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In Focus

April 2023

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.

Braille eReader

The long awaited eReader provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) is finally here! BTBL is busy preparing the devices for shipping. We anticipate braille reading patrons, on our waiting list for this device , will receive eReaders by early May.

In the shipping box, you will find :

• HumanWare eReader 20-cell braille display with case and attached lanyard
• USB-C to USB-A cable
• USB to AC adapter
• Braille Getting Started Guide
• Print Getting Started Guide
• NLS cartridge USB cable
• Extra Lanyard

Activate the User Guide item from the Main Menu for a complete user guide along with a command reference and the most up-to-date information. If you are a braille reading patron interested in receiving this free device, but have not yet added your name to our list, please contact the library at 1-800-992-9012.

Photo: NLS braille eReader

Adaptive Technology Corner

Hot New Tech

The BTBL Adaptive Technology Librarians were each able to attend a different professional conference in early 2023 in order to see what is new on the adaptive technology market. Bridgid Turner attended the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA), and Meagan Daniels attended the International Conference on Technology and Persons with Disabilities (CSUN). Both presented an overview of their experience at a BTBL Technology Club meeting, and would be happy to provide additional information to patrons considering new tech.

Below are a few products highlighted at the conferences:
ATIA:
Blindshell classic 2, $489 – Tactile phone with physical keyboard and loud speaker. Fully vocalized and voice controlled, SOS button, Bard, WhatsApp and Web browser, BlindShell app catalog with more than 30 applications and free lifetime updates. https://www.blindshell.com/us

August Smart Lock, $229.99 – WiFi Smart lock, remote access, can lock and unlock doors with your smartphone or apple watch. Fits over your deadbolt so can be used in rental spaces. https://august.com/products/august-wifi-smart-lock

Xrai glass, $379 – Smart glasses that turn speech into subtitles in real time and stream subtitles across the glasses. https://xrai.glass/

CSUN:
6Dot Electronic Braille Label Maker, $1,075 – Label maker with braille keyboard for easy braille input, or option to attach a keyboard. It can operate on AC adaptor or batteries. https://logantech.com/products/6dot-braille-label-maker

Logan® ProxTalker® Mid-Tech AAC Device, $3,149 – Enables independent verbal picture communication. Comes with a set of 2 inch by 2-inch Tile tags. You put a tag on each button and press, and it speaks what is on the tag. https://logantech.com/products/proxtalker

SensePlayer by HIMS, $650/$795- Competitor to the Victor Reader Stream made by Humanware. 2 versions of the SensePlayer, 1 with a camera and OCR capability’s and one without. Access to NLS BARD is still being developed and is expected to be available in the summer of 2023. https://hims-inc.com/product/senseplayer/

BTBL Calendar 

BTBL Club Info

Clubs are currently virtual only. Technology 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.

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:

Apr. 13: The Many Faces of BARD, NLS virtual patron program (info on page 5)

Apr. 20: 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.

Apr. 25: Tech Tidbit Tuesday, BTBL virtual patron program (info on page 4)

May 13: Technology Club – Smart TVs and TV Streaming services presented by Ather Jammoa

May 13: Book Club – Hidden Figures: The American dream and the untold story of the Black women mathematicians who helped win the space race by Margot Lee Shetterly (DB 86234)

May 30: Tech Tidbit Tuesday, BTBL virtual patron program (info on page 4)

June 10: Technology Club – Advanced Techniques using Jaws by Joe Todd

June 10: Book Club– Race: How blacks and whites think and feel about the American obsession by Studs Terkel (DB 35596)

June 12: Patron Corner, NLS virtual patron program (info on page 5)

BTBL News

Attention: New Patron Program!  

BTBL is starting a monthly Tech Tidbit Tuesday Zoom meeting. These are short 20-minute presentations of tech topics, with a few minutes for questions afterward. Each month will have a different topic or demonstration. Each session will be recorded so if you can’t make it or want to go back to it, we have you covered. We welcome suggestions of presentation topics because we want it to be useful to you, our patrons. These will take place on the last Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. The first few presentations are as follows:

• April 25, 2023 – Using the search in the BARD App
• May 30, 2023 – Accessibility features in Microsoft Word
• June 27, 2023 – Seeing Ai app for reading text

Join us via Zoom: https://bit.ly/3KDjHv1

Scholarships from MCBVI 

The Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI) is happy to announce the offering of 3 scholarships for blind and visually impaired students in Michigan in the following categories: Technical/Vocational career, Undergraduate, Graduate.

They strive to promote the education of the members of our blind and low vision community and to decrease the barriers for a more diverse, equal, and inclusive society.

Persons wishing to apply for these awards should ask for the application by contacting Dr. Joe Todd at jtodd1226@hotmail.com. The deadline for submission is May 15, 2023.

Overdue Cartridges

The multibook audio cartridges from BTBL are due 6 months from the check-out date. While there are no overdue fees associated with overdue items, we do appreciate the timely return of cartridges so that accounts show active circulation and inventory is accounted for.

BTBL shows approximately 12,500 cartridges are currently considered “Lost” in our system (lost in this case means not returned in six months). A comparison is Kentucky, who had used the multibook system three years before we started and only has 1,500 Lost cartridges.

Please send your cartridges back when you are done with them. If you need a duplicate cartridge, please call us. Thank you for your cooperation!

NLS Patron Programs

The Many Faces of BARD online event is the second Thursday of every month, at 7 p.m. EST. Each monthly event covers one aspect of BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download service) and is open to all. The topic for April 13th is BARD: Open Access.

Meeting URL: https://bit.ly/3GiMKS4
Or, join by phone: 1-669-254-5252
Meeting ID: 161 892 7125
Passcode: 570141

The Patron Corner, presented the second Monday of the third month of the quarter, shares specific information of interest to patrons regarding an announced topic. The next meeting will be held on Monday, June 12, 2023. The topic will be announced soon. To be added to the NLS-PATRONANNOUNCE list to receive reminders and updates regarding these offerings directly from NLS, email NLSPES@loc.gov asking to be added. Or, contact the library for assistance.

Emergency Preparedness – Resources Available in Braille 

Do1Thing is a non-profit organization, based in Lansing, that promotes emergency preparedness for individuals and businesses. The goal is to build disaster resilient communities by using a whole community approach to preparedness.

Each month features a different tip. The goal for April is to have an emergency food supply that will meet the needs of your household for three days without outside help. An emergency food supply doesn’t have to sit on a shelf, ready for disaster to strike (although it can). It can be part of the food you use every day. The key to a good food storage plan is to buy ahead of time. Replace items before they run out. Buy items when they are on sale. A large duffle bag or plastic tub with a lid makes a great storage place for an emergency food supply. Make sure your family, including pets, will have what they need when disaster strikes.

• Buy a three-day emergency food supply for your household.
• Take steps to make sure food in your refrigerator and freezer will stay safe.
• Make sure you can meet any special dietary needs in your household.

Do1Thing has emergency preparedness content available in braille (while supplies last). If you would like a braille copy of the resources for one calendar year, please contact Meghan Swain at 517-483-4561 or Meghan.Swain@lansingmi.gov. Or for more information, check out the website at do1thing.com

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!

DB111260 – The Maze by Nelson DeMille. Suspense Fiction, Mystery and Detective Stories, Bestsellers

DB111006 – A Thousand Steps by T. Jefferson Parker. Suspense Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery and Detective Stories

DB109007 – The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hildebrand. Scary Stories, Supernatural and Horror Fiction, Bestsellers

DB111201 – The Choice by Nora Roberts. Fantasy Fiction, Supernatural and Horror Fiction, Romance

DB111321 – Winter Cottage by Mary Ellen Taylor. Romance

DB110466 – Last on the List by Amy Daws. Romance

DB111083 – Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble. Religious Fiction, Romance

DB110717 – Carpenters: The Musical Legacy by Mike Cidoni Lennox, Chris May, and Richard Carpenter. Music Appreciation and History

DB111395 - The Family Next Door: The Heartbreaking Imprisonment of the 13 Turpin Siblings and Their Extraordinary Rescue by John Glatt. True Crime

DB111437 - Origins: Fourteen Billion Years of Cosmic Evolution by Neil deGrasse Tyson. Science and Technology, Astronomy and Astronautics

DB111326 - Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy by Zazie Todd. Animals and Wildlife

DB109915 - The Wordhord: Daily Life in Old English by Hana Videen. Language

BTBL Staff Picks

DB 57103 – Trading in Danger by Elizabeth Moon. Kylara Vatta is expelled from a military academy for a seemingly small indiscretion. To rebuild her self-confidence, her father sends her on a mission to command the scrapyard-bound cargo ship Glennys Jones. As captain, she expands the mission and finds herself in the middle of a space war. Bestseller. 2003.

“Having read the Vatta's Peace series (DB 88950 / DB 98190) at an earlier time, I wanted to read this book to see how everything began. The plot is engaging with a good amount of tension and the author keeps you wondering what will happen next. The main character develops and grows, learning to handle different situations. If you like exploring different worlds and planets through space travel and a mildly intense plot, you will like this book.” – Meagan, BTBL Librarian

DB 105197 – The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. In June 1954, eighteen-year-old Emmett Watson is driven home to Nebraska by the warden of the juvenile work farm where he served time for involuntary manslaughter. He plans to head to California with his little brother, but two friends who escaped from the farm have their own plan. Violence and strong language. Commercial audiobook. Bestseller. 2021.

“When I was in library school years ago, I had an internship in book and paper conservation. One of the projects we worked on was restoring a large collection of black and white photographs from the 1920s documenting the construction of the Lincoln Highway. So, when this book came along, I was sure that I was about to embark on a cross country adventure. The journey turned out to be not at all what I expected, but the dynamic relationships and intricate plot drives us head on into a masterful ending that I never saw coming.” - Betsie, BTBL Librarian

DB 59041- Elizabeth and Mary: Cousins, rivals, queens by Jane Dunn. Historical portrayal of the dynamic relationships between Elizabeth I of England and Mary Queen of Scots, both sixteenth-century claimants to the English throne. Discusses the vast differences in their lives, personalities, and handling of palace scandals. Also describes their struggles for supremacy, culminating in Mary's execution at Elizabeth's direction. 2003.

“I am already a bit of a history nerd because I used to be a history teacher but I loved how accessible this book was. A lot of nonfiction history is dry and hard to get through. This book is well written and interesting. It keeps you coming back to find out what comes next. It is packed with intrigue, murder and powerful women, a truly winning combination in my book." – Bridgid, BTBL Librarian

DB 62420 / BR 20917 – Guards! Guards! : Discworld, book 8 / City Watch, book 1 by Terry Pratchett, read by Kristin Allison. In a grand scheme to take over Ankh-Morpork, a secret magical society summons a terrifying dragon that is soon crowned king. Captain Vimes of the Night Watch risks being charbroiled to dethrone the firebreather and restore order. 1989

"Though this isn’t the first book in the Discworld series, it is the first in the arc that is specifically about the City Watch in bustling Ankh-Morpork, so it’s a good place to jump into the series if you like humorous fantasy that pokes fun at police procedurals or noir films while still weaving a good story with interesting characters.” - Caitlin, BTBL Librarian

DB 107538 – Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. In the early 1960s, chemist Elizabeth Zott has a lot of challenges as the only woman on her team at Hastings Research Institute. She falls for colleague Calvin Evans, but the double standards of the day eventually have her looking for a new chapter outside academia, hosting a television cooking show. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2022.

“Part historical fiction, part romance, and completely full of girl-power, this book captured my interest due to the unique voice of the main character. Follow this no-nonsense single mom trying to make it clear that women can be more than just homemakers if they choose.” – Stephanie, 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 on page 14 or call the location in question to verify.

Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
343 South Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. 1-734-327-4224

VISIONS 2023: Technology & Services for the Blind, Visually Impaired & Physically Disabled. Save the Date! Wednesday June 7, 2023: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Ann Arbor District Library, 343 South Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor MI 48104.

The 2023 VISIONS Vendor Fair features a variety of exhibitors who will demonstrate the latest products and services for the blind, visually impaired and physically disabled. Electronic readers, magnifiers, support services for the blind, Braille devices, library services, CCTVs, leader dogs, and transportation services are just a few of the many services and products that will be on display.

Presentations will also be offered throughout the day on topics related to vision health, services, and assistive technology. For more information visit aadl.org/visions, email wlbpd@aadl.org, or call 734-327-4224.

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

Vision Network Summer Series. Please join us for an informal and informational series of meetings for people with low vision or who are blind. Caregivers are also welcomed. Meet inside the Clinton-Macomb Public Library Main branch located at 40900 Romeo Plank Road in Clinton Township from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of June, July and August. Here are some dates and meeting topics:

• June 13 – presentation by Henry Ford Health System’s Low Vision Therapist Annette Babinski
• June 27 – TBD
• July 11 – presentation on technical vs non-technical low vision solutions by Mike Powell

Movie Matinee Presentation. Please join us July 25th at 10 a.m. in the auditorium at the Main branch for a special movie presentation of the feature film Where the Crawdads Sing. We will be showing this movie in audio-described format which means that a narrator will describe the action and scenery in the movie when the actors are not speaking.
Registration is not required, but if you have questions please call the library at 586-286-1580. We look forward to seeing you here!

Book Discussion Group. Meets by phone the first Monday of every month except when a holiday falls on that Monday. The following titles are planned for the months ahead:

• July 3: Polar Dream by Helen Thayer (DBC 17020)
• August 7: Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson (DB 107053 / BR 24102)

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

Local recordings. Danny and the Boys by Robert Traver (DBC 19558), is now available! Anatomy of a Murder author Robert Traver tells tales full of mischief and pranks pulled by Danny and his four friends who live in Hungry Hollow, deep in the backwoods of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

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 or check our events calendar 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, with occasional guest speakers. Anyone is 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.

Oakland Talking Book Service @ RHPL 500 Olde Towne Rd, Rochester, MI 48307. 1-800-774-4542

OTBS Book Discussion Groups. Are you looking for an opportunity to discuss great books and network with other patrons? Consider joining one of our book discussion groups. If you have questions call 248-650-5681.

• OTBS Book Friends. Mondays: May 1, June 5, July 10, 1 p.m. To join the call, dial 888-916-5522. No pin or password is needed.
  • May 1: Book Lovers by Emily Henry (DB107926)
  • June 5: The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by Jane Goodall (DB105482)
  • July 10: Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng (DB110518)
• Phoney Friends. Wednesdays: May 17, June 21, July 19, 1 p.m. To join the call, dial (888) 916-5522. No pin or password is needed.
  • Note: This meeting has changed from the first Wednesday of the month to the third Wednesday of the month.
  • May 17: Lost Girls of Willowbrook by Ellen Marie Wiseman (DB110448)
  • June 21: Horse by Geraldine Brooks (DB108556)
  • July 19: The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley (DB 107433)

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

Library open to patrons by appointment only. Call to make an appointment for Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. for access to recorded audio books, audio magazines, other materials, computers, braille e-readers and other assistive technologies.

Internet and Word Processing Training Using Assistive Technology. Meets Tuesdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Braille Instruction. Meets Tuesdays, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Descriptive Movie Day. Meets the 1st Wednesday of the month, 12 - 2 p.m.

Nifty Knitters. Meets 2nd Wednesday of the month, 12 - 2 p.m.

Book Club. Meets 4th Wednesday of the month, 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Cooking for One. Meets on Mondays: May 1st, May 8th, May 15th, May 22nd and Thursdays: June 15th, June 22nd from 12 – 1 p.m.

Outreach Opportunities. Bring programming to your assistive living site or adult apartment complex! Ask us about Book Clubs, Book Depositories and other programming such as movie afternoons or crafting that can be hosted right at your site. Contact Mary Howard for more information 313-481-1704.

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

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.
• The Cadillac Area Low Vision group has resumed meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at the Wexford County Council on Aging, 10-11 a.m. Contact Connie Payne at 231-779-0149.

Book Group. Join us for Tuesdays @ Two book discussion the last Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m. We meet in the McGuire Community Room at Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Ave. You may go to https://events.tadl.org/events/month to see what we will be reading.

Magnifier Exchange. Do you have a clean, working magnifying device you no longer use? We are happy to accept donations of handheld magnifiers 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.

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

New Remote Book Club this Summer. We will be starting our new On the Same Page Book Club in June. Book discussion will be accessible via phone call or virtual login. For more information, contact us at 231-737-6310.

Local Newsletter. The LVPD has our own local newsletter for our Talking Book patrons. It is available in large print and via email. If you would like to receive this and have not already, please let us know at 231-737-6310 or lvpd@madl.org.

Support Groups. Check out our local low vision support groups, which all meet monthly. Please call 616-458-1187 with any questions.

• Muskegon (In-person): 3rd Thursday at 10:30am at 560 Seminole Rd, Muskegon, MI 49444.
• Ottawa (Phone): 2nd Thursday at 10:30am. Call 701-801-6449.

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.