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In Focus

April 2021

News from the BSBP Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL)
702 W. Kalamazoo Street
PO Box 30007
Lansing, MI 48909

Prefer the downloadable version of this newsletter? Check out the PDF version or the Microsoft Word version.

NLS Eligibility Updates

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) has implemented a long-awaited change to make it easier for people with reading disabilities to enroll in our program! Now, reading specialists, educators, librarians, and school psychologists will be able to certify the eligibility of applicants with reading disabilities.

NLS has long made its services available to people with reading disabilities. Up until now, however, a doctor of medicine or osteopathy was required to certify that an applicant’s reading disability was “the result of organic dysfunction.” This requirement was a high bar for potential patrons to hurdle, and network libraries had urged NLS to relax it. A 2016 Government Accountability Office report on NLS also noted that it is now widely accepted that a medical diagnosis is not necessary to determine if a person has a reading disability.

Before implementing this change, NLS needed Congress to amend the eligibility language in its authorizing legislation. This was accomplished in the 2018 Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act and the 2019 Library of Congress Technical Corrections Act. The final regulatory step was publication of the new language in the Federal Register, which was done this winter.

This in no way means NLS is turning its attention away from serving individuals who are blind. NLS remains resolutely committed to serving all blind and print disabled individuals. More specifically, the Library of Congress Technical Corrections Act of 2019 continues NLS’s policy of giving lending preference to “the needs of the blind and visually disabled” and “the needs of eligible persons who have been honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States.” (Article continued under BTBL News).

BTBL News

NLS Eligibility Updates (continued)

The Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL), has begun the process of updating our website, applications and promotional materials to reflect these exciting changes. The new wording for eligibility on applications will read as follows:

1.  An individual who is blind or has a visual impairment that makes them unable to comfortably read print books.

2.  An individual who has a perceptual or reading disability.

3.  An individual who has a physical disability that makes it hard to hold or manipulate a book or to focus or move the eyes as needed to read a print book.

These changes do not directly impact those already signed up for BTBL service, but, as always, we ask that you please help us spread the word to any individuals or groups you know who may benefit from this service. For additional information about this program, visit www.michigan.gov/btbl or loc.gov/thatallmayread.

Winter Reading BINGO Favorites: Patron Picks

The second annual Winter Reading BINGO for all ages is officially over. As one patron put it, “I really enjoyed Bingo and reading outside of my comfort zone!” We hope you felt the same! Here were some favorite books recommended by other patrons:

DB 91450 - Rocket Men: The Daring Odyssey of the Apollo 8 and the Astronauts who Made Man’s First Journey to the moon by Robert Kurson (recommended by Alice R.)

DB 69107 - Bring on the Blessings by Beverly Jenkins (recommended by Juanita M.L.)

DB 91180 - Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World by Hans Rosling (recommended by Peggy C.)

DB 90119 - When They Call You A Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir by Patrisse Khan-Cullors (recommended by Patricia W.)

DB 92245 - Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (recommended by Alice R.)

DB 101424 - King of Confidence: A tale of utopian dreamers, frontier schemers, true believers, false prophets, and the murder of an American monarch by Miles Harvey (recommended by Carol J.)

BTBL Calendar 

BTBL Club Info

Clubs are currently virtual only. Computer and Book Club meet the second Saturday of the month at 10:30 and 1:30, respectively. Club dates are always subject to change, especially around the holidays.

As always, you may join our clubs by dialing 1-888-278-0296 and entering the access code 5836578. Or you can also now join meetings via Zoom by contacting the library to request the meeting invite.

BTBL Calendar of Events:

April 10:  Technology Club – Newsline presented by Bob Watson

April 10:  Book Club – Still Me by Christopher Reeve (DB 46341)

April 13: Network Library Meeting – All staff meeting. Phones will be operational for messages only.

April 22: Consumer Involvement Committee (CIC) Meeting – This call is open to all patrons. We encourage your participation! Use the dial-in information listed above, and join us from 1-2:30 p.m.

May 8: Technology Club – Microsoft Office Tips presented by Joe Todd

May 8: Book Club – TBA

June 12: Technology Club – Cyber Security presented by John Estill of E-Michigan

June 12:  Book Club – TBA

July – August: Book and Technology Club summer break. No meetings.

June 28 – August 6: Youth Summer Reading Program. Details below.

Reminder: How to Access Multiple Books on a Cartridge

Listening to Books in Order (Sequential Play)

1. When you reach the very end of the book, press the green, rectangular Play button:
2. The machine will then prompt you to, “Press the Play button again to go on to the next book.” Go ahead and press the play button again, and the machine will start playing the next book.

Accessing Bookshelf Mode (Skipping over books, etc.)

1. Press and hold the green, rectangular Play button for about 3 seconds until the player beeps and says “Bookshelf” and announces the number of books on the cartridge.
2. Tap the Rewind or Fast Forward button, located on each side of the green, rectangular Play button, to select the next book. The book title will be announced. To advance to the next title, just press the Fast Forward button again, or tap Rewind again to go to the previous book. You will know you are at the last book on the cartridge when you hear a double beep.
3. Once you get to the title you want to read, press the green, rectangular Play button. The player will exit Bookshelf Mode and start playing the selected title.

[Note: The player will “remember” your current position in each book even if you move to other books. You can read part of one book, then read part of another book, then come back and continue with the first book, if you like.]

Youth Summer Reading

Stephanie Wambaugh, Youth and Outreach Librarian
1-800-992-9012 
wambaughs@michigan.gov

Youth 18 and under who qualify for BTBL services are invited to join our Summer Reading Program, Tails and Tales: Animal Stories!

As usual, our youth participants will receive a box-kit of supplies at the beginning of the program with instructions on how to complete three different challenges. Every completed challenge enters the participant into a grand prize drawing!

To register: Email wambaughs@michigan.gov, or call the library.

Local Recordings

Betsie Branch, Studio Coordinator Librarian
1-800-992-9012 
branchb1@michigan.gov

These books were recorded by volunteers at the Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library and are available on digital cartridge or for download from the National Library Service's (NLS) online Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) database: https://nlsbard.loc.gov/

SPORTS

DBC11208 - If These Walls Could Talk: Detroit Red Wings: Stories from the Detroit Red Wings Ice, Locker Room, and Press Box by Ken Daniels, read by Michael P. Donovan. A sportscaster's account of Detroit Red Wings hockey history is a behind-the-scenes look that includes stories about coaches and players. 2017.

DBC11179 - If These Walls Could Talk: Detroit Lions: Stories from the Detroit Lions Sideline, Locker Room, and Press Box by Lomas Brown, read by Michael P. Donovan. An insider's account of recent Detroit Lions football history includes a behind-the-scenes look at the era. Stories about coaches and stars include Wayne Fontes, Jim Caldwell, Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford, Ndamukong Suh, and more. 2016.

DBC03366 - The Big House: Fielding H. Yost and the Building of Michigan Stadium by Robert M. Soderstrom, read by Michael P. Donovan. The story of Fielding H. Yost, college football in the 1920's, and the building of Michigan stadium, which resulted from the very successful 1922-26 University of Michigan football seasons. 2005.

DBC05902 - What They Were Thinking: Reflections on Michigan Difference-Makers: a Memoir by Bill Haney, read by Michael P. Donovan. The author provides personal stories of influential Michigan people, including Elmore Leonard, Ernie Harwell, Jack Kevorkian, Denise Ilitch, Milo Radulovich, J.P. McCarthy, Sue Marx, Joe Dumars, George Pierrot, Ed Cole, Jennifer Granholm, Carl Oglesby, and Ron Monchak. 2014.

BTBL Staff Picks

Caitlin Wolfe, Librarian
1-800-992-9012 
wolfec@michigan.gov

DB 98492 - The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley. Julian Jessop, a lonely seventy-nine-year-old artist, believes that people aren’t really honest with each other. He writes the truth about his own life in a green notebook and leaves it in his local café. Others find the notebook and add truths about their own deepest selves. Unrated. 2020.

“I enjoyed this book for the variety and quality of the characters. They aren't perfect, but they become aware of their flaws and want to change. I liked seeing how each character grew by helping each other and how sometimes there were realistic setbacks when things didn't go as planned.” – Betsie, BTBL Librarian

DB 92553 –On Call in the Arctic: A doctor’s pursuit of life, love and miracles in the Alaskan Frontier by Thomas J. Sims. The author recounts his experiences serving as the sole physician in the remote Alaskan frontier town of Nome. Discusses his work helping Nome along with thirteen surrounding villages in archaic and often hostile conditions. 2018.

“This was a book I picked up because the title caught my eye, but I ended up loving it! For nonfiction, this book reads very much like a novel set in the 1970’s. A medical background isn’t necessary to enjoy or appreciate the scenarios presented.” – Stephanie, BTBL Librarian

DB 99671 - The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs. In the wake of a tragedy, Natalie Harper knows that she should sell the rundown San Francisco bookshop she has inherited and use the money to pay for her ailing grandfather’s care. Instead, she finds fixing up and running the store provides a welcome distraction to her grief. Unrated. 2020.

“This is a great story of loss and starting over. I loved the San Francisco history that was thrown in as well. It wasn’t as predictable as a lot of this sort of book. I loved the characters and their imperfections that made them relatable.” – Bridgid, BTBL Librarian

DB 97443 - The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams. Baseball player Gavin Scott’s marriage is in trouble, and to fix things, he’s going to need some assistance. He finds a secret book club of other men who have used romance novels to fix their own relationships, and they agree to help him win back his family. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2019.

“The concept of men reading romance novels caught my attention, but the humor and writing style kept me reading. The library has the first three books in the Bromance Book Club series, but this first one was my favorite for the complexity of the characters and the laugh-out-loud humor. If you don’t mind strong language and descriptions of sex, you will hopefully find this series as entertaining as I did.” – Betsie, BTBL Librarian

DB 56241 - A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson. Curious about the composition of the physical world and wanting to make it understandable, Bryson explores science from the basics to the complex--from a proton and a protein to a quark and a quasar, and from nothingness to human beings. In the process, he discusses how scientists figured out known facts. Bestseller. 2003.

“This entertaining book goes over the history of science in broad strokes. Though he doesn’t go into depth on any one subject or historical figure, Bryson still makes history seem like a cohesive story and injects a little humor along the way.” – Caitlin, BTBL Librarian

DB 63598 - Wreck the Halls by Sarah Graves. Just before the holidays Eastport, Maine, resident Faye Anne Carmody is accused of killing her abusive husband. Amateur sleuth Jacobia "Jake" Tiptree, a former New York financial manager, sets aside her do-it-yourself home repairs to prove Faye Anne’s innocence. Jake also deals with her ex-husband’s antics. Some strong language. 2001.

“This is part of the Home Repair is Homicide series. I read the first few books years ago and recently came back to the series. I love the silly situations that occur counterbalanced with the serious issues of the lives of the people in town.  It is set on an island in down east Maine and all the idiosyncrasies of island living are interesting too.” – Bridgid, BTBL Librarian

Around the State

The following programs may be offered only to patrons within the counties served for each library location. To find out if a program is available to you, refer to the library listings below or call the location in question to verify.

Talking Book Library @ Traverse Area District Library
610 Woodmere Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686
1-877-931-8558

• Office Hours. Currently, our office is staffed and open for walk-ins on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and by appointment. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we conduct all regular business remotely, so feel free to call and leave a detailed message with your book orders and questions or email tbl@tadl.org.
• Support Groups. The Traverse City Visually Impaired Persons (VIP) group meets monthly, currently through conference call or gathering outside. Contact Melinda Hollands at 231-590-0986 or mhollandstc@gmail.com for more information. The Cadillac Area Low Vision group is on temporary hiatus, but usually meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Wexford County Council on Aging, 10-11 a.m. Contact Connie Payne at 231-779-0149 for updates.
• Magnifier Exchange. Do you have a clean, working magnifying device you no longer use? We are happy to accept donations of handheld magnifiers (at least 4x), digital CCTV readers, free-standing magnifiers, etc., to pass along to other patrons who can use them, free of charge.  Please call 231-932-8558 with questions or to coordinate a drop-off.

Macomb Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped @ CMPL
40900 Romeo Plank, Clinton Township, MI 48038
1-855-203-5274

• Book Discussion Group by Phone. We host a book discussion group once a month by phone. The library chooses the title to read and distributes the audiobook weeks prior to the discussion date. If you would like to join in on our fun and informal discussion, please call the library. 
• Summer Vision Group Program. In the past, we have hosted a Vision Group that meets in-person at the library twice each month during the summer. This summer, we will be hosting our meetings by phone. Our set up is the same, with meetings being scheduled the 2^nd and 4^th Tuesday of June, July and August from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. We will feature guest speakers as well as open meetings to discuss vision issues. Our Tuesday dates and times are listed as follows:
  • June 8 and 22
  • July 13 and 27
  • August 10 and 24
• Story Phone for Grown-Ups. Our host library, the Clinton-Macomb Public Library, has a new phone option that you are welcome to try. It is called Story Phone for Grown-Ups. Just call (586) 226-5006 to hear a Clinton-Macomb Public Library Librarian read short stories, poems, excerpts and more. In order to hear a story, you will need to press 4 for the Story Phone for Grown-Ups option. Options will change weekly and will be read by our storytelling team. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Braille and Talking Books @ Taylor Community Library
12303 Pardee Rd, Taylor, Michigan 48180
1- 844-307-1621

• Remote Programs Currently Offered. Currently, programs are only being offered remotely due to COVID-19. Call in to our conference line at: 712-775-7031, access code: 965803. Or online at bit.ly/TCLbtbcall
  • Brown Bag Book Discussion. Meets the 2^nd Wednesday of the month at 12 p.m. Please call for titles.
  • Visually Impaired People's (VIP) Support Group. Meets the 4^th Wednesday of the month at 12 p.m.

• Curbside Pickup is also available! Need to exchange a faulty machine, or just can't wait for that new book? Call ahead and we'll get those materials ready for you to grab-and-go! Both curbside and lobby pickup are available. Current curbside hours are:
  • Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Friday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Genesee District Library Talking Book Center
G-4195 W. Pasadena Ave, Flint, MI 48504
1-866-732-1120

• Call or Email. Please call us for book requests and questions! We are working remote some days. Please leave a detailed message and we will call you back as soon as we can.

Library for Assistive Media and Talking Books (St. Clair County)
210 McMorran Blvd, Port Huron, MI 48060
1-800-272-8570

• Online Programming. The library is excited to host online programming for our patrons. As we work towards getting back to normal, we are now offering educational and entertaining ways for those who are homebound to participate in library events. To join, please visit our website at stclaircountylibrary.org and pull the page down until you see “Upcoming Events”. All of our events are listed there. Coming up, we are offering programs with Lakeside Legal Aid. These programs are focused on helping seniors navigate the online world and stay safe. We are also going to offer a summer food program through MSU focused on canning and preserving produce.

Muskegon Area District Library for the Visually and Physically Handicapped
4845 Airline Road, Unit 5, Muskegon, MI 49444
1- 877-569-4801

• Updated Webpage. We have updated our LVPD webpage to have our current program information and a detailed list of the adaptive technology we have in-house. Check it out at www.madl.org/lvpd.
• Support Groups. Call into our local low vision support groups, which all meet monthly, at 701-801-6449.
  • Muskegon County: 3^rd Wednesday at 1:45 p.m.
  • Ottawa County:
    • Grand Haven – 2^nd Tuesday at 2:15 p.m.
    • Holland & Zeeland – 4^th Monday at 2:15 p.m.

Detroit Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
3666 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48208
1-313-481-1702

• Closed to the Public. The Douglass Branch's LBPH Department is currently closed to the public. Detroit LBPH staff are available to answer phone calls, take orders for talking books and other materials. Currently, there is no proposed date for re-opening the branch to the public.
• Phone Book Club. Join us by phone on the 4^th Wednesday of the month from 1 -2:30 p.m. Two books are discussed at each Book Club phone meeting. More programming is coming soon!

Great Lakes Talking Books
1615 Presque Isle, Marquette, MI 49855
1-800-562-8985

• Application Update. Due to the recent NLS updates, our application is now available for online submission using electronic signature at greatlakestalkingbooks.org.
• Two Books, Two Communities. More than 20 patrons participated in a "Two Books, Two Communities" virtual book club reading Women of the Copper Country (DB 96426). 
• Recording Studio Updates. The Last Northwoods Reader by Cully Gage, narrated by Mark Hamari, is book number four in the Northwoods Reader series, and should be available for download this summer. We are currently recording Laughing Whitefish by Robert Traver, narrated by Mark Hamari. From the bestselling author of Anatomy of a Murder, an engrossing trial drama of ethnic hostility and the legal defense of Indian treaties. This new edition includes a foreword by Matthew L. M. Fletcher, Director of the Indigenous Law and Policy Center at Michigan State University that contextualizes the novel. Robert Traver (John D. Voelker) was for fourteen years the District Attorney of the rugged glaciated iron mining community of Marquette County, Michigan. He was appointed to the Supreme Court of Michigan in 1957; was re-elected two times; and he wrote over one hundred decisions. He resigned to continue his writing – and to fish for trout in his beloved U. P. This is Traver’s third novel and eighth book. Laughing Whitefish should be available for download this Fall.

BSBP Updates

BSBP Training Center Reopens for In-Person Training

The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Training Center (BSBPTC) celebrated a grand reopening for in-person training on March 15, 2021.

A year ago, the BSBPTC closed their building to in-person learning for what was thought to be two weeks. Thankfully, time was not wasted, and Training Center professionals were able to convert their courses to a virtual platform and still assist participants with their much-needed training.

Springing forward, the Training Center was able to safely re-open their doors for in-person learning. Seven individuals, ranging from 30-91 years old, arrived to start their customized in-person training in the VR-Work Readiness and Independent Living Programs offered by BSBPTC. Participants began arriving on Saturday, March 13th for their training to officially begin on March 15, with reduced capacity, proper safety precautions, and social distancing.

While the shutdown lasted longer than expected, participants were still able to receive services. One of the participants that arrived for in-person services had received virtual training during the shutdown. When he arrived on campus, he shared his gratitude for the virtual services that were offered:

“Thank you for providing the virtual classes this past year. It worked great for me as I was able to get a leg up on my training working through my vision loss. I am finally able to get the skills I need to be able to get back to work. Thank you, you guys are truly the best kept secret!” -Kenneth K

The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Training Center professionals are excited to be open and serving individuals in-person in a 24-7 capacity again! Virtual services will continue to be provided in conjunction with in-person training. This will ensure that opportunities are available to all individuals across the state who are blind or visually impaired to achieve employment, and/or achieve maximum and meaningful independence in life through their comprehensive rehabilitative services.

Michigan Talking Book Libraries

Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, Braille and Talking Book Library
1-800-992-9012
Counties served: Alcona, Allegan, Arenac, Barry, Bay, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Clinton, Eaton, Emmet, Gladwin, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Iosco, Isabella, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lake, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Mason, Mecosta, Midland, Monroe, Montmorency, Newaygo, Oceana, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Shiawassee, Saint Joseph, Van Buren

Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled @ AADL 1-734-327- 4224
Counties served: Washtenaw

Great Lakes Talking Books
1-800-562-8985
Counties served: Alger, Alpena, Baraga, Chippewa, Crawford, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon, Schoolcraft

Oakland Talking Book Service @ RHPL
1-800-774- 4542
Counties served: Oakland

Genesee District Talking Book Center
1- 866-732-1120
Counties served: Genesee

Kent District Library Talking Book and Braille Center
1-616-784-2007
Counties served: Ionia, Kent, Montcalm

Traverse Area District Library & Talking Book Library
1- 877-931- 8558
Counties served: Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, Wexford

Library for Assistive Media and Talking Books (St. Clair County)
1- 800-272-8570
Counties served: Huron, Saint Clair, Sanilac, Tuscola

Muskegon Area District Library for the Visually and Physically Disabled
1-231-737-6310, 1-877-569-4801
(Ottawa) Counties served: Muskegon, Ottawa

Macomb Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped @ CMPL
1-586-286-1580
Counties served: Macomb

Braille and Talking Books @ Taylor Community Library
1-734-287- 4840
Serving Wayne County

Detroit Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
1-313- 481-1702
Serving cities of Detroit and Highland Park

Library of Michigan Foundation

By making a gift to the Library of Michigan Foundation, donors can help the BSBP Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL) better serve thousands of Michigan residents statewide who are visually impaired or have other disabilities. Donors may also opt to provide for the Library of Michigan Foundation in their wills. By doing so, donors are able to make a larger gift than what might be possible during their lifetime, become eligible to receive tax benefits, and enjoy recognition and thanks now for their planned charitable contributions later. To make a gift of support, please send a check to the Library of Michigan Foundation, P.O. Box 11027, Lansing, MI 48901, or contact Darlene at 517-335-1488.

The Library of Michigan Foundation is a non-profit organization which offers financial support to the BSBP Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL) program.

If you would like to receive future mailings and information from the Library of Michigan Foundation, please sign below and return to:

Library of Michigan Foundation
P.O. Box 11027 Lansing, MI 48901

The Braille and Talking Book Library provides library services for individuals unable to use standard print materials. 

You may reach BTBL by:
Phone: 800-992-9012 (toll free)
Fax: 800-726-7323 (toll free)
Email: BTBL@michigan.gov
Web: Michigan.gov/BTBL
BARD: NLSBARD.loc.gov (to download digital books)

The In Focus newsletter is made possible by your generous donations to the Library of Michigan Foundation. The Braille and Talking Book Library is part of the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons.