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In Focus

January 2024

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.

Help tell the story of BTBL users!

Meet BTBL patron, Johnny, shown here smiling from ear to ear after picking up some new audio books from our Great Lakes Talking Books location in Marquette.
Johnny says he listens to our audio books every day. “I’m a retired elementary school principal and I’ve read thousands of books in my life. And now as a 90-year-old retired guy, I've lost a lot of vision in the last couple of years, and I have one bright spot in my life now and that's the 'library for the blind' (and Librarian Tonia Bickford).”

Do you or someone you know love BTBL as much as Johnny? Email the library your story and help others discover the joy of reading with BTBL (wambaughs@michigan.gov).

Or, if you prefer a quick google review instead, use the link below to leave us an online review and help other potential patrons find our service!

https://g.page/r/CYS3eRhGO-OhEBM/review

Adaptive Technology Corner

Libraries Without Walls – Upcoming Event

Save the date! Thursday, May 9, 2024, the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL) is hosting another Libraries Without Walls conference. This one-day assistive technology conference has something for everyone. The conference runs from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00p.m. at the Lansing Community College west campus located at 5708 cornerstone Dr, Lansing, MI 48917.

The cost is $15 for attendees and includes lunch and morning refreshments. Attendees will attend the keynote address followed by their choice of 28 one-hour workshops that run throughout the day. The workshops will cover such topics as low-cost technology, JAWS screen reader, electronic magnification, NLS braille e-reader, Android, Artificial Intelligence (AI), talking GPS devices, Apple iOS, and multi-line refreshable braille displays.

What about vendors you ask? We will have vendors from Humanware, Freedom Scientific, Ablezone Inc, OrCam Technologies, AT Guys, Hims Inc, and more.
Stay tuned for more information which will be coming to you in a mailer closer to the event.

Tech Drop-In Days

Did you get a new phone for Christmas and you want some pointers? Need to set up BARD on that new device? Would you like to check out a CCTV or Victor Reader before you buy one? The library will be open every second Thursday of the month for a tech drop-in at the BTBL lobby from 10-11 a.m. Check out the tech we have on hand or bring your own tech in for pointers. Come visit our Adaptive Technology Librarians in Lansing for our new Tech Drop-in Days!

Tech Tidbit Tuesdays 

Join us for short 20-minute presentations of tech topics on Zoom on the last Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m.: https://bit.ly/3KDjHv1

January 23 – Cooking Tech. (Note: This session will take place at the BSBP Training Center! This is not the regular date due to scheduling conflicts).
February 27– Smart ovens
March 26– Optelec CCTV
April 30– Magnifier app on iPhone

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:

Jan 13: Technology Club. Low-Cost Adaptive Technology Solutions presented by Kellie Blackwell

Jan 13: Book Club. The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers (DB 88145)

Jan 17: Knitting club. NEW BTBL in-person program at 1 p.m.! More info on page 4.

Jan 23: Tech Tidbit Tuesday. BTBL virtual patron program (more info on page 3, along with future topics/dates)

Feb 8: Tech Drop-In Days. NEW BTBL in-person program at 10 a.m. More info on page 3.

Feb 10: Technology Club. Hims Sense Player presented by Joy Baade

Feb 10: Book Club. I’m Glad my Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy (DB 110152)

April 18: Consumer Involvement Committee (CIC) Meeting. This call is open to all patrons. Provide your feedback on library services! Use the dial in information listed above, and join us from 1-2:30 p.m.

May 9: Libraries Without Walls. Save the date for this 1-day Adaptive Technology Conference put on by BTBL (more info on page 3).

BTBL News

January is Braille Literacy Month!

This celebration is in honor of Louis Braille, the creator of the braille code, who was born on January 4th, 1809. While audio books can provide equal access to information to an individual who is blind, braille is the foundation of literacy that encompasses skills such as grammar and punctuation.

BTBL has over 28,000 braille books available to our patrons in either hard copy or electronic braille. We also have the new eReader, a 20-cell refreshable braille display, available free of charge for our braille reading patrons. The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) also offers a Braille On-Demand program and is home to one of the largest music collections of its kind in the world, with more than 25,000 titles including braille and large-print scores.

Getting Books from BTBL – Your Questions Answered

Q: I’m getting too many books on a cartridge. Can I change this?
A: YES! We can customize the number of books and the number of cartridges you receive. Any patron can have up to 3 book cartridges checked out at a time. The number of books per cartridge can range from 1 to 30+, depending on book size.

Q: When are my books due? Are there late fees?
A: Audio book cartridges are due within 6 months. Hardcopy braille books are due within 3 months. There are no due dates for BARD downloads. At least 1 book needs to circulate every year to remain an active patron with us. There are NEVER any fees associated with our program!

Q: How do I tell you what books I want? Can I send you notes with requests?
A: You can call, email, or write us notes with book requests. If you are writing us a note, be sure to include your name. And please, do NOT write on the cartridge or cases. These items are not specific to you and we re-use them for other patrons.

Q: How can I find books myself? Do you have a catalog?
A: Our team of Reader Advisors are always ready to help you search for books you’ll enjoy! But if you prefer to browse the collection yourself, there are a few options available from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS). First, a new and improved catalog has access to ALL materials available to patrons: https://nlscatalog.loc.gov/. You can also use the Talking Book Topics, Braille Book Review, and the International Language Quarterly catalogs, which showcase the newer items more recently added to the collection: https://www.loc.gov/nls/new-materials/.

Knitting Club – NEW!

Bring your current knitting (or crochet) project and join us for this new club offering in the BTBL lobby! Enjoy an atmosphere of community and camaraderie while crafting with other patrons on the third Wednesday of each month from 1 – 2 p.m. Librarian Meagan Daniels will be on-site to facilitate and assist. If you have any questions, please contact Meagan at: DanielsM8@michigan.gov.

Currently scheduled dates: Jan 17th, Feb. 21st, March 20th, April 17th.

Note: The BTBL lobby is located at 702 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing MI 48909. We are on the Library of Michigan side of the rotunda on the first floor across from the elevators. The visitor parking lot charges $5 for the day. Transportation is not provided, however SpecTran will drop you off at the Kalamazoo entrance.

Michigan Interest Books on BARD

Did you know you can easily search for our locally produced BTBL books on the BARD Mobile Apps? Navigate to the Get Books module, then click on Search.

In the search bar, enter “MI1A” – our unique network library code, make sure it is set to Keyword search, then press “Go”.

Beyond the Money – Paying it Forward: BSBP Event

Join the Michigan Department of Education – Low Incidence Outreach (MDE-LIO) and the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) for a series of online workshops focused on financial literacy and volunteering. You'll dive into budgeting, creating spending plans, gathering information, event planning, and providing a service. The group will select a volunteer project, like making cozy blankets for a shelter or creating care packages for a children’s hospital. Make a positive impact in your community and learn some essential life skills along the way!

Registration Link: Beyond the Money: Paying It Forward | MDE-LIO (mdelio.org)
Registration closes January 17th. These workshops are for students in Michigan, ages 14 and older, who are Blind/Visually Impaired. Cost: No Cost/Free

When: The program consists of four virtual sessions and one in-person session. On Zoom: February 1, 2024, February 15, 2024, February 29, 2024, and March 14, 2024 6-7:30 p.m. each day. In person: May 4, 2024 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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!

Fiction
DB 116127 - Out of nowhere: a novel by Sandra Brown. Suspense Fiction

DB 116351 - 23 1/2 lies by James Patterson. Suspense Fiction, Women, Bestsellers

DB 116600 / BR 25169- Holly: a novel by Stephen King. Suspense Fiction, Supernatural and Horror Fiction, Bestsellers

DB 112397 - Quantum by Patricia Daniels Cornwell. Suspense Fiction, Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery and Detective Stories

DB 79182 / BR 23326 - All the light we cannot see: a novel by Anthony Doerr. Bestsellers, War Stories

DB 116555 / BR 25129 - Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. Women, Family, Bestsellers

DB 112393 - Ignite by Melanie Harlow. Romance

DB 115655 - The Heaven & Earth Grocery store: a novel by James McBride. Historical Fiction, Disability, Bestsellers

DB 111589 - The bachelor cowboy by Jessica Clare. Romance

DB 116410 – The exchange: after the firm by John Grisham. Suspense Fiction, Mystery and Detective Stories

DB 116897 – The secret: a novel by Lee Child. Suspense Fiction, Mystery and Detective Stories

DB 116352 – Code red: a Mitch Rapp novel by Kyle Mills. Spy Stories, Bestsellers

DB 116356 – After that night by Karin Slaughter. Suspense Fiction, Mystery and Detective Stories

DB 116672 / BR 15904 – The things we do for love by Kristin Hannah. Human Relations, Psychological Fiction.

NonFiction

DB115575 / BR 25166 - The country of the blind: a memoir at the end of sight by Andrew Leland. Biography of Persons with Disabilities, Biography, Disability

DB114811 - The man who killed Kennedy: the case against LBJ by Roger Stone. Government and Politics

DB 87767 / BRG 04247 - Killers of the Flower Moon: the Osage murders and the birth of the FBI by David Grann. U.S. History

DB 116688 - Prequel: an American fight against fascism by Rachel Maddow. Government and Politics, Bestsellers, U.S. History, World History and Affairs

DB 115960 - The watchmaker's daughter: the true story of World War II heroine Corrie ten Boom by Larry Loftis. Religion, Biography, War and the Military

DB 116103 - The Menendez murders: the shocking untold story of the Menendez family and the killings that stunned the nation by Robert Rand. True Crime

DB 110888 - Friends, lovers, and the big terrible thing: a memoir by Matthew Perry. Stage and Screen, Biography

DB 109982 / BR 24505 - The best simple recipes: 200 flavorful recipes that cook in 30 minutes or less by America's Test Kitchen. Cooking

DB 115292 - Service dog training guide: a step-by-step training program for you and your dog by Jennifer Hack.

DB 111114 - The neuroscience of you: how every brain is different and how to understand yours by Chantel Spring Prat. Health and Medicine

DB 116250 - He chose the nails by Max Lucado. Religion, Inspirational

DB 116686 – The woman in me by Britney Spears. Biography of Musicians, Bestseller

DB 116856 – Behold the monster: Confronting America’s most prolific serial killer by Jillian Lauren. Biography, True Crime

DB 116507 – What if it’s true?: a storyteller’s journey with Jesus by Charles Martin. Inspirational, Religion

DB 113440 – Laptop from hell: Hunter Biden, Big Tech, and the dirty secrets the President tried to hide by Miranda Devine. Government and Politics

DB 115667 – The 4 habits of joy-filled people: 15 minute brain science hacks to a more connected and satisfying life by Marcus Warner. Psychology and Self-Help

DB 77138 / BR 21495 – The boys in the boat: nine Americans and their epic quest for gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel Brown. Sports and Recreation, Bestseller

BTBL Staff Picks

DB 106773 - How to be perfect: the correct answer to every moral question by Michael Schur. "The creator of the TV show The Good Place explains various philosophical concepts. He starts off with easy ethical questions like "Should I punch my friend in the face for no reason?" (No.) and works his way up to the most complex moral issues we all face. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. Bestseller. 2022.

“To make his show, The Good Place, Michael Schur did a lot of research into moral philosophy. He presents a summary of his findings in this book, which is very entertaining. It’s a general overview on the subject and its major philosophers, not delving too much into the muck on any specific topic. His humor shows through, just like it does in his show. Some of the starring actors lend their voices to the book, as well.” - Caitlin, BTBL Librarian

DB 97929 / BR 23303 - Such a fun age by Kiley Reid. African American babysitter Emira Tucker is accused by a security guard of having kidnapped the toddler she is caring for when she takes the girl to an upscale market. The incident is caught on film and her white employer is determined to make things right. Strong language. Commercial audiobook. Bestseller. 2019.

“I really liked how this book took on two big issues of race and privilege. It did not follow along a predictable storyline and there were plenty of unexpected twists and turns to keep it interesting”– Bridgid, BTBL Librarian

DB 90066 - See you in the cosmos by Jack Cheng. Eleven-year-old Alex Petroski, along with his dog, Carl Sagan, makes big discoveries about his family on a road trip, and he records everything on a golden iPod he intends to launch into space. Commercial audiobook. For grades 4-7. 2017.

“I learned about this audio book when the Detroit-based author came to our library to promote his newer book.  I didn't see the author, but a co-worker told me about this award winning recording. It’s won Audie and Golden Kite awards. Although it is for 4-7th grades, the mature themes (mental illness, divorce, family dysfunction) lend itself to making a fascinating adult read or a mixed-age family story to listen to together. Keep some tissues on hand.” Beth, WLBPD Library Technician

DB 114500 – The Best Strangers in the World: Stories from a Life Spent Listening by Ari Shapiro. Broadcaster, journalist, and host of NPR's All Things Considered, Ari Shapiro takes us around the globe to reveal the stories behind narratives that are sometimes heartwarming, sometimes heartbreaking, but always poignant. He details his time traveling on Air Force One with President Obama, or following the path of Syrian refugees fleeing war, or learning from those fighting for social justice both at home and abroad.

"Listening to this book, I learned about news events for which I was oblivious at the time they were occurring. I love a good story and an excellent storyteller. This book is read by the author in his iconic radio voice.” - Betsie, BTBL Librarian

DB 105380– Defy the night by Brigid Kemmerer. The kingdom of Kandala is recovering from a devastating plague, but the cure is rare and expensive. Desperate to distribute the elixir to those who need it most, apothecary apprentice Tessa hatches a plan to infiltrate the castle and steal it--but what she discovers may destroy the kingdom. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2021.

“I really like the world the reader is drawn into by the authors writing. But I like the development of the characters even more. So if you like character focused writing along with unexpected plot twists, I would recommend this book. It is the first in a series, followed by, Defend the dawn (DB 110765).” - Meagan, BTBL Librarian

DB 102762 / BR 24040 – Firekeeper’s daughter by Angeline Boulley. Daunis, who is part Ojibwe, defers attending the University of Michigan to care for her mother. When Daunis witnesses a shocking murder, she reluctantly agrees to go undercover, drawing on her knowledge of chemistry and Ojibwe traditional medicine to track down the source of a new drug. Strong language and some violence. Printz Award. For senior high and older readers. 2021.

“This book is the Great Michigan read for 2023-2024 and it's a Michigan author and setting. If you need more reasons to read it than that, the plot was fast paced, and the characters were well developed. I felt like the themes were more adult than YA, but overall, I really enjoyed this book!” – 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.

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

• The Brown Bag Talking Book Discussion. Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 12 - 1:30 p.m. The group discusses two audiobooks each month. Please call or check our events calendar for titles.
• Visually Impaired Persons (VIP) Support Group. Meets the 4th Wednesday of each month at 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). Quarterly meetings the 3rd Thursday of January, April, July, and October. Drop by anytime during 12 - 2 p.m. for assistive technology information or personalized help with popular tech.
• To access BTB events remotely. Call: 267-807-9601, Access Code: 965803, or join online at bit.ly/TCLbtbcall

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

• Recording Booth Update. We are wrapping up Sonny Longtine’s “Michigan’s Upper Peninsula: Life, Legends & Landmarks” and have begun to record “Valley Cats: The Adventures of Boonie and River,” the first book in a Juvenile trilogy by local author Gretchen Preston. 

Kent District Library Talking Book and Braille Center 
814 West River Center Dr NE., Comstock Park, MI 49321. 1-616-784-2007 

• KDL is hosting On the Same Page, a community reading initiative. This year's title selection is Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (DB 116555 / BR 25129). As part of the program, there will be a Meet the Author event with Ann Patchett on April 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Calvin University's Covenant Fine Arts Center. For more information, visit kdl.org/samepage.

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

• OTBS Book Discussion Groups. Consider joining one of our book discussion groups.
  • OTBS Book Friends. Mondays at 1 p.m. To join the call, dial 888-916-5522. No pin or password is needed. February 5: The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight by Andrew Leland (DB 115575)
  • Phoney Friends Book Club. Wednesdays at 1 p.m. To join the call, dial 888-916-5522. No pin or password is needed. February 21: Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See (DB 115160)
• Dial-In Discussion Club. Each month we will gather to discuss various topics relating to low vision, aging, and more over the phone. This group meets on the third Monday of each month. Dial 888-916-5522 to join the program. No pin or password is necessary. For updated information about monthly topics, call 248-650-5681.
  • February 19: Topic to be determined.

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

• Internet and Word Processing Training Using Assistive Technology. Meets Tuesdays, 10 a.m.– 2 p.m.
• Braille Instruction. Meets Tuesdays, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
• Descriptive DVD Day. Meets 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 Meets Wednesday of the month, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
• Tea Tasting with Intu Tea. Meets Monday, February 12th from 12– 2 p.m. Hosted by Mary Jones, who has been selling Tea in Detroit for over 20 years.
• Mindful Movement. Meets Monday, February 26th from 11 a.m. -12 p.m. Presented by Lisa Tams, a licensed clinical social worker.
• Explore the Lives of Local Animals. Meets on Wednesdays: March 13th, April 10th and May 8th from 12 – 1 p.m.
• The Aging Brain. Monday, March 18th from 12 – 2 p.m.
• HBP Control: A Hypertension Self-Management Program. Meets on Mondays from April 1st through May 20th from 12 – 1:30 p.m. This eight-part class will help you take control of your blood pressure.
• Wayne Health Mobile Unit. Tuesday, April 30th from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. This free service offers health screenings and they do not require ID or insurance.
• Outreach Opportunities. Bring programming to your assisted living site or adult apartment complex. Contact Mary Howard for more information at 313-481-1704.

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

• Technology Questions. Make an appointment with our technology tutor Marie to talk with her over the phone or meet with her in-person at our library. Please call the library at 586-286-1580 for more details.
• Vision Network Group by Phone. This informal meeting of patrons with vision issues and/or their caregivers to talk about challenges one can face when vision is compromised. Meets on the third Monday of every month from 10 - 11:30 a.m.
• Book Discussion Group. Our book group meets by phone the first Monday of every month at 1 p.m. except when a holiday falls on that Monday.
  • February 5: The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocomb (DB 106851)
• New Materials at MLBPD. These items are now available for check-out:
  • Finger Focus Reading Guide Strips: This reader strip helps to limit transposing of words and letters. Great for helping dyslexia, struggling readers, emerging readers, and readers with special needs.
  • Word Building Educational Kit Braille and Tactile Alphabet: This learning aid is great for anyone wishing to learn braille. The kit consists of a plastic composing board with 60 tiles. All markings are raised for tactile reading.
  • LEGO Braille Bricks: Aimed at children aged six and up, this kit helps children with visual impairment practice their braille literacy skills.  The set includes two baseplates and over 250 bricks in five colors.

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

• 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.
• Support Groups.
  • The Traverse City Visually Impaired Persons group meets monthly. Contact Melinda Hollands at 231-590-0986 or mlhollandstc@gmail.com.
  • 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.
• 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 (we cannot accept analog or CRT!), free-standing magnifiers etc. to pass along to other patrons who can use them, free of charge.
• Nature Walk. We will be taking a nature walk in May. The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has many Universal Access Trails.
• Project Kidsight. This is a program of the Lions of Michigan Foundation that offers free vision screenings for preschool-aged children. We will be holding an upcoming screening on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Traverse Area District Library.

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

• Braille Blast. Join Sax at several of our local Muskegon libraries for a fun children’s program about what Braille is and how it works!
  • Wednesday, January 17 at 2 p.m. – Holton Branch of MADL
  • Thursday, January 18 at 3:30 p.m. – North Muskegon Branch of MADL
  • Monday, January 22 at 11 a.m. – LVPD Branch of MADL
  • Thursday, January 25 at 3:30 p.m. – Montague Branch of MADL

Also join us for a special Braille Storytime at the Norton Shores Branch of MADL on Wednesday, January 24 at 11:30 a.m.

• Ravenna Hours. Sax will be at the Ravenna Branch of MADL on Fridays to talk to patrons about services the LVPD provides, such as the Talking Book Program, Senior Book Bins, and Homebound Service.
• Virtual Book Club. Call or login to our virtual book club, On the Same Page. The books we will be discussing are:
  • Jan 11: The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides DB 93996
  • Feb 8: Our Missing Hearts by Celest Ng DB 110518 / BR 24618

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 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.