Vol. 47, No. 1
Summer 2017

SAVE THE DATE

Coming Soon

OPEN HOUSE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2017
 

FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR

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JANET FISHER

The Arizona Talking Book Library offers additional services that are the result of partnerships, collaborations or subscriptions. Let’s look at these services available to members of the Talking Book Library.

PART II: Collaborating to Provide More Services

Other than books and several magazines in audio and braille format, have you sought out more information sources?

The Arizona Talking Book Library’s contracted with the Department of Economic Security’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to share in funding a subscription to the National Foundation of the Blind (NFB) NEWSLINE for Arizona.

Would you like to get information from the newspaper each day, without having multiple subscriptions to purchase or multiple websites to go to? Sign up for NEWSLINE by contacting the National Federation of the Blind or the Arizona Talking Book Library and filling out an application. After your registration is processed, you will receive an activation code and instructions to begin using the service. Thanks to a cooperative agreement between the DES Rehabilitation Services and the Arizona Talking Book Library (a branch within the Secretary of State’s Office), NEWSLINE is funded for the state.

NEWSLINE includes over 300 publications including daily newspapers and over 40 magazines. Included are three Arizona newspapers: Arizona Republic, Arizona Daily Star and East Valley Tribune. The text is read by a synthesized (computer-generated) voice and is available for use 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. An activation code is used to connect by telephone or computer and listen to these information sources for as long as you want. The Arizona chapter of the NFB is available to assist you with difficulties, as is the Arizona Talking Book Library.

The Arizona Talking Book Library is part of the talking book network of the National Library Service (NLS). The NLS consistently works with technology to make BARD easier for our library users to gain access on their iPhones, iPods, iPads, and computers, as well as Android devices through a program called BARD Mobile. BARD Express was released in late 2016 to make the download process better for PCs (personal computers). The Talking Book Library staff answers questions from people who have some difficulty with reading on these devices.

Would you like to borrow movies to see at home? Through funding from the Arizona Friends of Talking Books, the Arizona Talking Book Library has purchased over 1,000 audio described movies – from classics to current – for checkout. Not all movies commercially available have the audio description capability, so we have taken great care to verify that capability as we add to our collection. Also, whether you have an older VHS video player or a DVD player, registered users of the library are able to borrow these movies for their entertainment.

If you want to have the movie theater experience, there are theaters that have accessibility devices for the visually and hearing impaired as parts of their service. You can find links to these theater locations around Arizona through a web resource called EYEknow.AZ.gov. The Arizona Talking Book Library is a member of the Arizona Governor’s Council on Blindness and Visual Impairment which developed this dynamic Internet tool to help Arizonans who are low vision, blind or have both low hearing and low vision. This resource tool was based on the RSA Arizona Resource Directory and lists many agencies, companies, schools and services that are of use to this community of users. We hope you visit the website and test this Internet tool – http://EYEknow.AZ.gov. Try it out and see what you find. Remember to please insert your zip code into your search criteria to locate services at locations near you.

The library also facilitates Book Discussion Groups. One of our reader advisors, Henry Hayden, goes to the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired each week and holds a book discussion. The group talks about amazing books and shares information about details within the books. They also make time to talk about other books they want to share within the group. A separate library project is using federal funds (Library Services and Technology Act) to test a monthly book discussion group on the telephone, which will run through August 2017.

The Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired is working with us to support our “Tablet Lab” project. The tablets we put at the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired are being loaned out to their clients, while demonstrating the accessibility of those products to request, receive and use. We will tally the results for the project report in September.

Another partnership is with Sun Sounds of Arizona. This service offers a free statewide radio reading service with current and local information necessary to a self-directed, productive life. We provide Sun Sounds with some funding. We also work together when possible, since many of our clients are eligible to use both programs.

Periodically, we have the opportunity to share exhibit booths at local and statewide functions, and take time to talk about the services of both organizations. Both Sun Sounds and the Arizona Talking Book Library list the other on their registration applications. Sun Sounds can be found on the radio, the Internet, and onDemand, Sero app, HD radio, DTTV, and at some hospital and care facilities. You can contact Sun Sounds in one of their offices around the state, on the telephone or through the computer (www.sunsounds.org).

I am certain to have forgotten some collaboration or partnership, so if you did not find a service that should have been included please contact me or your Reader Advisor at 800-255-5578 or in Phoenix at 602-255-5578.

If you are looking for a service that you found out about in these articles, please contact your Reader Advisor.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Janet

Note: PART I: Our Services –
appeared in the Winter 2017 Talking Book News.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE
FRIENDS OF ARIZONA TALKING BOOKS

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Arizona Friends of Braille Talking Books (AZFOTB) was established, in 1999, as a non-profit organization to support the Braille and Talking Book Library, its volunteer programs and local recording studios through fundraising. Our mission is to support and enhance the AZ Braille and 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, blank cartridges for audio duplication, conference funding, and large print calendars.

But in order to provide this great support, we must raise the funds!

Our fundraiser, for 2017, is the Whine-A-Thon, which is a mail-in fundraiser. We are asking for donations of any level, but for each $25 donation, you are entered into our prize drawing and each $100 donation will gain you 5 entries! There are some great prizes to win such as gift cards – each in the amount of $25 or greater, an iPad, and a Go-Pro. Please be sure all donations reach us by October 1st, as the drawing will be held at the library Open House on October 6th.

A donation envelope is available for your convenience by calling the Arizona Talking Book Library
at 602-255-5578 or 1-800-255-5578 (inside Arizona) toll free!

Don’t forget to keep a look out for our 2018 large print calendars coming later this year.

On behalf of the Friends of Talking Books, we thank you for your support. After all, we couldn’t do what we do without you!

Jordan Bublik, President
Arizona Friends of Talking Books (AZFOTB)

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THINKING ABOUT THINKING

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Many of us would probably think that an analysis of how we perceive our existence is a non-fiction topic. For example, books on neurology or maybe even sociology. Having never really been a science-fiction reader, this at least was my take. However, after reading Hugo Award Winning Author Philip K Dick, I discovered the new genre of “surrealistic or progressive science fiction.” Forging into the area of inner space with emphasis on how the human brain perceives its’ environment, fictional authors such as Philip K Dick are taking the reader into the fascinating area of “thinking about thinking.” Critic James Tiptree says, “Philip K Dick takes the reader into the technology of the soul, with a smattering of abnormal psychology.” The author’s books have also been selected for major motion pictures like “Blade Runner,” “Total Recall,” and “The Minority Report.” So if you’re interested in human emotions through visual perception, or simply put, “thinking about thinking,” here are some Philip K Dick novels and a movie in our collection:

Collected Stories of Philip K Dick, Volumes 1 and 2

DB083036 (Available on BARD)
Narrated by Gregory Maupin (male narrator; 31 hours, 26 minutes.)

The first of two volumes in a series gathering all of award-winning science fiction author Philip K. Dick’s short stories. Volume one, consisting of twenty-five stories, includes “Beyond Lies the Wub.” Volume two contains twenty-seven stories, including “We Can Remember It for Wholesale” (The inspiration for the movie “Total Recall.”) Some violence. 1987.

The Man in the High Castle

DB076478 (Available on BARD)
Narrated by Tom Weiner
(male narrator; 8 hours, 27 minutes.)

The Axis powers have won World War II and jointly occupy the United States. A German faction attempts to warn the Japanese about an impending nuclear attack. A subversive novel and fortune-telling device guide the characters’ decisions in this alternate history. Some strong language. Hugo Award. Commercial audiobook. 1962.

Radio Free Albemuth

DB083166 (Available on BARD)
Narrated by Jason Culp
(male narrator; 8 hours, 56 minutes)

In 1960s America, a paranoid incompetent schemes his way into the White House and sends America to war against imaginary internal enemies. A writer named Philip K. Dick fights not to become a casualty. Meanwhile, his friend receives supernatural messages instructing him to overthrow the president. The basis of a 2010 movie of the same name. Some Strong Language. 1985.

Total Recall

DV000114 (for VHS players)

This is a major Sci-Fi action film produced in 1990 starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sharon Stone. Rated R.

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MACHINE DEPARTMENT NEWS

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The following is a brief reminder from the Arizona Talking Book Library. As of June 30th 2015, we stopped replacing the cassette book players. If you still have one of the old, yellow cassette tape players you are no longer using and would like to send it back, we can send you a prepaid box to mail it back if you are unable to locate the box used to send it. Also, if you still have any of the green plastic mailing containers, please return those as well.

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BARD WEBSITE
AND BARD MOBILE CLASS

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October 18, 2017 at 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Location: Arizona Talking Book Library, 1030 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Call and register today
Michael or Craig 602-255-5578 or 800-255-5578

Or email page Michael Usrey

Class starts at 10:00 am

BARD stands for: Braille and Audio Reading Download

Come and learn how to navigate the world of books through the BARD website and BARD iPad, iPhone,
or iPod touch mobile app. Patrons and family members are encouraged to attend and learn how to download from the BARD website.

Website

 

1.	In this class we will teach you how to use either the BARD website or the mobile app to download books. We will even help you sign up for BARD.
2.	How to unzip a file and transfer it to cartridge.
3.	How to use BARD express.

 

BARD Mobile

 

1.	How to install
2.	How to navigate through the BARD app
3.	How to delete a book

 

You will need to be a patron of the Arizona Talking Book Library or a family member of a patron of the Talking Book Library. If you are signing up for the BARD mobile class you will need to bring an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch.

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OH NO,
ONLY YOU CAN REDUCE THE DELINQUENCY LIST

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Unfortunately, we have reached an all-time high on the NLS delinquent list for the magazines with our delinquent rate at 18%. Since the program started with the cartridges, we have rarely gone over 10% so as you can tell, this is huge. Kindly return your magazines within 2-3 weeks of arrival so we can get back down to a more normal percentage and before your magazines are suspended. Thanks to those who always return them on time and keep up the good work.

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VOLUNTEER NEWS

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SHARING THE BEAUTY OF ARIZONA AND ITS PEOPLE WITH OUR TALKING BOOK PATRONS ...

SUSAN SMITH

As far back as I can remember, my household subscribed to two magazines; National Geographic and Arizona Highways. I mostly looked at the pictures in National Geographic, but the Arizona Highways magazine was my window to improving my reading skills and falling in love with Arizona. Who would’ve thought that I would someday be “the voice of the Arizona Highways”? I narrate beginning from the Front Cover to the Back Cover. In between those pages is the poetry of the contributors from the editor, Robert Stieve to writers like Kelly Vaughn, archived articles from the past, and not to mention the photography which makes this magazine a favorite around the world. Letters pour in from Europe, all over the U.S. and of course, Arizona. Sometimes the letters are so heartwarming I must hold back my emotions. For any of you who subscribe to this magazine I hope that you take the time to read the articles instead of scanning them and looking at the photos. My hope is that the patrons who listen to the audio versions enjoy listening as much as I enjoy narrating.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT - GRACE TEMPLETON

GRACE TEMPLETON

We just have amazing volunteers here at Arizona Talking Book Library; one example is Grace Templeton. Grace started volunteering here in October of 2001, and has been with us ever since, accumulating over 3000 hours. Before Grace came to volunteer for the Library she was an RN at Saint Joseph’s Hospital, where she worked in the pediatrics unit. She is also an avid bowler with an average score of 130. Grace was married and has two children.

Grace is so devoted to her work at the library. She comes in every Tuesday morning to label digital book containers, and other library support activities.

We appreciate Grace’s faithfulness and dedication to volunteering at the Talking Book Library. Thank you Grace, you have made a difference in many people’s lives.

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