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In Focus

April 2022

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 Microsoft Word version.

Libraries Without Walls: Freedom to Tech

Libraries Without Walls (LWW) is a one-day adaptive technology conference that is just right for participants of all technology levels age 14 and up. With a keynote speaker with over 25 years of experience in accessibility support services, to a student track especially designed for our teens, to multiple breakout room options, this is a conference you won’t want to miss.

This conference will provide instruction and demonstration on how various adaptive technology meet the information needs of persons with visual or physical impairments. Whether you are a student, educator, patron, or a general interested party, this conference will have something for you!

Tuesday May 10, 2022 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Lansing Community College, West Campus
5708 Cornerstone Drive,
Lansing, MI 48917

Registration is required. See page 3 for registration information.

Libraries Without Walls

Keynote Speaker, Matt Ater

Matt is the Vice President of Vispero, working to support customers across all brands within the Vispero family of products and services.  He brings over 25 years of experience in accessibility support services. 

Matt began his career in training employees with disabilities (EWD) on the use of assistive technology, including developing premiere training programs at the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind in Washington, DC.  Matt ran the EWD Support Services for the Social Security Administration (SSA), supporting over 2,500 EWD at SSA.  Matt joined Freedom Scientific, a Vispero company, in 2014 to develop a consulting practice, and ran the combined services arm, TPG, until 2018.  Matt currently runs corporate business development and software engineering for Vispero.  Vispero is the worldwide leader in accessibility solutions for the blind and low vision.

Student Track (Pre-ETS)

Libraries without Walls will be offering its first ever student track! Students will have the opportunity to attend sessions specifically designed to address how technology can enhance employment and post-secondary education. Students will learn how to network with vendors and professionals during the event through a video series and pre-workshop training. BSBP Pre-ETS students are pre-paid and do not have to cover the registration fee personally. 

Note: Vendors will be available on-site from 9a.m. - 4p.m.

If you are unable to attend in person, the following sessions will be offered via Zoom without the registration requirement: Keynote, Books Galore, Aira, Google Home/Alexa, App Smackdown.

Use this zoom link to participate- https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85698227712?pwd=V3ZwL0ZVekUyelN2ZnlqaEc1Q0xRdz09

This BTBL conference is brought to you with the support of the Michigan Department of Education- Low Incidence Outreach (MDE-LIO) and the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP).

Conference Registration

Use our convenient online registration form: https://bit.ly/3w1hZgk

Simply fill out the required information so we know who to expect the day of the event. Then follow the link at the end of the form to go to the payment page. This will take you to a secure payment site through the State of Michigan.

If you are unable to register online, please use the printable registration provided in the full Microsoft Word version of the InFocus newsletter. Print, fill the form out completely, and mail in your $15 payment before April 29th.

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. No club meetings in July and August.

Join BTBL Tech and Book Club via Zoom: https://bit.ly/36vEPld

To join by phone, dial: 929-205-6099
Meeting ID: 951 928 2886, Meeting Password: 528260

BTBL Calendar of Events:

April 9: Technology Club – Apple Watch presented by Diana Paiz

April 9: Book Club – Woman Who Smashed Codes: A true story of love, spies, and the unlikely heroine who outwitted America’s enemies by Jason Fagone (DBC 13010)

April 21: Consumer Involvement Committee (CIC) Meeting – This call is open to all patrons. We encourage your participation! Join us from 1-2:30 p.m. by phone: 1-888-278-0296, Access Code 5836578.

May 10: Libraries Without Walls –LWW is back at LCC West campus! Event is 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Check-in the day of the event begins at 8 a.m.

May 14: Technology Club and Book Club– TBA

May 30: Lansing BTBL closed for Memorial Day.

June 11: Technology Club – Troubleshooting JAWS with Dr. Joe Todd.

June 11: Book Club – TBA

June 19: Lansing BTBL closed for Juneteenth.

July 4: Lansing BTBL closed for Independence Day.

Local Recordings

Inspirational Books by Michigan Authors

These inspirational books by Michigan authors were recorded by volunteers at the Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library and are available on digital cartridge (call the Library at 1-800-992-9012 to order) or download from the National Library Service's (NLS) online Braille Audio Reading Download (BARD) database: https://nlsbard.loc.gov/

DBC11144 - Thrift Store Saints: Meeting Jesus 25 Cents at a Time by Jane Knuth, read by Betsie Bush. Knuth’s Catholic upbringing had not prepared her for the soul-stirring encounters she experienced while volunteering and serving the poor and needy at the St. Vincent DePaul thrift store in inner-city Kalamazoo, Michigan. 2010.

DBC11153 - Thrift Store Graces: Finding God's Gifts in the Midst of the Mess by Jane Knuth, read by Betsie Bush. More thoughtful essays about the author's time volunteering with the St. Vincent DePaul Society in Kalamazoo, Michigan, interwoven with accounts of her pilgrimage to a sacred location in Bosnia. 2012.

DBC05956 - Hope for the City: a Catholic Priest, a Suburban Housewife and Their Desperate Effort to Save Detroit by Jack Kresnak, read by Tracey Dolinar. Father Bill Cunningham and suburban housewife Eleanor Josaitis worked together to obtain government-provided food aid for needy mothers and children through the Focus:HOPE program. The program grew to take on issues of poverty and racism in Detroit, Michigan during the late 1960s. 2015.

DBC11184 - Thank God Ahead of Time : the Life and Spirituality of Solanus Casey  by Michael H. Crosby, read by Adrienne Thelen. Appointed by the Vatican as the “External Collaborator to the Relator” for the cause of canonization of Capuchin Father Solanus Casey, the first man born in the United States to be declared “Venerable” by the Catholic church, Michael Crosby gives us an inspiring and insightful story of one person’s unswerving faith in God’s abiding presence throughout the universe. 1985.

Essentials of a Consecrated Life series by Tom Harmon, read by Trevor Nicholus Collins.
• DBC11069 - You Must Be Born Again. Discusses the gospel from John, chapter 3.
• DBC11070 - Lord, Teach Us to Pray. Focuses on faith and prayer.
• DBC11071 - By the Word of God. Presents the importance of knowing God's Word.

BTBL Staff Picks

DB 98668- The Holdout by Graham Moore. When a fifteen-year-old heiress vanishes on her way home from school, her twenty-five-year-old black teacher is arrested. Young juror Maya Seale persuades the others not to convict. Ten years later, when a docuseries reassembles the jury, one of them is found dead in Maya’s hotel room. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2020.

“I'm not a huge fan of legal fiction so I was surprised that I liked this book as much as I did. I liked the idea of a jury being bonded in a unique way due to the high profile of a case. I only picked this up because I liked the author's other novel, "The Last Days of Night". That book is historical fiction, and this is a legal thriller, so kudos to the author for excellent writing across genres.” – Stephanie, BTBL Librarian

DB 87767 - Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann. An examination of the 1920s murders of wealthy Osage Indian Nation members in Oklahoma. When the newly-formed FBI bungled the investigation, young Director Hoover turned to ex-Texas Ranger Tom White, who put together an undercover team, including one of the only American Indian agents in the Bureau.

“I’m a mystery lover and rarely read anything else, especially non-fiction. This was something I had to read for our January TBL book group. It was so good! It reads like fiction and even better, a mystery. I have never heard about the Osage Indians or the tragic events in this book. David Grann has written a fast-paced, true crime thriller.”  - Anita, Traverse City, TBL Manager

DB 53633 - Niagara Falls All Over Again by Elizabeth McCracken. Mose Sharp, the straight man to Rocky Carter in a comedy team, recounts how they became vaudeville partners, then progressed to fame in Hollywood films. Mose and Rocky swap characters in their private lives, eventually causing a rift in their partnership. Some strong language. 2001.

“I love the author's subtle wit and the strong imagery she uses to tell this story of an unlikely friendship during their career on the vaudeville stage. The narrator, Ray Hagen, brings the characters to life.” –  Betsie, BTBL Librarian

DB 83517 / BR 21376 – Furiously Happy: A funny book about horrible things by Jenny Lawson. Lawson, better known as "The Bloggess," returns with another collection of essays following Let’s Pretend This Never Happened (DB 74647). Candid and conversational, topics range from taxidermy to cat stories to honest revelations about the author’s struggles with mental illness. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2015.

“I love how this book allows a peek into the imperfect life of another person. She deals with the topic of mental illness in a frank and honest way while finding the hilarity in everyday life. This book is a great balance of serious and funny without trivializing any of the author’s struggles.” – Bridgid, BTBL Librarian

DB 74646 - Wild: From lost to found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed. Author recounts the three-month, 1,100-mile solo hike she took on a whim in 1995, after years of devastating personal losses. Describes her encounters with rattlesnakes, locals, fellow hikers, and her own thoughts during her trek from Los Angeles to Washington State on the Pacific Crest Trail. Strong language. Bestseller. 2012.

“I have never and almost certainly will never embark on this kind of adventure myself. That’s why I thought it was so interesting to be able to tag along on the author’s long journey. The book does start with a (metaphorical) punch to the gut as she describes her grief when her mother passes away, but after the first chapter it’s a little easier on the emotions.” – Caitlin, BTBL Librarian

DB 34701 - The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan. "The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass...there are neither beginnings nor endings..." Trollocs arrive in Emond's Field to capture three young boys--sheepherder Rand, rascal Mat, and blacksmith Perrin--born within a specific time frame. The villagers rally to protect the three, unaware that it is time to fulfill a prophecy within the Wheel of Time. Some violence. Prequel to "The Great Hunt."

“I seem to be reading on a theme, books turned into television shows. After watching the entire first season on Amazon Prime, I decided to read the book. This book’s amazing worldbuilding and descriptive scenery captivated me. This book has an interesting story line and takes you to so many different worlds within its pages. The story arch is interesting, plus the tension between good and evil doesn’t disappoint. It is the first in a series.” – Meagan, BTBL Librarian

Popular BARD Books

BARD features a “Most popular books” section where it lists the most downloaded books from the past 30 days. In the mobile App, this option is found on the Get Books tab. On the website, it is on the BARD main page, second link down. Below are a few options currently featured. Non-BARD users can still call to request these titles on cartridge through the mail!

DB105787 - Mercy by David Baldacci. Suspense Fiction, Bestsellers

DB105770 - The Dark Hours by Michael Connelly. Suspense Fiction, Mystery and Detective Stories

DB106412 - 19 Yellow Moon Road by Fern Michaels. Suspense Fiction, Romance

DB106177 - Criminal Mischief by Stuart Woods. Suspense Fiction, Adventure

DB106298 - The maid: A novel by Nita Prose. Suspense Fiction, Mystery and Detective Stories, Bestsellers

DB106075 - The Amish Quiltmaker's Unexpected Baby by Jennifer Beckstrand. Religious Fiction, Romance

DB105742 - Wish You Were Here: A novel by Jodi Picoult. Suspense Fiction, General

DB106359 - Slaughter of the Mountain Man by William W. Johnstone. Adventure, Western Stories

DB105487 - Seeing Without Eyes: One man's journey out of darkness by Joe Koury. Biography, Disability
 
DB106436 - Into the Forest: A Holocaust story of survival, triumph, and love by Rebecca Frankel. Biography, Human Relations, War and the Military

DB106413 - Bright lights, prairie dust: reflections on life, loss, and love from Little House's Ma by Karen Grassle, Karen. Stage and Screen, Biography of Entertainers, Biography

BTBL News

Talking Book Topics Magazine

Do you subscribe to TBT in large print? Supply-chain issues and worldwide paper shortages have impacted production of TBT in large print.

But you can still get fast access to the latest issue of TBT online in HTML and PDF at NLS Talking Book Topics . TBT in HTML contains direct links to BARD for downloading or adding books to wish lists, and TBT in PDF contains printable order forms for mailing.

TBT is also available in audio on cartridge and on BARD and BARD Mobile. An abridged version of TBT is included in Braille Book Review, which is available as a BRF and in hardcopy braille.

Contact us at 1-800-992-9012 if you would like help accessing TBT in these alternate formats.

GetSetUp- Virtual Programming for Older Adults!

The Library of Michigan and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are partnering to support the ability of older Michigan residents to access live, online virtual classes on a variety of topics through GetSetUp.

The GetSetUp classes include a wide variety of topics including live classes on technology, meditation, brain fitness, art, cooking, financial planning, aging in place, and more.

Fees for classes for the Michigan community are WAIVED using this code: MICHIGANHEALTH while booking a class.

New BTBL Website

We have a new look online- check it out: www.michigan.gov/btbl

As always, potential patrons can use the fillable form application on our website to apply for service in just minutes. Fill in the patron information, save the application, and then email or print it for your certifying authority (doctor, social worker, librarian, etc.) to complete.

You can also find helpful information on BARD downloading, book searching tools, past issues of our InFocus newsletter, and more!

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 on page 14 or call the location in question to verify.

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 and 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 4th 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

Locally recordings now available.

• DBC 19554: Northwoods Reader by Cully Gage
• DBC 19553: Copper Empire by Donna Searight Simons

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

Call or Email. Please call the Talking Book Center for book requests and questions! We are 100% open and looking forward to your visit or phone call. Call 810-732-1120 or email tbc@thegdl.org for assistance.

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

Book Discussion Group. Join our book discussion group by phone on the first Monday of every month excluding holidays. Registration is required. If you would like to join our fun and informal discussion, please call the library for more details.
Vision Network Group. We host a Vision Network Group by phone the third Monday of every month. The phone meeting is moderated by our facilitator, Marie, and for 90 minutes, the group discusses issues that people with vision challenges face. Callers share solutions and experiences in a friendly and informal environment.
Facebook. We are pleased to tell you that our Library for the Blind now has a presence on Facebook! Find us at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/MLBPDatCMPL/

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

Brown Bag Book Discussion. Meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 12 – 1:30 p.m. The group discusses two audiobooks each month.  Please call for titles.
Visually Impaired People's (VIP) Support Group. Meets the 4th Wednesday of the month from 12 - 1 p.m. We meet to discuss important topics and connect over shared concerns, anyone welcome.
Quarterly Assistive Device Drop-Ins (ADDI). Meets the 3rd Thursday of January, April, July, and October will be open for patrons to drop by anytime during 12 - 2 p.m. for assistive technology information or personalized help with popular tech.
Remote Access. BTB events will remain available via conference call. Call: 267-807-9601, Access Code: 965803 or online at http://bit.ly/TCLbtbcall. Please be aware, BTB may change programs from in-person to Remote Only at any time in concern for public health and safety. Please check with the library ahead of time by calling 734-287-4840 or online at http://taylor.lib.mi.us/events

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

Office Hours. We have resumed our regular office hours of Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm.
Support Groups. The Traverse City Visually Impaired Persons group meets monthly. Contact Melinda Hollands at 231-590-0986 or mlhollandstc@gmail.com for more information.
Northern Michigan Veterans Exp. Come visit us at the Grand Traverse Civic Center on Friday June17 between 9-2 for this free expo for veterans and their families
Book Group. Join us at Tuesdays @ Two book discussion the last Tuesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. We meet in the McGuire Community Room at Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Ave.
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 curbside drop-off.
Summer Reading Club. Please join us for some fun activities, reading, and prizes. More information to come at tadl.org

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

Eat Healthy, Be Active, Stress Less with MSU Extension. This virtual series offered by MSU Extension combines health and mindfulness, while aiming to help adults improve their nutrition and make small changes for a lifelong impact. Classes will be held online from every Monday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. from March 21st to April 25th. Registration is required: https://msu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0rceCqrj8vEtf3ZF1vjFTrwd5EnvXZKUOr

BSBP Training Center

General Overview

The Michigan Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) believes in the capacity of people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve employment and independence. BSBP provides training and other services that empower people to achieve their individual goals. One of the ways BSBP does this is with personalized training programs offered through the Training Center.

The BSBP Training Center, located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is a residential facility that has been in operation since 1969. It provides comprehensive instruction to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Typical classes offered include: Adaptive Kitchen Skills & Nutrition, Adaptive Technology, Advanced Computers, Android Core Education, Braille, Counseling, Career Planning, Diabetes Education, Employment Lab, Essential Fundamentals of Employment, Finer Diner, Industrial Arts, Introduction to Basic Computers, iOS Core Education (iPhone/iPad), Job Seeking Skills, Keyboarding, Low Vision/OCR, Medication Management/Health Ed, Occupational Therapy, Orientation & Mobility, Personal Finance, and Personal Management

Open House Event

Come join BSBP in person for a fun filled day at the Training Center! You will be able to tour the facility, meet some teachers, hear student testimonials, and become familiar with our services. This is an open and safe space to have questions answered, get concerns clarified, and ultimately feel comfortable with sending your student or child to us. Food and Beverages will be provided. We hope to see you there!

Registration is required.

When: May 14th, 2022
Time: Come anytime between 10am – 2pm!
Where: 1541 Oakland Dr. Kalamazoo MI, 49008
Register: BSBP OPEN HOUSE REGISTRATION

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 Print 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 Print Disabled @ 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 blind or print disabled. Donors may also opt to provide for the Library of Michigan Foundation in their wills. By doing so, donors can make a larger gift than what might be possible during their lifetime and become eligible to receive tax benefits. Please contact Rita LaMoreaux with any questions at 517-974-5523.

Donations can be made online at: https://donate-usa.keela.co/donation-form. Or checks can be made payable to the Library of Michigan Foundation with a note on the memo line “BTBL”, and mailed to the address listed below:

Library of Michigan Foundation
PO Box 11027
Lansing, MI 48901

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 contact the Foundation.

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.