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MAY 2025
News from the Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library
Federal Funding for NLS Network Libraries
With the news regarding budget cuts at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) due to a recent executive order, we have received many concerned calls from patrons and interested parties asking what this means for the Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library. In short, our budget remains unaffected by this executive order as we do not receive funding through IMLS.
It is important to note that funding for the nationwide network of libraries supporting the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) occurs at a state level, meaning some states in the network are impacted by this executive order to varying degrees.
Other questions regarding the stability of NLS itself have also been brought to our attention. While it is impossible to predict the future, we would like to stress that at this time the Library of Congress, and by extension NLS, continue to function at normal capacity without disruption to services.
New Circulation System Coming Soon
BTBL will be switching to a new circulation system the week of July 7. In preparation, we will be closed July 1-4. Readers could consider ordering extra books in mid-June to avoid the conversion timeline. We ask for your patience this summer as we learn to navigate a new system.
By the Numbers
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Total items circulated last year:
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Total items available: 355,102*
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Audio downloads: 4,257,667
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In audio: 131,694
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Digital audio cartridge: 17,595,782
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In ebraille: 20,951
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Ebraille downloads: 447,709
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Magazine issues: 23,025
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Hard-copy braille: 157,557
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Music collection: 9,178
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Hard-copy braille: 28,517
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- The NLS most popular BARD downloads
Ever-growing numbers of NLS patrons are taking advantage of BARD—our Braille and Audio Reading Download service—to get instant access to hundreds of thousands of books, magazines and music materials. All downloads were in audio except for Jessie De La Cruz, which was in ebraille.
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1. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (Classics) 42,037 downloads
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6. Dynasty: The Stuarts, 1560–1807 by John Macleod (Biography of Heads of State and Political Figures) 9,356 downloads
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2. The Proof of the Pudding by Rhys Bowen (Mystery) 18,657 downloads
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7. The Farmer's Bride; Rancher's Bride; Butcher's Brideby Jaclyn Hardy (Religious Fiction) 9,114 downloads
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3. The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight by Andrew Leland (Biography) 15,962 downloads
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8. The Rabbi and the Hit Man: A True Tale of Murder, Passion, and Shattered Faithby Arthur J. Magida (True Crime) 8,317 downloads
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4. Ravenfall by Kalyn Josephson (Adventure, Juvenile Fiction) 12,070 downloads
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9. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (Classics) 8,168 downloads
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5. Evocation by S.T. Gibson (Fantasy) 10,168 downloads
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10. Jessie De La Cruz: A Profile of a United Farm Worker by Gary Soto (Biography, Young Adult) 7,989 downloads
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*Numbers are for FY 2024, as reported by NLS in the January-March 2025 News VOL 57, No. 1
Summer Reading – Register NOW!
This year’s “Color Our World” summer reading program will run from June 16 – August 15 and is packed with engaging virtual events like author talks, musical guests, activities, and more—all from the comfort of home.
BTBL is also offering Michigan patrons an exciting opportunity to attend accessible Touch Tours at the Henry Ford Museum! Join us July 12, July 17, or July 21 in person at the Museum for a special group tour – registration is required and limited to 15 people per tour (first come- first served, registration opens June 16).
BTBL will provide a full schedule of events along with dates, times, and zoom link information in June. Please register for the summer reading program so that we can send you additional information when it becomes available.
Register early and get a free exclusive gift! Supplies are limited, so don’t wait to sign up. (Canvas tote bag for adults and zipper pouch for youth).
Registration Form: https://forms.gle/e48KehpzuKVGbMja7
Email: wambaughs@michigan.gov
Phone: 1-800-992-9012
*And don’t forget to check out your local public library for other offerings and in-person programming right in your own hometown!
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Return Unused Equipment and Cartridges
Do you have a Digital Talking Book Player, book cartridges, or other BTBL equipment that you no longer need? If so, please return it to the library so we can repair and reuse items for other library patrons. Contact the library for a box or return label, if needed. Thank you!
VISIONS Event – Technology & Services
The 2025 VISIONS Vendor Fair will be held June 4, 2025, from 11 AM to 4 PM at the Downtown Library at 343 South Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor, MI! The event 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 outstanding services and products that will be on display. Presentations will also be offered on topics related to vision health, services, and assistive technology.
The VISIONS Vendor Fair is presented by the Ann Arbor District Library (which also serves as the Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Print Disabled) and is co-sponsored by the State of Michigan's Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, and is funded in part by the Friends of the AADL and local Lions Clubs.
For a full schedule of events, visit: https://aadl.org/visions
Read-alike Suggestions
There is nothing worse than finding out you’ve read every book by your favorite author, but don’t panic just yet! Our librarians can provide read-alike suggestions based on the titles and authors you’ve enjoyed in the past. Read-alikes are similar to other books or series in terms of characters, writing style or subjects.
If your favorite author isn’t listed here, you can speak to a librarian for additional suggestions. The more information we have about books and authors you’ve enjoyed in the past, the better our book selections for you will be! Call us at 1-800-992-9012 or email: BTBL@michigan.gov.
Janet Evanovich | Mystery Romance
Beverly Jenkins | Historical Romance
Joanne Fluke | Cozy Mystery
James Patterson | Mystery Suspense
Emily Henry | Modern Romance
Ann Patchett | Literary Fiction
Low Vision Fair at Leader Dogs for the Blind
Save the date for the Low Vision Fair at Leader Dogs for the Blind on Wednesday, September 24, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Leader Dogs Campus: 1039 S Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307.
Join us at this free event to learn more about services available to people in Michigan who are blind, visually impaired, or have low vision. Meet with representatives from a variety of agencies and organizations serving seniors and those with low vision. Hosted in partnership with Leader Dogs for the Blind. Contact otbs@rhpl.org with questions, or call 248-650-5681
Vision Network Group Summer Series
Join the Macomb Library for the Blind and Print Disabled on the second and fourth Tuesdays in July through September from 10 a.m. – noon in the Adult Program Room on the second floor of Clinton-Macomb Public Library. Topics vary, for a full schedule of events call 586-286-1580 or email mlbpd@cmpl.org. Registration isn't required.
July 8: Marc from Hadley
July 22: Sharon Lotoczky from Care to Care
Aug. 12: Leslie from the regional transit system for Southeast Michigan (SMART)
BTBL Staff Picks
My Family and Other Animals: Corfu Trilogy, book 1 by Gerald Durrell (DB 48465 / BR 00055)- A naturalist recounts his adventures and those of his British family during the five years they lived on the island of Corfu. Age ten on arrival, Durrell enjoyed collecting insects and wildlife. He recalls his parents' and siblings' reactions to his escapades, and his to theirs. Some strong language.
“Part travelogue, part family farce, the Corfu trilogy takes the reader through life in a unique culture and clime. From the perspective of the author as a child, the humor in everyday life is revealed. The humor comes from the misunderstandings between the family and local island residents and through interactions with the author's collection of wild and domesticated animals and birds. I have enjoyed revisiting this series and find something fresh each journey.” – Betsie, BTBL Librarian
The house in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (DB 98951 / BR 23320) - As a case worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, Linus Baker spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages. He is unexpectedly given a highly classified assignment: travel to a remote island orphanage where six dangerous children reside. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2020.
“This book takes you through all of the emotions. I love how it describes each child and makes you fall in love with the whole group. It is a great illustration of how we are all trying to find our place in the world. Also, spoiler alert, the sequel is even better.” – Bridgid, BTBL Librarian
Lines to the Mountain gods: Nazca and the mysteries of Peru by Evan Hadingham (DB 25676) - Focuses on the desert drawings made by the pre-Inca Nazca of Peru and the various theories about the purpose or function of these ancient forms. Hadingham believes that these giant lines which can only be seen in their entirety from the air, were religious in nature, directed towards the mountain gods on whom the Nazca depended for water.
“I picked this book because I saw a documentary on the Nazca and the lines and figures they created and wanted to learn more. Being blind, I didn’t know what the lines looked like on TV. In this book I found descriptions of what the lines look like and how they were made. Plus, I found this ancient civilization and culture fascinating. So, if you like to learn about ancient cultures and civilizations and the creations they left behind, I would recommend this book.” – Meagan, BTBL Librarian
All Systems Red: Murderbot Diaries, Book 1 by Martha Wells (DB 92425 / BR 23232) - In a corporate-dominated, spacefaring future, security androids accompany exploratory teams. One team’s self-aware droid has hacked itself and now refers to itself as "Murderbot." After a neighboring mission goes dark, Murderbot and its team must investigate. Some violence and some strong language. Commercial audiobook. 2017.
“At 3 hours, 19 minutes, this is a very quick read that still manages to pack in a surprising amount of humor, mystery, and action. Murderbot hacked itself in order to have free will, and mostly uses that free will to watch hour upon hour of streaming entertainment when it isn’t on duty. Very relatable! But that free will also comes in handy when the group needs to investigate the seeming disappearance of another research team not far away on this alien planet.” – Caitlin, BTBL Librarian
Popular BARD Books
Note: Non-BARD users can still call or mail in requests to receive these titles on cartridge.
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