[NFBSF] NFBSF Digest, Vol 225, Issue 12

Wed Jan 21 18:39:28 UTC 2026

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> Today's Topics:
>
>    1. Just a reminder about tonight‘s call! NFB San Francisco
>       Community Call: Accessible Library Services with Mike Marlin
>       (Laura Millar)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2026 11:49:34 -0800
> From: Laura Millar <laura at lauramillar.com>
> To: "NFB of San Francisco, California List" <nfbsf at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [NFBSF] Just a reminder about tonight‘s call! NFB San
>         Francisco Community Call: Accessible Library Services with Mike
> Marlin
> Message-ID:
>         <CAAToiL3+seqkQf4cXhwpa8yFfRTB=
> nDjMnC86ckex5Q-wVNbqg at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>
> 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
>
> ------------------------------
>
> 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
>
> ------------------------------
>
> 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
>
> ------------------------------
>
> 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
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Subject: Digest Footer
>
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>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of NFBSF Digest, Vol 225, Issue 12
> **************************************
>