[Nfbk] Fwd: Kentucky Talking Book Library News, Summer 2014

[Joey Couch]

KENTUCKY TALKING BOOK LIBRARY NEWS, SUMMER 2014

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Madeline Abramson Records a Talking Book

[Title: Madeline Abramson - Description: Madeline Abramson narrating a
book at the Kentucky Talking Book Library.]Madeline Abramson, wife of
Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson, recently volunteered her time and
voice to record a children's book for KTBL.  Mrs. Abramson recorded A
Pocketful of Cricket by Kentucky author Rebecca Caudill, a Caldecott
Honor Book from 1964.

"Reading is one of life's most treasured and simplest pleasures," Mrs.
Abramson said. "That's why I'm so happy to support the Talking Book
Library and open the world of books to people who might not otherwise
have a chance to experience these stories."

KTBL Branch Manager Barbara Penegor praised her contribution: "We
really appreciate Mrs. Abramson taking the time to help us provide a
classic children's book that otherwise would not be accessible to our
readers. She has been active in the arts, education, and children's
issues, and we felt she would enjoy this experience in addition to
helping a good cause."

People in the Frankfort area who are interested in volunteering may
contact KTBL at 1-800-372-2968 for more information. Volunteers start
by training to review and edit raw recordings, then monitor recording
sessions, and then may audition to narrate.

KTBL Budget Update

The staff of the Kentucky Talking Book Library would like to offer
sincere thanks for our patrons' overwhelming response to our request
for support.  In May, KTBL sent patrons a brief newsletter informing
them of a threat to funding for our program.   At the time, the
proposed budget eliminated federal funding for the Institute of Museum
and Library Services, which provides grants to many libraries across
the country.  This grant provides most of the funding to operate the
Kentucky Talking Book Library, and it is doubtful the program could
continue without it.

While a complete budget for the 2015 federal fiscal year will not be
passed until October 1, Kentucky's representatives and senators report
that full LSTA funding has been restored to a new budget proposal.
This may not have been possible without your action.   We heard from
many of you across the state who called, wrote letters, e-mailed, or
used social media to alert our Congressional representatives of the
urgent need for federal funding for Talking Books and Braille in
Kentucky.   In these times of austerity, this may not be the last time
we will face this kind of challenge-your continued support and
advocacy will remain vital.

In addition to federal and state funding, the Kentucky Talking Book
Library relies on donations from its supporters for a variety of
purposes, such as duplicating digital books, replacing specialty
equipment, and performing outreach.  Please consider making a
tax-deductible contribution to our library; no amount is too small.
You might even consider us in your estate planning.  Checks or
money-orders can be mailed to: Kentucky Talking Book Library, PO Box
537, Frankfort, KY 40602.  You will receive a thank-you letter you can
use as a tax receipt.

Recording Program Volunteer Wins Award

Joyce Honaker recently received the Exceptional Service Award from the
Franklin County chapter of the American Red Cross in honor of her work
with the KTBL recording program.  Joyce has volunteered as a narrator
since the recording program's inception in 1978, and she has completed
63 recordings in a variety of genres.  In 2013, we asked her to take a
hiatus from narrating to help with a backlog of recordings that needed
to be proofread-a new task that involved learning to use a special
editing program and taking meticulous notes on elements to re-record
for corrections.  Her work contributed to cutting our backlog by two
thirds in the past year.  We can count on Joyce's outstanding
dedication to make Kentucky-related books available to our patrons.
Congrats on her much deserved award!

BARD Mobile Tip - Background Playback

Patrons who use the BARD Mobile app to download books on the iPhone,
iPad, or iPod touch can customize audio settings to make the app
easier to use.  To change the default settings on the app: open BARD
Mobile, select the settings tab, then select 'Audio settings'.  We'd
like to highlight one particular audio setting you might not know
about-Background Playback.

Background Playback allows you to listen to books while using other
apps or after your device goes into sleep mode (meaning the screen is
darkened, but you can still hear audio).  This is an excellent way to
save battery life.  To use this feature, go to Audio settings and
change the toggle switch for Background Playback to 'On'.  If you have
questions about any BARD Mobile feature, please contact KTBL or refer
to the BARD Mobile user guide-the link is on the bookshelf tab under
'Help'.

Coming Soon-US Currency Readers

As many of you well know, it is difficult-if not impossible-to tell
the denomination of paper money when you cannot see it.  A $1 bill
feels the same as a $100 bill.  The US Bureau of Engraving and
Printing (BEP) is planning a currency redesign that will add a tactile
feature and high contrast numerals so blind and visually impaired
individuals can more easily read currency denominations.  Until this
new currency becomes a reality, the Bureau will provide a free
currency reader to blind and visually impaired U.S. citizens.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing will begin distributing the free
iBill(r) Talking Banknote Identifier in a joint pilot program with the
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
(NLS).  The iBill(r) is a small electronic device that will easily fit
in your pocket, purse, or on a keychain.  Registered Talking Book
users may pre-order an iBill(r) reader by calling KTBL at
1-800-372-2968.  KTBL will forward your request to the BEP.  These
currency readers will not be available to others until January 1,
2015.

In the meantime, there are existing smartphone apps that can identify
currency denominations.  The EyeNote(r) is a free app from the Apple
app store for iOS devices.  The Ideal(r) Currency Identifier is a
similar free app for Android devices available from Google Play.  For
more information on currency readers, visit the BEP website at
http://www.moneyfactory.gov/uscurrencyreaderpgm.html.

Kentucky Books 2014

These books were produced by KTBL staff and volunteers during the past
year.  To order, call KTBL at 1-800-372-2968 or (502) 564-8300 ext
276; e-mail ktbl.mail at ky.gov<mailto:ktbl.mail at ky.gov>; or mail a list
to PO Box 537, Frankfort, KY 40602.

NON-FICTION

DKY 2954  Something's Rising: Appalachians Fighting Mountaintop
Removal  by Silas House and Jason Howard; narrated by John David
Semones - Oral histories from people negatively affected by this form
of coal mining, including folk singer Jean Ritchie & country music
star Kathy Mattea. 2009. 10 hrs, 1 min.

DKY 3015  Big Bone Lick: The Cradle of American Paleontology  by
Stanley Hedeen; narrated by Bill Van Arsdall - Natural historian
describes Big Bone Lick from its geological formation forward,
explaining the site's attraction to animals, tribespeople, explorers,
scientists, and even presidents.  2008.  4 hrs, 18 min.

DKY 3048  Wicked Newport: Kentucky's Sin City by Dr. Thomas Barker,
Dr. Gary W. Potter, & Jenna Meglen; narrated by John David Semones -
Controlled by the mob and fueled by government corruption, Newport
became a notorious center of gambling and prostitution throughout the
19th and 20th centuries-before Las Vegas.  2008.  4 hrs, 25 min.

DKY 3062  Josie Underwood's Civil War Diary edited by Nancy Disher
Baird;    narrated by Lynda Sherrard - Underwood, an outspoken member
of a prominent Bowling Green family, was 21 when the Civil War began.
Her diary depicts the Union and Confederate tensions in her
strategically critical city, a place of political unrest and military
action.  2009.  7 hrs, 55 min.

DKY 3096  Ghosts of the Bluegrass by James McCormick & Macy Wyatt;
narrated by Norma Rash - 100+ stories of haunted places, poltergeists,
or death omens from locales across Kentucky.  Includes a family's
firsthand account of being haunted in their Breckinridge County home
for 3 decades in the 19th century.  Foreward by William Lynwood
Montell.  2009.  5 hrs, 47 min.

DKY 3098  The Great Louisville Tornado of 1890 by Keven McQueen;
narrated by John Schaaf - On March 27, 1890, a devastating storm
system spawned dozens of tornadoes in the Ohio River Valley, killing
over 100 people and destroying nearly 800 buildings in Louisville
alone.  2010.  4 hrs, 8 min.

DKY 3103  Kentucky Folktales: Revealing Stories, Truths, and Outright
Lies by Mary Hamilton; narrated by the author - Award-winning
collection of 26 folktales, legends, tall tales, and ghost stories.
Each story includes commentary on its origin and the storytelling
process.  2012.  9 hrs, 22 min.

DKY 3107  Nick and Viola: A Kentucky Family Tragedy in the Tobacco
Wars (1904-1911) by Laura Muntz Derr; narrated by Norma Rash - In
1904, the American Tobacco Company monopolized the tobacco market and
groups began to pool tobacco to drive up the price.  Farmers who
refused were harassed by the "Night Riders" and other vigilantes.
2013.  3 hrs, 59 min.

DKY 3125  Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus
by Kyle Idleman; narrated by Sally Smotherman - Teaching pastor at
Southeast Christian Church in Louisville challenges readers to
consider what it really means to call yourself a Christian.  2011.  7
hr, 49 min.

DKY 3145  Two Centuries of Black Louisville: A Photographic History by
Mervin Aubespin, Kenneth Clay, & J. Blaine Hudson; narrated by Keith
Knox -
History spanning from 1581, when the Spanish brought the first African
slaves to North America, to Louisville's founding in 1778, to the
present.  Discusses slavery and segregation, as well as community,
cultural, and political history.  2011.  14 hrs, 28 min.

DKY 3149  Blood Feud: The Hatfields and the McCoys: The Epic Story of
Murder and Vengeance by Lisa Alther; narrated by Norma Rash -
Describes events from the famed Hatfield-McCoy feud beginning in 1865
and considers the feud's lasting impact on the popular imagination.
Bestseller.  2012.  8 hrs, 6 min.

DKY 3153  The Cornbread Mafia: A Homegrown Syndicate's Code of Silence
and the Biggest Marijuana Bust in American History; by James Higdon;
narrated by Lynda Sherrard - The clash between federal and local law
enforcement in Marion County continues from Prohibition to 1989 with
the confiscation of 200 tons of marijuana.  Strong language.  2012.
15 hrs, 8 min.

DKY 3176 Madam Belle Brezing by Buddy Thompson; narrated by Barbara
Smith - Biography of the infamous madam of a Lexington brothel during
the late 1800s and early 1900s.  Brezing is supposedly the prototype
for Belle Watling in "Gone with the Wind", and her obituary appeared
in Time.  1983.  5 hrs, 43 min.

FICTION

DKY 2936  Kentucky Waltz: Collected Short Fiction by Garry Barker;
narrated by Steve Taylor - Collection of 18 award-winning and
well-loved stories set in Appalachian Kentucky.  "Thanksgiving
Visitor" is the semi-autobiographical tale of the author's birth in
1943.  2007.  6 hrs, 14 min.

DKY 3021  The Blistered Cat: A Novel by Chuck Bianchi; narrated by Ed
Powe - Chuck Moretti spends the summer of '74 working in his father's
funeral home in a small, eastern Kentucky mining town.  His
adventure-filled summer involves both youthful mischief and the
tragedy of death.  2006.  9 hrs, 46 min.

DKY 3022  Girls Most Likely by Sheila Williams; narrated by Barbara
Smith - A humorous look at the lives of Vaughn, Reenie, Susan, and
Audrey-African-American women who have maintained friendship since 5th
grade, despite having very different personalities and dreams.  2006.
9 hrs, 23 min.

DKY 3043  The Tryst by Grace Livingston Hill; narrated Priscilla
Barnes - Overhearing an alarming conversation, Patricia flees her
family home to become a wealthy woman's companion in New York City.
She encounters a childhood friend and must decide to trust him with
her true identity. 1921.  9 hrs, 56 min.

DKY 3057  Loving Liza Jane: Little Hickman Creek, Book 1 by Sharlene
MacLaren; narrated by Wanda Rodgers - 1895.  Liza Jane comes to Little
Hickman Creek to teach.  Widower Benjamin, desperate for help raising
his two daughters, considers a mail-order bride-overlooking Liza Jane,
the prospective bride God has already sent his way.  Some violence.
2007.  10 hrs, 14 min.

DKY 3060  The Sisters by Nancy Jensen; narrated by Norma Rash - In
1927 sisters Mabel and Bertie Fisher live with their abusive
step-father in Juniper, KY.  A drastic miscommunication severs the
sisters' relationship and affects their family to the present day.
Some descriptions of sex.  2012.  11 hrs, 33 min.

DKY 3080  Flowering of the Cumberland by Harriette Simpson Arnow;
narrated by Barbara Smith - A novel illustrating the social aspects of
pioneer life in the Cumberland Plateau region from 1780-1803, as
settlers developed this fertile land between the Cumberland and
Tennessee rivers.  1963.  16 hrs, 29 min.
DKY 3085  Upheaval: Stories by Chris Holbrook; narrated by Alan Adelberg -
Collection of 8 interrelated stories examining the hardships of the
working poor in an unsentimental portrait of modern-day Appalachia.
2009.  5 hrs, 34 min.

DKY 3088  Sarah, My Beloved: Little Hickman Creek, Book 2 by Sharlene
MacLaren; narrated by Wanda Rodgers - 1896.  Mail-order bride Sarah
travels from Boston to Little Hickman Creek but finds her prospective
husband has already fallen in love-why did God lead her here?  2007.
10 hrs, 31 min.

DKY 3089  Courting Emma: Little Hickman Creek, Book 3 by Sharlene
MacLaren; narrated by Wanda Rodgers - 1896.  Emma Browning needs a
tough exterior to deal with rough-edged characters in her
boardinghouse--except for pastor Jonathan Atkins, who helps her
overcome the past.  2008.  11 hrs, 34 min.

DKY 3090  An Atomic Romance by Bobbie Ann Mason; narrated by Joyce
Honaker - Reed Futrell, engineer at a uranium-enrichment plant, has a
cerebral romance with biologist Julia, but they react very differently
when he is potentially contaminated at work.  Some descriptions of
sex.  2005.  8 hrs, 3 min.

DKY 3091  Midnight Magic by Bobbie Ann Mason; narrated by Joyce
Honaker - Drawn from previously published collections, these 17
stories center on characters living in small Kentucky towns in the
1970s and 1980s.  Selected and introduced by the author.  1998.  9
hrs, 16 min.  Also available as BR 12263.

DKY 3097  Calling Home by Janna McMahan; narrated by Barbara Smith
-Virginia's husband runs off with a beautician, leaving her to raise
two teens.  She must prevent wild daughter Shannon from repeating her
own mistakes. Some strong language and some explicit descriptions of
sex.  2008.  8 hrs, 38 min.

DKY 3111  A Deadly Game by Virginia Smith; narrated by Lynda Sherrard -
Susanna Trent discovers her boss's dead body, then receives a strange
package from him filled with tokens and clues.  Wealthy executive Jack
Townsend can help, but Susanna struggles to trust him.  2011.  5 hrs,
50 min.

DKY 3117  Sweeping Up Glass by Carolyn Wall; narrated by Barbara Smith -
Olivia Harker Cross works hard to protect her home and family in
fictional Pope County, KY, during the Depression.  She confronts her
mother's mental illness and wolf hunters on Big Foley Mountain.  Some
strong language, some explicit descriptions of sex, and violence.
Contains racial slurs.  2009.  7 hrs, 38 min.

DKY 3127  The Self-Improvement Book Club Murder by Todd Wright;
narrated by Barbara Smith - With her dying breath, a socialite
implicates the members of a book club in her murder.  Detectives
Bookman and Berg suspect the club's selections contain clues to solve
the case.  2010.  4 hrs, 28 min.

DKY 3128  Murder at the High School Reunion: A Lt. Dekker-Sgt. Murdock
Mystery, Book 5 by Steve Demaree; narrated by Richard Crane - Two
people turn up missing after a local high school reunion.  Did they
run off together, or were they murdered?  Dekker and Murdock
investigate.  2011. 8 hrs, 36 min.

DKY 3144  The Silver Thread: Chronicles of the Golden Frontier, Book 4
by Gilbert Morris and J. Landon Ferguson; narrated by Jean Anne Webb -
Grant Despain hunts through Colorado boomtowns for his sister Abby,
who goes missing while searching for her rogue beau, Billy Rogers.
2000.  9 hrs, 42 min.

DKY 3150  The Countertenor Wore Garlic: A Liturgical Mystery, Book 9
by Mark Schweizer; narrated by Bill Van Arsdall - St. Germaine
celebrates Halloween with a carnival--complete with zombies, vampires
and a real dead body for police chief Hayden Konig to investigate.
2011. 6 hrs, 10 min.

DKY 3155  Death By Bridle: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery by Abigail Keam;
narrated by Janet Kinstle - Josiah investigates the murder of horseman
Arthur Aaron Greene III with a young boy as the only witness.  She
uncovers decades-old lies of her friend, Lady Elsmere. Some strong
language.  2012.  6 hrs, 7 min.

DKY 3160  The Queen of Kentucky by Alecia Whitaker; narrated by Norma
Rash - 14-year-old farm-girl Ricki Jo Winstead reinvents herself  as
"Ericka" to become popular in high school.  But when her best friend,
Luke, experiences a serious incident, she learns the importance of
friendship.  2012.  8 hrs, 43 min.

DKY 3161  The Christmas Cantata: A St. Germaine Christmas
Entertainment by Mark Schweizer; narrated by Bill Van Arsdall - The
lead-up to Christmas is usually a time of goodwill, but the town
residents are feeling crabby until a long-lost cantata spurs a special
Christmas Eve performance.  2011.  3 hrs, 24 min.

DKY 3164  Kinfolks: The Wilgus Stories by Gurney Norman; narrated by
Marvin Weinberger - A series of ten short stories portraying young
Wilgus Collier's growth to early manhood in Eastern Kentucky after
WWII.  Strong language.  Contains racial slurs. 1977.  2 hours, 54
minutes.

DKY 3174  Hunter's Horn by Harriette Simpson Arnow; narrated by Mary
Vaughn - Nunn Ballew's life is consumed by hunting "King Devil," a
wily fox that torments his Eastern Kentucky valley.  While his family
suffers due to his obsession, the entire community must also contend
with encroaching changes in 1930s Appalachia.  Some strong language.
1949.  25 hours, 53 minutes.

DKY 3186  River of Earth by James Still; narrated by Marvin Weinberger
- Seen through the eyes of a young boy, this seminal novel chronicles
his family's struggle to make a living after the local mine closes.
First published in 1940.  Foreword by Dean Cadle.  1978.  6 hrs, 21
min.

DKY 3189  The Trail of the Lonesome Pine by John Fox, Jr.; narrated by
Marvin Weinberger - Originally published in 1908, this classic romance
stars a mountain heroine and a northern engineer pulled apart by
feuding and economic upheaval near Big Stone Gap.  Some violence.
1984.  11 hrs, 42 min.

Upcoming KTBL/State Government Holidays

September 1 - Labor Day
November 11 - Veterans Day
November 27-28 - Thanksgiving
December 25-26 - Christmas
January 1-2 - New Year's

KTBL Contact Information

Kentucky Talking Book Library
PO Box 537
300 Coffee Tree Rd.
Frankfort, KY 40602-0537

Hours:  Monday-Friday 8:00-4:30 ET

1-800-372-2968 (toll-free)
1-502-564-8300 ext 276 (local)

Twitter: @kytbl<https://twitter.com/KyTBL>
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KDLA.KTBL

Librarians:
Patrons A-C - Barbara Penegor,
barbara.penegor at ky.gov<mailto:barbara.penegor at ky.gov>
Patrons D-I - Lauren Abner, lauren.abner at ky.gov<mailto:lauren.abner at ky.gov>
Patrons J-Q - Janet Chisman, janet.chisman at ky.gov<mailto:janet.chisman at ky.gov>
Patrons R-Z - ktbl.mail at ky.gov<mailto:ktbl.mail at ky.gov>

This newsletter is available in large-print, Braille, audio, and e-mail formats.




-- 
Joey Couch
phone 606-216-8033.
email ki4vjd at gmail.com
twitter @ki4vjd
facebook ki4vjd