Vol. 45, No. 3
Winter 2016

 

FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR

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JANET FISHER

The winter season is coming to a close and my first six months have been exciting at the Talking Book Library.

In this issue, you will notice some changes in our staff. New staff members include Kim French, Volunteer Manager, and Ellen Greene, Reader Advisor (A-D) and Children/Youth Librarian. We have been pleased to welcome Kim and Ellen to our library and recognize the achievements both have made since starting here.

Our Studio Manager, Maria Pina, recently resigned from her position. Maria worked diligently, prior to leaving us, in order to get our studio volunteers trained on the Hindenburg system for recording and reviewing books. This software and hardware configuration is consistent with many other talking book libraries around the country, as well as the National Library Service in Washington, D.C. We appreciate the years of service Maria gave to the Talking Book Library and wish her the best!

In the last 6 months, staff has attended training at the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) in Washington, D.C. Vicki Rider and Tony Bucci, two of our reader advisors, attended NLS orientation sessions. These orientation sessions are designed to augment the reader advisors’ knowledge of NLS services for staff who have been on the job for several months. Our recording studio and computer services staff, Maria Pina, Brian Blackwell, and Peggy Zeller attended Hindenburg training to make the final transitions and enhance our implementation planning at the end of 2015. We look forward to continuously improving our knowledge and services in order to provide quality services to all who use the Arizona Talking Book Library.

Final preparations for the annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon are in place for Saturday, April 16 at the Orange Tree Golf Resort. We look forward to celebrating the commitment and contributions of our volunteers. Michele Reagan, Secretary of State, will address the attendees, as will our guest speaker, Tanner Robinson. Tanner grew up in Phoenix and is a former student at the Foundation for Blind Children. He has completed major physical milestones that are awe-inspiring, such as hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim, hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, and swimming across San Francisco Bay from Alcatraz to San Francisco. We look forward to getting together with the volunteers on April 16th!

I have gotten to meet with the Friends of Talking Books (http://azfotb.org) at their bimonthly meetings. The Friends are a great group of people who benefit the Talking Book Library by funding things like the purchase of new drills for machine repair, creation and printing of the Large Print calendars, purchase of items to keep our studio up-to-date, the annual volunteer luncheon, and many more things. We appreciate the great work and commitment of the Friends Board.

I look forward to sharing more milestones and experiences with you in the next issue.

Janet

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INTRODUCING ARIZONA TALKING BOOKS'
NEWEST READER ADVISOR

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ELLEN GREENE

My name is Ellen Greene, and I’m so pleased to be working with our Arizona Talking Book Library patrons as their newest Reader Advisor. For the past eight years, I have been the Arizona History Librarian at the Arizona State Archives, where I got to work with rare materials, some of which were part of the original Territorial Library of our state. Before I became a librarian, I taught junior high and high school English for 13 years. I’m an Arizona native, but I escaped the heat for a few years while my husband was in the Air Force. We were stationed in North Dakota, Kansas, and California before coming back to Arizona after he retired from the service.

My favorite books growing up were the Betsy-Tacy, and Tib books by Maud Hart Lovelace, which I still re-read sometimes for old times’ sake. I have always been an avid reader, and one of the first things I’ve done when settling in a new place is finding (or starting) a book group. I love talking about books and being part of a book group has been a way for me to read books that I wouldn’t necessarily choose myself. My own reading interests run towards mysteries, contemporary fiction, and a smattering of biographical works. When I’m not working or reading, I love taking road trips, gardening, Coyotes hockey, or just hanging out with my husband and our beagles.

At the Arizona Talking Book Library, I am serving our Youth patrons, schools, and individual readers whose last names begin with the letters A through D. I look forward to getting to know you and your reading preferences and sharing some book recommendations.

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CASSETTE PLAYER RETURN

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As of December 31, 2015, the Arizona Talking Book Library discontinued circulating audio books on cassette tapes. Patrons should send back the cassette player, if you are not using it. The cassette player is the older, bigger, yellow player (pictured); NOT the newer, smaller, dark blue cartridge player. Please utilize the box and contents that were used to initially send the player, with instructions to retain this container for return. If you have misplaced these items, you may request an additional box to send back the cassette player. If you have any questions, call and ask for the machine department. 602-255-5578, Toll free in Arizona 1-800-255-5578.

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NLS MUSIC DIVISION

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Did you know that as a Talking Book Library patron you have access to more than 30,000 music scores, instruction materials, and music-appreciation books in braille, large print, and digital audio through the National Library Service?

Sheet music is available in both braille and large print, and biographies and other books about popular and classical musicians are available in large print or digital audio. The collection is also available on BARD, and NLS will transfer books to digital cartridge for any patron upon request. Subjects include music theory and appreciation; interviews and master classes, opera lectures, and history; and biographical sketches of pop, jazz, and classical musicians with examples of their art. Music instruction in playing various instruments includes the guitar, piano, organ, and recorder.

To access the collection, visit http://nlscatalog.loc.gov. To place orders for any of these materials, call NLS directly at 1-800-424-8567.

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IT TAKES TWO

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There has been an increase in the number of digital books returned with the wrong cartridge in the container. Until the two parts can be matched up, they are unable to be sent out to other library patrons. We recommend placing the cartridge back in its container before switching to another book. Please also make sure to put the cartridge back before mailing it, since we sometimes receive empty containers as well. We appreciate your diligence in this matter. Happy reading!

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LIBRARY OFFERS BARD CLASSES TO
GROUPS OR ONE-ON-ONE INSTRUCTION

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

Class Date: June 8, 2016 and June 22, 2016    Time: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm

The Arizona Talking Book Library would like to invite all patrons interested in learning the BARD website or BARD Mobile, to call and sign up for one of the class dates listed above. We also encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about the BARD website or BARD Mobile, who can’t make the classes to call and set up a time to come in and attend a one-on-one session. For Bard Mobile you must bring one of the devices listed below. Our Machine Department staff can also assist to sign up for BARD during the class. Please call 602-255-5578 to reserve your place for the class. Class sizes are limited to 8 patrons per class.

The following devices are compatible with BARD Mobile:

iPad, iPod touch, iPhone, Android devices (version 4.1 and up), and Kindle Fire

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ATTENTION TEACHERS
WITH SCHOOL ACCOUNTS!

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As we approach the end of the 2015-2016 school year, don’t forget to return all Talking Book materials!

According to procedures for school accounts, service to your school will be suspended by the last Wednesday in May (May 25th). All talking books and equipment are to be returned to the library. You can use the original shipping containers to return the materials by mail, postage-free. Simply turn over the mailing card on the outside of each mailing container.

Service will be resumed as soon as we receive your application and certification forms for the new school year. Forms and instructions can be found on our website at http://www.azlibrary.gov/talkingbooks/schools.

Thanks!

And have a great summer!

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BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download)
COMPUTER AT THE
ARIZONA TALKING BOOK LIBRARY
AVAILABLE FOR LIBRARY PATRONS

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The Arizona Talking Book Library has a computer set up in the lobby of the library for patrons to come in and access BARD. The computer also has JAWS screen reader on it for those who need it. The Library is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Your last download must be started no later than 4:00 pm to make sure your download is completed before the library closes. We can help you get started with BARD, or you can use it on your own. Please call the library ahead of time if you want staff assistance.

REQUIREMENTS
 

1. You must be an active patron with the library.
2. You must have an active email address.
3. You must bring your own cartridge or flash drive.
   The Arizona Talking Book Library does not sell cartridges.
4. All cartridges/flash drives will be scanned for viruses before use.

If you have any questions please call and ask for either Michael or Craig 602-255-5578. Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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VOLUNTEER NEWS

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WELCOME ARIZONA TALKING BOOKS'
VOLUNTEER MANAGER

KIM FRENCH

Talking Book Library and the State Library are pleased to announce Kim French as the new Volunteer Coordinator for Library, Archives and Public Records (LAPR). Kim started at Talking Book Library during our transition period. Her lively personality and her energetic spirit is contagious as she enjoys working with the volunteers. Kim makes herself available to the volunteers, listening to the needs of the Library as well as the needs of the volunteers. She truly loves what she does, and finds spending her day to help others an amazing gift. Kim joins us from the Secretary of State’s office where she worked in administration, and elections. She started working in the Capitol Museum as her first position with the state. Kim is passionate about volunteering not only in her personal life but in her professional life as well. Giving back to the community has always been an important priority to her. For over twelve years she has volunteered at a homeless shelter where she helps serve meals to the homeless the first Tuesday of every month.

Kim is a native of Scottsdale, and has lived in Arizona her entire life. She attended Grand Canyon University for both her degrees. Kim has a B.F.A. in Fine Art, and a Master’s Degree in Education. Kim has over fifteen years experience teaching and working with volunteers. Kim also advocated for children with special needs, specializing in the autism spectrum assisting them to be successful in school. Arizona Talking Book is an exciting opportunity to get more people involved in the community in an active supportive environment. If you would like to volunteer for the Library please contact her at [email protected].

One of her favorite quotes is:
 

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”
 

Princess Diana

  

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2016 VOLUNTEER LUNCHEON

Talking Book Library Volunteers are just awesome. The way they give of their time to help others is truly an unselfish act. The volunteers always have a smile on their face and they are happy to contribute to making the lives of others a little more pleasant. The 36th Annual Volunteer Luncheon is quickly approaching and we are a buzz of excitement. Things are being prepared, invitations have been mailed, and the little details are being finalized. The Luncheon is scheduled for Saturday, April 16th at The Orange Tree Golf Resort. We will have an exciting event planned for all of you with our guest speakers Secretary of State Michele Reagan, Election Specialist Tanner Robinson, and the new State Librarian Holly Henley. The Luncheon will also feature an exhibit about the New Deal in Arizona, depicting Arizona during the depression era. The sit-down Luncheon begins at noon. Make sure you arrive early and check-in at the reception desk to receive your volunteer gift. A cash bar will be available. We look forward to seeing you! We truly appreciate all you do, and look forward to honoring you. Be sure to mail in your RSVPs as soon as possible.

  

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
INTERVIEW WITH DORIS WALKER

Doris Walker has been volunteering as a reader for over 15 years. “Obviously, I love what I do at the Talking Book Library and I have no plans to stop.” Doris first began volunteering as a reader/director at Learning Ally, formerly Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, where she heard about volunteer opportunities at the Talking Book Library. For a number of years, Doris volunteered at both places every week.

“I love books and have even written a few. Those remain unrecorded,” she says with a laugh. “But I love to listen to recorded books and have developed a great appreciation for the talent among so many of the great narrators I’ve heard.”

Doris grew up in New Mexico but has spent the majority of her adult life in Arizona. She loves the southwest and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else but Arizona. She feels grateful to have been given the opportunity to record books and magazines for the Talking Book Library, especially since the majority of them have a connection to Arizona. As someone who has theater in her background, recording books is just enough “acting” to keep her coming back week after week.

Doris has teamed up with Orrin Johnson this year to record one of our key projects, Great Decisions, 2016.

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