[NFBC-Info] Fwd: Just a reminder about tonight‘s call! NFB San Francisco Community Call: Accessible Library Services with Mike Marlin

[Laura Millar]

Hello everyone,


You are invited to join the NFB San Francisco Chapter Community Call, open
to everyone.

------------------------------

NFB San Francisco Chapter Community Call


Open to Everyone: You do not have to be a chapter member to join us on this
call!


When: Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Pacific Time)


Special Guest: Mike Marlin, Director, California Braille and Talking Book
Library

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About This Event


The NFB San Francisco Chapter Outreach & Education Committee is excited to
welcome Mike Marlin from the Northern California Regional Library for the
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) network for
an informative community conversation about accessible library services and
the current landscape facing libraries serving blind, low vision, and
otherwise print-disabled communities.

------------------------------

What We’ll Explore


Understanding NLS Services


Mike will provide an overview of the comprehensive, completely free
services offered by NLS within California, including:


   -

   Audiobooks and Braille Materials: Access to hundreds of thousands of
   titles in audio and braille formats, including bestsellers, biographies,
   romances, science fiction, and more
   -

   BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download): The online and mobile app
   service that allows instant downloads of books and magazines anytime,
   anywhere
   -

   Free Equipment: Digital talking book machines and refreshable braille
   displays provided at no cost, with accessible features like large buttons
   and compatibility with screen readers
   -

   Music Collection: Braille and large-print musical scores, recorded
   instruction, and materials about music and musicians
   -

   Magazine Services: Access to popular magazines in audio and braille
   formats
   -

   Postage-Free mail Delivery: All materials and equipment circulated
   through the Free Matter for the Blind program


Eligibility and Access


Learn about who qualifies for NLSservices, including individuals who:


   -

   Are blind or have low vision (20/200 or less in the better eye with
   correction)
   -

   Have a physical disability that prevents holding or handling print
   materials
   -

   Have a reading disability resulting from organic dysfunction
   (certification required)
   -

   Are of any age – services available for children through seniors


Current Issues and Challenges


Mike will discuss important topics affecting accessible library services,
including:


   -

   Federal Funding Concerns: The current landscape of library funding and
   potential threats to continued service
   -

   Technology Transitions: The ongoing evolution from physical media to
   digital formats and what this means for patrons
   -

   Postal Service Partnerships: How NLS works with USPS to maintain
   efficient Free Matter delivery, including recent innovations with
   Intelligent Mail barcodes
   -

   Access and Awareness: Barriers to service enrollment and efforts to
   reach eligible individuals who may not know about NLS

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Program Format


7:00 – 7:40 PM | Presentation by Mike Marlin

7:40 – 8:00 PM | Q&A Session – Your chance to ask questions!

8:00 PM onward | Social time. The call stays open for informal
conversation, community connections, and networking

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Join Us


Hosted by: National Federation of the Blind San Francisco Chapter


Open to: All blind and low vision individuals throughout California –
wherever you are in the state, you are welcome


Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6535619678?pwd=g2r7hfzZq8UC4czxbEKdlnqtf0c7yw.1&omn=84192401716


No RSVP needed – just show up and join the conversation.


We hope you can join us.


Warmly,

National Federation of the Blind

San Francisco Chapter— Outreach, & Education Committee