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September 2026
News from the Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library
Familiar Face Takes the Lead
Long-time patrons will likely recognize the name of the new BTBL Manager, Andrew Wilson. Thirty-six years ago, Andrew walked into the Braille and Talking Book Library with a simple plan: apply for a student position. He expected to fill out an application and head home. Instead, he was told that “someone needed to speak with him,” which was surprising since he didn’t know a single person in the building.
That “someone” turned out to be Brent, the BTBL Machine Lending Agency head at the time. Brent introduced himself and offered a quick tour, and somewhere between one floor and the next, Andrew unexpectedly became BTBL’s newest- and possibly the only- student employee hired during an elevator ride.
Since then, Andrew has served in numerous roles at the library, including machine repairs, cataloging, circulation, and Lead Librarian.
Here’s a little about the life he’s built along the way: Andrew and his wife Melissa have three children, Michael (21), Samuel (19), and Lauren (14), and two cats, Harley Quinn Wilson and Maximum Destruction Wilson. He has a passion for collecting—everything from old license plates to comic books to an assortment of quirky odds and ends. He’s an enthusiastic reader and a devoted Godzilla fan.
Andrew is excited to step into this new role and bring the same dedication and commitment that have guided his work since day one.
DA2 Player Updates
On August 13, the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) made DA2 software version 2.0.0 available to patrons. DA2 units connected to Wi-Fi were offered the opportunity to download and install the software update once available. Patrons should take one important step before updating their player to avoid losing books downloaded to the device. Log in to BARD before updating.
This software update delivers an enhanced Bookshelf, apps for Bookshare and NFB Newsline, and various bug fixes. The user guide for this release has been updated and is available at www.loc.gov/nls/services-and-resources/equipment-for-nls-materials/da2-user-guide
This software can also be put on a book cartridge for users who do not connect to the Internet with their DA2. Once the cartridge is inserted, patrons can follow the prompts to update the software. If you have a DA2 player and do not connect to Wi-Fi, please contact the library at 1-800-992-9012 to request an update be sent on a cartridge through the mail.
What makes the DA2 different from the standard book players? The DA2 includes several features that are not available on older playback machines. It can:
- Connect to Wi-Fi, allowing the player to access wireless services.
- Download books directly from BARD to the machine, without requiring you to use a computer or transfer device.
- Connect by Bluetooth to compatible headphones or speakers for wireless listening, as well as Bluetooth hearing aids
These features make the DA2 a convenient option for patrons who want more flexibility when selecting and listening to talking books.
Patrons interested in receiving a DA2 should contact the library.
BARD web player
Until recently, patrons had two options for getting NLS audiobooks: on a digital cartridge or by downloading them from BARD. With the My Talking Books skill for Alexa and Amazon Echo smart speakers, NLS introduced a third option: streaming.
Now NLS is expanding its streaming options with the BARD Web Player. The Web Player allows a patron to listen to BARD titles directly on the BARD website. Each title played is added to the patron’s reading history — which soon will allow synchronization across all BARD platforms.
If all goes well in the beta test, the Web Player will be available to all BARD users around the end of September.
Braille Magazine Delays
The braille magazine program is experiencing significant production delays. NLS has been notified that faulty equipment as well as a change in regulations for bulk items being shipped from the UK to the United States have affected magazine delivery.
Issues of magazines going back as far as February are still pending delivery. Some issues may be available on BARD even if physical copies have not shipped. Patrons may have experienced bulk shipments of magazines. Producers have committed to being back on a regular distribution schedule this Fall. Patrons should then expect to see regular deliveries and timely uploads to BARD. Contact the library for a comprehensive list of magazines involved and additional information.
Impacted magazines include: Cook's Illustrated, Better Homes and Gardens, Harvard Health Letter, Guideposts, Mayo Clinic Health Letter, Musical Mainstream, National Geographic, PC World, Piano Technician's Journal, Popular Mechanics, Readers Digest, Rolling Stone, Braille Chess Magazine, Conundrum, etc.
Share the Gift of Reading!
We often hear from patrons and their families that they wish they had known about the BTBL service sooner. Unfortunately, we tend to be a well-kept secret. That’s why we are asking patrons to spread the word about the BTBL far and wide. Patrons can download and print copies of posters to share promotional content from NLS directly: www.loc.gov/nls/outreach-materials.
Or, simply call BTBL and we can send you outreach supplies based on your needs. Think along the lines of flyers posted to bulletin boards at church or in doctor offices, or materials to have out at a local community event. The more we get our brochures, applications and posters out into your communities, the bigger impact we can make – but we need your help!
Remember, any individual not able to comfortably use standard print due to a visual, physical or reading disability qualifies for our service. Patrons we serve may experience eye diseases, tremors, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, traumatic brain injuries, dyslexia, and additional conditions that affect reading or mobility. And note, BTBL does not require specific diagnosis or medical information to become a patron.
Assistive Technology Programming – Join us virtually!
Technology can be overwhelming, so let BTBL help! In our Tech Tidbits presentations, we break it down into bite-sized pieces. Please join us on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 10 am for 20 minutes of technology news and tips. Next presentation will be held on October 27.
Looking for something more in-depth? Then the BTBL Technology Club may be a good fit for you. This group meets the second Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Zoom, and offers a rotating cast of technology presentations.
Log-in information for these offerings can be found on the News & Events page of our website at www.michigan.gov/btbl, or contact the library for a direct zoom link or dial-in information.
NLS also offers multiple virtual events. You can sign up to get direct emails from NLS on their program offerings by emailing NLSPES@loc.gov. Or you can view their list of offerings online at: https://www.loc.gov/nls/services-and-resources/patron-services-and-events/. Events include:
- The Many Faces of BARD
- Quarterly Patron Corner
- That All May eRead
- Smart Speaking to the Smart Speaker
- BARD 2.0 Office Hours
Top Patron Summer Reading Recommendations
A huge shout-out to all our summer reading participants that submitted book reviews to share with patrons. Here is a list of some of the 5-star reviews from this year:
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Welcome to the Honey B&B by Melody Carlson (BR026237 / DB128430). Christian Fiction, Romance – recommended by Maria A.
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The roaring days of Zora Lily by Noelle Salazar (BRC02236 / DB118119). Historical Fiction, Romance – recommended by Allison B.
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Hiss me deadly by Miranda James. (DB119047). Cozy Mystery– recommended by Halley C.
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In my father's house : the years before the Hiding place by Corrie ten Boom (BR020447 / DB078215). Biography, Religion – recommended by Kristen K.
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Becoming Little Shell: a landless Indian's journey home by Chris La Tray (DB124389). Autobiography, Native American topics – recommended by Theresa O.
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You never know : a memoir by Tom Selleck with Ellis Henican. (DB125747). Autobiography, Stage and Screen – recommended by Vicki P.
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Nine nasty words : English in the gutter : then, now, and forever by John McWhorter. (DB103874). Language - Writing, grammar, vocabulary – recommended by Tyler Z.
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My next breath : a memoir by Jeremy Renner (DB128997). Autobiography, Stage and Screen – recommended by Carolyn T.
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Turbulence by Stuart Woods. (DB091275). Suspense Fiction, Mystery – recommended by Dennis W.
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Lion in the valley : an Amelia Peabody mystery by Elizabeth Peters. (DB024656). Historical Fiction, Mystery – recommended by Peggy W.
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The summer before by Ann M. Martin. (BR019053 / DB071114). Juvenile Grades 4-7, Friendship Fiction– recommended by Frankie H.
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The dragonet prophecy : Wings of fire by Tui T. Sutherland (DB097153). Juvenile Grades 4-7, Fantasy Fiction – recommended by Elizabeth S.
Staff Picks
The raven scholar by Antonia Hodgson (DB129533)- In the empire of Orrun, emperor Bersun must end his reign. In the dizzying heat of summer, seven contenders, the best of the best, compete to replace him. Then one of them is murdered. It falls to Neema Kraa, the emperor's idiosyncratic High Scholar, to find the killer before the trials end. To do so, she must untangle a web of deadly secrets that stretches back generations, all while competing against six warriors with their own dark histories and fierce ambitions. [Fantasy Fiction]
“This is the best high fantasy that I've read in a long time. The characters are genuine and the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat.” – Sax, Muskegon AOC Librarian
City Of Stairs : Divine Cities Book 1, by Robert Jackson Bennett (BRG05704 / DB080801) - The gods of Bulikov are dead and the city conquered, its people forbidden from studying their own history. When a foreign scholar is murdered, diplomat and spy Shara Thivani is sent from Saypur to find his killer. She discovers Bulikov's gods might not be as dead as everyone thinks. [Fantasy Fiction]
“If you like mystery and political intrigue in a fantastical setting, this book may be for you! I found this book quite enjoyable because as the interpersonal, international, and theological mysteries were being unraveled, the author was also revealing the rules of magic in that world for the reader. There was so much to discover! I haven’t checked out any of the sequels yet, but they are on my list!” – Caitlin, BTBL Librarian
The stranger in the woods: the extraordinary story of the last true hermit by Michael Finkel (BR021987 / DB087555) - In 1986, twenty-year-old Christopher Knight drove to Maine and disappeared into the forest. He did not speak to another human being until he was arrested for stealing food nearly thirty years later. Discusses his survival in the wilderness in the intervening decades. Some violence and some strong language. [Biography]
“This one really sucked me in. The descriptions of the Hermit’s home and all of the work that went into it were fascinating. I was also amazed at how little human interaction he had and what lengths he went to avoid it. The biggest surprise was the fact that he didn’t speak more than one word to another human in over 25 years. I can hardly get through an hour without talking to someone.” – Bridgid, BTBL Librarian
Metropolis by B.A. Shapiro (DBC11762) - Six people, six secrets, six different backgrounds. They would never have met if not for their connection to the Metropolis Storage Warehouse in Cambridge, Massachusetts. When someone falls down an elevator shaft at the facility, each becomes caught up in an intensifying chain of events. [Psychological Fiction]
“Each character is unique and has an interesting background and relationships that they bring to this mystery. The twist coming at the end makes for a satisfying read.” – Betsie, BTBL Librarian
Popular BARD Books
Note: Non-BARD users can still call or mail-in requests to receive these titles on cartridge. BR = braille, DB(C) = audio book
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