Vol. 46, No. 4
Spring 2017

FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR

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JANET FISHER

This Spring newsletter is full of opportunities and information. We hope you enjoy meeting staff, getting excited about our summer reading program (especially as we get the adults involved), and reading an article from the Arizona Friends of Taking Books.

We hope you enjoy the newsletter and the activities of the season.

Janet

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"BUILD A BETTER WORLD"
SUMMER READING PROGRAM

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Hey, Kids! Spend part of your summer escaping with a good book!

Beginning June 1, 2017 and running through August 1, 2017, the Arizona Talking Book Library invites our youth patrons to participate in the library’s “Build a Better World” Summer Reading Program.

The hours that you spend listening can earn you prizes and the more you read, the better your chances of winning some of our grand prizes. Summer Reading Packets will be sent out to you automatically and will include a registration form, Reading Logs, an explanation of the prizes and the deadlines for the program. Look for those packets to arrive in May.

Your contact for any questions regarding the Summer Reading Program is Ellen. You can reach her through e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 1-800-255-5578 or 602-255-5578.

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ADULT SUMMER READING PROGRAM

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Why should kids have all the fun?

Cool off with a good book as you travel, work around the house, or just relax this summer and enter to win prizes in our Adult Summer Reading Program.

Beginning June 1, 2017 and running through August 1, 2017, the Arizona Talking Book Library invites adults to listen to books and earn prizes during the library’s “Build a Better World” Adult Summer Reading Program.

You can earn prizes after 10, 20 and 40 hours of reading.

For every additional 10 hours that you read over the 40-hour goal, your name will be entered into a drawing to receive additional prizes.

Guidelines:
Register by phone, e-mail or mail by June 15th, 2017.

Once you register, we will send you a Reading Log to keep track of your hours. Return the completed Reading Log by August 11th, 2017 to be eligible for the Grand Prize drawings.

Your contact for any questions regarding the Adult Summer Reading Program is Ellen. You can reach her through e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 1-800-255-5578 or 602-255-5578.

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YOU ASK, WE DELIVER

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We have added more magazines to our collection so let us know if you would like them added to your listening collection. We now have ALFRED HITCHCOCK’S MYSTERY MAGAZINE, FORESIGHT (newsletter of the AZ Council of the Blind), HARVARD MEN’S HEALTH WATCH, HARVARD WOMEN’S HEALTH WATCH, LIVABILITY360 (disability related issues, people, and events in AZ).

Also, please get your magazines back in the mail as soon as possible. The number of items returned late has risen from 9% to 16%. Return your magazines and you will be cleared to receive the next issue.

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ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

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KARLEE MYERS

My name is Karlee Myers. I am the newest employee of the Arizona Talking Book Library as the Administrative Assistant. I have worked for the State of Arizona for almost three years and have loved every moment of it.

I was born in Spokane, Washington but moved to Mesa, AZ when I was 2. Twenty-three years later I am still here! I have a 3-year old daughter named Brooklynne who is my world. In our spare time, we enjoy the outdoors, like hunting with the family, going on hikes, going to the zoo, and feeding the ducks at the park.

I started at the Talking Book Library in 2016 and love working here. I enjoy learning everything from how the Reader Advisors order books to how to fix the digital players up in the Machine Services area. I look forward to speaking with all of our callers, and learning from each phone call.

I am so glad to have joined this team and excited to what the future may hold!

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A NOTE FROM
THE ARIZONA FRIENDS OF TALKING BOOKS

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Hello! My name is Jordan Bublik and I am the current President of the Arizona Friends of Talking Books (AZFOTB). I wanted to provide all of our wonderful newsletter readers with information about our organization and how we help the library be the vital resource that it is.

You might be asking yourself what is AZFOTB?

Arizona Friends of Talking Books was established, in 1999, as a non-profit organization to support the Arizona Talking Book Library, its volunteer programs and local recording studios through fundraising. Our mission is to support and enhance the Arizona Talking Book Library through advocacy, outreach and development. Over the years, AZFOTB has provided the library with things such as new recording studios, Summer Reading Program support, cassettes, conference funding and large print calendars.

Now you are probably wondering, how do we raise the amount of funding necessary to do what we do?

AZFOTB hosts two different fundraising events that alternate every year. Last year, we held our “Whine and Cheese” event at the University Club. This event is where we “whine” for money while holding a silent auction filled with wonderful items each paired with even more wonderful bottles of wine! The event was a great success with supporters such as BlueCross BlueShield and the Phoenix Fire Fighters Union. Sad you missed it? Don’t worry, we will be excited to have you join us in 2018.

But what is AZFOTB doing this year you ask?

For 2017, we will have our Whine-A-Thon (also spelled with an “H”) which is a mail-in fundraiser. We ask for donations of any level. For each $25 donation, you are entered into a drawing. For each $100 donation, you are entered 5 times. The drawing, which will be held at the library Open House in October, prizes will include gift cards – each in the amount of $25 or greater, an iPad and a GoPro. Envelopes and a letter discussing more details regarding this event will be included in the next issue of this newsletter!

We also have recently joined AmazonSmile – so if you shop on Amazon, you can tie your purchases to AZFOTB and we will receive a percentage of your total. Our website has the details of how to do that:

https://www.azfotb.org/donate

 

Keep a look out for our 2018 calendars coming later this year.

Thank you so much for your time. I am honored to be a part of AZFOTB and support a library that serves so many.

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THESE TWO MEN

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As we make our way into 2017, “these two men” – Putin and Trump – seem destined to touch our lives. While they both are from cultures and political traditions that are very different, their upfront personalities often draw comparisons. For example, both appear quick to take on their critics and are openly skeptical of the press. While Putin came from poverty and Trump from money, they both espouse populist movements and use similar political slogans to make their countries great again. Whether their dominant personalities will work together to create a public good, remains to be seen. The following books might well provide information that answers this question and gives you a better understanding of their lives and personalities:

The New Tsar: The Rise and Reign of Vladimir Putin
By Steven Lee Myers
DB082631 (Available on BARD)
Narrated by Ren Ruiz (male narrator, 22 hours and 57 minutes.)

Former Moscow bureau chief of The New York Times provides a portrait of Vladimir Putin. Recounts Putin’s origins and rise to power and examines Putin’s time as leader of Russia, contrasting his reforms with what Myers describes as his age of “new authoritarianism.” Some violence and some strong language.

The New Cold War: Putin’s Russia and the Threat to the West
By Edward Lucas
DB067481 (Available on BARD)
Narrated by Bill Wallace (male narrator, 12 hours and 55 minutes)

Former Moscow bureau chief for The Economist alleges that Russia is a growing threat to the West under Vladimir Putin’s regime. Lucas cites human rights abuses, crackdowns of the media and dissidents, widespread fraud, intimidation of former Soviet satellite nations, and the danger Russia poses as a major energy supplier.

Never Enough: Donald Trump and the Pursuit of Success
By Michael D’Antonio
DB083461 (Available on BARD)
Narrated by Barry Bernson (male narrator, 14 hours and 37 minutes.)

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael D’Antonio profiles businessman and presidential candidate for the 2016 elections Donald Trump. D’Antonio examines Trump’s methods in his pursuit of success, which he suggests are based on a feeling a superiority. He examines Trump’s professional and personal lives, drawing on interviews with Trump and his family.

Trump: the Art of the Comeback
By Donald Trump
DB045334 (Available on BARD)
Narrated by Richard Hauenstein (male narrator, 6 hours and 9 minutes.)

Business tycoon Donald Trump explains how he came back from financial ruin in 1990 by making deals and taking risks. Gives his top ten comeback tips. Trump also discusses his personal life.

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NEW AUDIO DESCRIBED DVDs AVAILABLE

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AZTBL has added new titles of audio described DVDs to our collection. You may request a DVD catalog in large print.

You may check out up to two DVDs at a time for one month. Renewals are not allowed for DVDs. Audio described DVDs will play on any DVD player that you own. On a special audio track the narrator will describe actions, characters, locations, costumes, and background without interrupting the dialogue of the movie.

Some of the new titles are:
 

• DVD00442   The Martian (Drama, Science Fiction, Adventure)
  DVD00443   The Boy Next Door (Drama, Mystery)
  DVD00444   The Purge (Horror)
  DVD00445   San Andreas (Drama, Action, Adventure)
  DVD00446   Joy (Drama)
  DVD00447   Brooklyn (Drama, Romance)
  DVD00448   If I Stay (Drama, Fantasy)
  DVD00449   Zootopia (Animated, Adventure, Comedy)
  DVD00450   The Conjuring 2 (Horror, Suspense/Thriller)

 

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VOLUNTEER NEWS

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VOLUNTEER LUNCHEON

The Volunteer Luncheon of 2017 was a huge success. Our thanks go to our Arizona Friends of Talking Books for hosting it. The luncheon is always a special time for the Library because we get to bring our volunteers together to celebrate their contributions and dedication, and to enjoy the opportunity to meet and talk during this luncheon event.

The special guests of the luncheon were The Secretary of State Michele Reagan, Friends Board Vice-President Leslie Rachels, and Steve Welker, a motivational speaker and our special guest speaker for the luncheon.

The Secretary of State Michele Reagan greeted volunteers when she entered. In her speech she gave information regarding volunteer hours and the salary equivalent, noting that equivalent meant a significant savings to the state. Secretary Reagan also presented Janet Fisher, Talking Book Library Director, with the Volunteer Week Proclamation from the Governor. The Proclamation will be on display in the conference room in the Library for all to see.

Leslie Rachels, Vice-President of the Friends Board, recognized and complimented the volunteers and thanked them for their service. Leslie noted that the Friends Board is made up of younger people who are continuing to carry on the tradition. Leslie spoke about how she came to be on the Friends Board. She heard about the Talking Book Library and then took a tour. The tour experience made the value of the library “click” and she decided she wanted to be involved in supporting the library. Leslie reminded us of the Whine-A-Thon mail-in fundraiser this summer that is sponsored by the board.

Steve Welker is an inspiring motivational speaker teaching us how to just appreciate each day. His passion is contagious and infectious. Steve motivated the audience to overcome life’s challenges and to accept our circumstances and keep striving. He talked about his digital player and how he prefers to use it while supplementing it with his use of BARD on his phone. He even carries the digital reader with him when he travels. Steve also mentioned the valuable services he received from the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, across the street from the library. He recognized the Talking Book Library as instrumental in helping him stay connected and informed.

Steve has published two books, The World at My Fingertips and Radical Resiliency, which are currently being recorded and will be available soon to our patrons through the Talking Book Library and BARD. I encourage you all to read his books -- you won’t be disappointed.

The luncheon was an awesome success. Thanks to all who attended, and thank you to the Arizona Friends of Talking Books for making it all possible. I look forward to next year’s event!

 

 

Arizona Friends of Talking Books and guests. Michael Sbraga, Michelle Sbraga, Tom Sanfilippo, Andrea Pasquale, Caitlin Fine, Leslie Rachels, Jane Bergamo, Ray Milazzo.

Mo Ryan, Kathy Kisro, Patty Pace
 

Michele Reagan (SOS), Grace Templeton, Dr. Michael Templeton

Vicki Hodges and Brian Blackwell (staff)

 

Mary Alyce and Chuck Grube

Carolyn Farkas, Ken Farkas, Madge Farkas

 

Rudy Sikler, Marianne Sikler, Grace Wright

Susan Broadman and Celeste Scott

 

 

 

 

 

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Any mention of products and services in Talking Book News is for information only and does not imply endorsement.

Talking Book News is also available in other formats including our website at http://www.azlibrary.gov/talkingbooks If you would like to receive this newsletter on cartridge or in email, please call 602-255-5578 or 1-800-255-5578.

Talking Book News is published quarterly by the Arizona Talking Book Library, Archives and Public Records, a Division of the Secretary of State. Administrator: Janet Fisher and Editor: Ron Bryant.

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