. Suddenly, her dreams of the future are reduced to one simple wish: survival. For grades 5-8.
You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington, by Alexis Coe
DB 98883
In this biography of America's first president, the author examines George Washington's life outside of his most famous moments. Discusses the changes he made after marrying Martha, his lesser-known activities during the Revolutionary War, what happened when he faced his own hypocrisy of owning slaves, and his death.
The British are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777 : Revolution Trilogy, Book 1, by Rick Atkinson
DB 95379
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author recounts the first twenty-one months of the American Revolution in this first volume of three. Describes principal battles, key figures, British perspective, and historical context for the conflict.
 Marylandia Updates
Historical Mystery
Her Name Was Mary Katharine: The Only Woman Whose Name is on the Declaration of Independence, by Ella Schwartz, narrated by Morgan Lehr Miller
DBC 12718
Request this book on your next cartridge.
Attn: Braille and Large Print Patrons
Please remember to return your Large Print and Braille bags when you are finished with your reading materials. These bags help us send books and materials to library patrons across Maryland. When bags are not returned, we have fewer available to ship materials to others who are waiting for their next books.
Thank you for helping us keep our library services running smoothly!
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