[nfbwatlk] FW: [wtbbl] New issue of WTBBL's newsletter "Reading Matters"

Tue Oct 1 20:28:45 UTC 2013

From: WTBBL [mailto:wtbbl at list.statelib.wa.gov] 
Sent: Tuesday, October 01, 2013 11:23 AM
To: MICHAEL FREEMAN
Subject: [wtbbl] New issue of WTBBL's newsletter "Reading Matters"

Reading Matters is provided in text, pdf, Web-braille and audio versions on
our website at  <http://www.wtbbl.org/newsletter.aspx>
http://www.wtbbl.org/newsletter.aspx.

READING MATTERS

Third Quarter 2013

David Junius, Editor

Washington Talking Book & Braille Library

2021 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA98121-2783 

8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday

Phone: 206-615-0400 . Statewide toll free: 1-800-542-0866

 <mailto:wtbbl at sos.wa.gov> wtbbl at sos.wa.gov .  <http://www.wtbbl.org>
www.wtbbl.org 

THAT ALL MAY READ...

********

A Message from the Director

Greetings from WTBBL! I hope you have enjoyed your summer and had a chance
to read some good books or magazines. Speaking of magazines, if you are a
magazine subscriber or get Talking Book Topics, you should now be receiving
those on cartridge rather than cassette. This puts us one step closer to our
audio books being exclusively digital. 

Another step is the BARD app for the iPhone and iPad. This app will allow
users to download and read a book directly on their player. Learn more at
<http://www.wtbbl.org> www.wtbbl.org.

We once again held our Summer Reading Program for children and teens. The
themes this year were "Dig into Reading" and "Beneath the Surface."  The
program had many participants receiving materials in English and Spanish.
Read on for more about summer reading and the summer youth services
happenings. 

We are continuing with our quarterly Brown Bag Book Club at WTBBL and have
read books including The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck, Water for Elephants by
Sara Gruen, The Tale of Desperaux by Kate DiCamillo, The Notebook by
Nicholas Sparks, and most recently Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. The book
club meets in person at WTBBL during the lunch hour, but we do offer the
option of phoning in and participating in the meeting virtually. If you are
interested in being part of the WTBBL Brown Bag Book Club by telephone,
please call us at (800) 542-0866 for more information.

Finally, this last budget cycle saw another large cut to your Talking Book &
Braille Library. The decrease in funding resulted in the elimination of our
Adult Services Librarian position. This will result in an impact on
services, including decreased backup for readers advisory, no recommended
reads or adult book lists, and slower collection development work. If you
have concerns please do let me know. 

Wishing you all the best, 

Danielle

********

State Librarian Update by Rand Simmons

Washington State Library: 160 Years Old, with a 360 Degree View of the World

As a division of the Washington State Library, WTBBL's association only
dates back to 2008. However, the Washington State Library has a long history
dating back to the beginnings of the Washington Territory created by the
Organic Act of Congress in 1853.

The Organic Act provided a $5,000 appropriation for newly appointed
Territorial Governor Isaac Stevens to purchase a collection. As former State
Librarian Maryan Reynolds noted, it was a "remarkably well-rounded
collection divided between general knowledge materials and legal resources."
Shipments of the books purchased on the east coast arrived in Olympia from
1853 to 1855. 

Much of that collection remains intact 160 years later at the State Library
and the Washington State Law Library. 

This year a retired library employee, Rich Edwards, uncovered the identity
of the ship that brought the Territorial Library collection from New York to
San Francisco in 1853, the Invincible, with Captain H.W. Johnson. The ship
was a clipper, built for speed, and it made the trip in 110 days. The
Tarquinia brought the 32-case collection of books from San Francisco to
Olympia. 

This is an exciting time for the Library! You can find more about the 160th
anniversary of the Washington Territorial Library at
<http://blogs.sos.wa.gov/library/index.php/category/wsl-160/>
http://blogs.sos.wa.gov/library/index.php/category/wsl-160/.

********

Update From the Secretary of State

.  October 7 is the deadline for voter registration, address change and
other updates. 

. Accessible formats (audio, plain text and Word document) of the Voters'
Pamphlets are available at www.vote.wa.gov/accessible.

.  October 18  is the start of the 18-day voting period (through Election
Day). Ballots are mailed out and Accessible Voting Units (AVUs) are
available at voting centers.

*********

Technology at the Library by Eura Szuwalski

Some of the more popular questions that are asked of WTBBL's readers
advisory staff and librarians are about assistive technology resources that
can help fit a specific need. While WTBBL staff can offer support and
training on using many devices and software programs, there are many
organizations that can evaluate your needs and assist in the purchase of
technology. In some situations, the organization may help determine that you
can use a low-tech or no-tech option!

If you have any questions about this list, please contact the library at
(206) 615-0400 or toll-free (800) 542-0866. 

Washington Organizations

Washington State Department of Services for the Blind

Website:  <http://www.dsb.wa.gov/> www.dsb.wa.gov/

Email: info at dsb.wa.gov, Phone: (800) 552-7103

The Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) has
locations around Washington and works with contractors that often travel to
client homes. Their mission is "inclusion, independence, and economic
vitality for people with visual disabilities." To achieve this mission they
assist with job counseling and teach adaptive skills, which may involve the
use of assistive technology. They serve children who are blind or have low
vision from birth through high school graduation and tailor their services
to address individual needs.

Washington Assistive Technology Act Program 

Website:  <http://www.watap.org> www.watap.org

Email: watap at uw.edu, Phone: (800) 214-8731, TTY: (866) 866-0162

The Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP) has the mission to
promote "assistive technology to enhance independence for every Washington
resident with varying abilities." They offer advice on what device may best
fit your need, device lending, and device demonstrations. Their goal is
helping you participate in your chosen activity, not the technology itself.
They can also connect you with funding options, such as the Washington
Access Fund, and organizations that have recycled equipment, such as the
Evergreen Reuse Coalition and the Evergreen Equipment Exchange.

SightConnection

Website:  <http://www.sightconnection.org> www.sightconnection.org

Email: store at sightconnection.org, Phone: (206) 525-5556 or (800) 458-4888

SightConnection, formerly Community Services for the Blind, features
hundreds of useful products available for purchase to fit your needs. The
SightConnection store offers secure online transactions for a broad
selection of items designed to support the independence and well-being of
people with impaired vision. 

Special Technology Access Resource

Website: www.starofseattle.org 

Email:  <mailto:starofseattle at cablespeed.com> starofseattle at cablespeed.com,

Phone: (206) 325-4284

The Special Technology Access Resource (STAR) Center provides access to
assistive technology in a computer lab setting in Seattle. Their mission is
"to empower people of widely varying abilities and disabilities to build
community using computers, the internet, and assistive technology." They
offer computer classes and guidance for career development and personal
growth.

Alliance of People with disAbilities

Website:  <http://www.disabilitypride.org> www.disabilitypride.org

Phone: (206) 545-7055 - Seattle and (425) 558-0993 - Bellevue 

The Alliance of People with disAbilities operates the iTEC (Independence
Technology and Employment Computer) Lab, which works to find no-, low- or
high-tech options to fit the needs of people with all disabilities. They
often work with other state agencies, such as the Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation, to find a device to fit the employment needs of their
clients. 

National and International Resources 

EnableMart

Website:  <http://www.enablemart.com> www.enablemart.com

Phone: (888) 640-1999

EnableMart is an online retail store that provides a variety of no-, low-
and high-tech adaptive products.

Freedom Scientific

Website:  <http://www.freedomscientific.com> www.freedomscientific.com

Phone: (800) 444-4443

Freedom Scientific provides products for low vision, deaf-blindness and
blindness, including the screen-reader program, Job Access with Speech
(JAWS) and the magnifier, MAGic. They also offer customer service and
tutorials for their products.

MaxiAids.com

Website:  <http://www.maxiaids.com> www.maxiaids.com

Phone: (800) 522-6294

MaxiAids.com is an online commercial company that provides high- and
low-tech devices to promote independence when performing a variety of daily
living activities.

Perkins Products

Website:
<http://support.perkins.org/site/PageServer?pagename=store_homepage>
http://support.perkins.org/site/PageServer?pagename=store_homepage

Email: PerkinsProducts at Perkins.org

Phone: (617) 972-7308

Perkins Products include high- and low-tech devices and they have access to
training and evaluations. Their product line started with their Perkins
Brailler and has since expanded to cover other items from a variety of
vendors. 

********

Changes Coming for Literary Braille by Ed Godfrey

Major changes to the English braille system are on the horizon for the
United States. At their meeting in 2012, the Braille Authority of North
America (BANA) adopted Unified English Braille (UEB) to replace the current
literary code, English Braille American Edition (EBAE). As of early
September 2013, development of the U.S. edition of UEB was still in
progress, with no date set for implementation. Those interested can bookmark
the BANA web page at  <http://www.brailleauthority.org>
www.brailleauthority.org.

The U.S. edition of UEB may include some radical changes in how we
transcribe braille, and would require retraining of transcribers, teachers,
and readers. Most editions of UEB (in other English-speaking countries)
define wholly new symbols for some basic punctuation marks (dash,
parentheses, brackets, ellipsis), print symbols (dollar sign, asterisk), and
font indicators (italics, boldface, etc.). UEB eliminates the short-form
word for "o'clock" as well as eight common contractions (ble, com, dd,
ation, ally, to, into, by). UEB also eliminates certain rules that prohibit
the usage of a contraction based on pronunciation and/or derivation. For
example, a current rule prohibits the usage of a contraction that would
overlap a prefix attached to a base word or root, which the contraction "of"
would do if used in the words profound, profile, profane, profuse, and
professor.

Until the U.S. version of UEB is official, WTBBL will continue to use EBAE
symbols, contractions and usage rules for our locally-produced books and
other materials.

Meanwhile, changes to Braille Formats-BANA's guidelines for braille book
format-became effective on January 1, 2013. These changes affect the formats
of braille title pages and other preliminary pages; headings; footnotes and
endnotes; listed material (including bulleted lists); blocked quotations and
other displayed material; boxed material and sidebars; and much more. WTBBL
has already implemented these new formats for our books.

At WTBBL, the 2013-14 Braille Transcription Class began on September 18. Six
students are enrolled, and we look forward to a great learning experience! 

********

WTBBL Updates

Talking Book Topics Now on Digital Cartridge by Tyler Kaye 

If you receive the audio version of Talking Book Topics, you may be
wondering what happened to the order form. 

Since the digital cartridges are reused, they are sent in a returnable
mailing container and there is no longer room for the booklet. The order
form is now mailed separately in an orange envelope. Because your magazine
cartridge is specially produced based on your subscriptions, the mailing
schedule varies and may come a few weeks before or after the order form.

You may also phone in or email your book requests if you get the cartridge
and would rather not wait until the order form arrives. Have your list handy
and contact a readers advisor at (800) 542-0866 or wtbbl at sos.wa.gov. The
requests will be entered on your account right away and you can discuss any
other changes you may want to make with your service.

If you're currently receiving the large-print edition of Talking Book Topics
and the audio version would be more convenient for you, give us a call and
we can make the change. Also, the text of the catalog is made available
online as soon as it is ready at  <http://www.loc.gov/nls/tbt/>
http://www.loc.gov/nls/tbt/ and the audio version is posted on BARD. Many
years of back issues can be found at both sites as well.

On a related note, if you have received a notice from WTBBL stating that
there are items you have not returned, please send them back, or contact us
with questions.  There are often waiting lists for books and, while we don't
charge overdue fees, WTBBL's patrons should keep sending their books back to
keep the library circulating books people want.  Thank you in advance, and
please call the library at (800) 542-0866 with any questions about what you
have checked out.

********

The next Brown Bag Book Club will be held at WTBBL on Thursday, December 5,
at noon. The book we will be discussing is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
by Barbara Robinson and is available in braille (BR005636 and BR016320),
digital (DB038118) and cassette (RC038118 and CBA01535). 

Everyone agrees that the Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the
world. When they hear about the free refreshments at Sunday school, the
Herdmans not only show up, but also muscle their way into the lead roles of
the annual Christmas pageant.

To attend the meeting by phone, call (800) 920-7487 and enter code number
39258344#. Questions? Call David at (800) 542-0866. 

********

Youth Services Librarian Picks by Mandy Gonnsen

Starting a new school year means a new grade, a new teacher, and maybe even
a new school! Here at WTBBL, we keep making new books all year long so check
out these new and exciting stories! 

More authors and titles are available by contacting Mandy Gonnsen, Youth
Services Librarian at mandy.gonnsen at sos.wa.gov.

DBW 8479 Young Cam Jansen and the 100th Day of School Mystery by David A.
Adler.

Cam Jansen's school is celebrating the 100th day of school with a party. Her
class is having snacks that begin with the letter P. When the pizza
disappears from the kitchen, Cam and her photographic memory "click" to
solve the mystery. An Easy-to-Read book. Kindergarten to grade 2. 2009.

DBW 8502 Never Glue Your Friends to Chairs [#1, Roscoe Riley Rules series]
by Katherine Applegate.

Roscoe's teacher could be in big trouble if her students cannot sit still
for the class performance. Fortunately, Roscoe has a super, mega, gonzo plan
to help her. What could go wrong? Beginning Reader. For grades K to 3. 2008.

DBW 8457 NERDS: Book One by Michael Buckley.

"NERDS" means National Espionage, Rescue and Defense Society. While running
a spy network from their elementary school, five unpopular misfits combine
their talents and use cutting-edge gadgetry to fight evil around the world.
Grades 3 to 6. 2009.

DBW 8387 Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall.

Written in verse. Throughout her high school years, as her mother battles
cancer, Lupita takes on more responsibility for her house and seven younger
siblings, while finding refuge in acting and writing poetry. Includes
glossary of Spanish terms. For junior and senior high and older readers.
2011.

DBW 8314 Zombies vs. Unicorns by Holly Black.

Twelve tales compare the merits-and demerits-of zombies and unicorns. In Meg
Cabot's "Princess Prettypants," seventeen-year-old Liz receives an unusual
gift on her birthday. Includes works by Libba Bray, Garth Nix, Carrie Ryan,
and others. Some violence and some strong language. For senior high and
older readers. 2010.

*************

Youth Services Librarian Updates 

In August, the WTBBL Summer Reading Program wrapped up for 2013! 

We had 49 kids and teens join us on a summer adventure to dig into reading
and go beneath the surface. We explored caves, rocks, gardening, fossils,
dinosaurs, ancient civilizations, beneath the water, beaches, delicious
food, and much more! We set reading goals to read either 10 books or 1,000
minutes this summer and most participants report reaching his or her goal.
All participants received a personalized digital audio cartridge to keep and
a handy book bag! 

Next summer, our themes will be "Fizz, Boom, Read!" and "Spark a Reaction!"
with registration opening in Spring 2014.

If you were unable to participate in the program, check out the summer
reading booklists for reading suggestions, available on the WTBBL Youth
Services webpage at http://www.wtbbl.org/Youth. For more information about
this program, or if you would like additional reading suggestions, please
contact Mandy Gonnsen at (206) 615-1253 or mandy.gonnsen at sos.wa.gov.

We're also hosting WTBBL Storytimes this fall. Storytimes are designed for
kids ages 3 to 6 with visual impairments. These half-hour storytimes feature
a theme with select stories and songs, along with touch, sound, music,
smell, movement and activities to engage young children in reading! 

Open to WTBBL patrons and families, and WTBBL community friends, this
program will be offered at the following dates and times:

.        Tuesday, October 15 at 11 a.m.

.        Tuesday, November 19 at 11 a.m.

.        Tuesday, December 10 at 11 a.m.

For our middle and high school students, check out Teen Read Week! Teen Read
Week is October 13 to 19 and is a celebration of the best teen books of
2013. You can vote for your favorite books online at
http://www.dogobooks.com/book_clubs/teens-top-reads.The event is sponsored
by the Young Adult Library Services Association. 

WTBBL will be hosting an online book club during that week to talk about
series and popular titles with other teens, and share new books available
from WTBBL! 

If interested, please contact Mandy Gonnsen at (206) 615-1253 or
mandy.gonnsen at sos.wa.gov. More information will be available on the WTBBL
Youth Services webpage.

*********

Volunteer Spotlight on Jim Weston

"Hello." If you were to hear me say this word you may recognize me as the
host of two weekly programs on the Evergreen Radio Reading Service (ERRS):
Monday's reading of the Seattle Times at noon and 6 p.m. and "Eastern
Bargains" on Thursday at 5 p.m. and Friday at 2 p.m.

I've been a volunteer at WTBBL since 2003, first as an audio proofreader of
recorded books, then as the host of various radio programs.

I'm a native Northwesterner originally from Portland. After graduating high
school, I entered a Catholic religious community to become a teaching
Brother. Since education was the primary mission of the order, I've earned
three degrees: a bachelor of arts from Notre Dame, a master of arts in
Spanish from the University of Southern California, and a master of pastoral
ministry from Seattle University. 

I remained in the religious community for 37 years, leaving in 1992. During
that time I taught Spanish, first at the high school level and then as an
assistant professor at Saint Edward's University in Austin, Texas.

I've had a number of outside interests - singing being the most consistent.
I sang as a boy soprano at our local parish and then as a student Brother at
Notre Dame. I've continued this interest and have appeared several times at
Tula's Jazz Club in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood. Needless to say, it's a
lot of fun.

It's funny in life how circumstances come together to bring one the interest
to take action and volunteer for a cause. In my case I knew two people who
read for the blind, mostly textbooks for various students. Almost
inconceivably these two persons later developed macular degeneration and
availed themselves of the same kind of gift of time and talent they so
generously shared with others. These friends were very special to me and are
the reason for my wanting to volunteer with ERRS. 

Like the saying goes, "in giving one receives." ERRS is a gift to me and I
hope that everyone avails themselves of the opportunity to listen to the
wonderful programs. "See you on the radio" at  <http://www.wtbbl.org/ERRS>
www.wtbbl.org/ERRS!

********

Meet Laura Mott

My name is Laura Mott and I have been working behind the scenes on the WTBBL
fundraising team for the last five years. Carleen Jackson, development
director and dear friend, has recently retired and I have stepped into her
role. (Big shoes to fill!) 

In the last five years I have developed an enormous respect for WTBBL, both
its employees and patrons and am proud to be a part of this wonderful
organization. I've come to know many of you over the years and am excited
about getting to know more of you in the future. A heartfelt thank you goes
out to all our WTBBL supporters. You are appreciated!

As we get ready for the kick-off for our fall Annual Campaign I wanted to
remind you of the many ways you can help support WTBBL. As patrons and
friends of WTBBL you are the best ambassadors we have! If you know someone
that you think could benefit from WTBBL - spread the word! We love to hear
from new folks who would like to learn more about our services. 

You can also help support WTBBL by giving a gift, either a one-time donation
or by setting up a recurring gift. You may also consider including WTBBL in
your will. With your support through annual gifts and bequests we are able
expand our services to our patrons, and work harder at reaching every corner
of our wonderful state. 

Thank you for your gifts past, present and future! We hope you'll consider
taking part in our Annual Campaign this year. If you would like more
information on the different ways to support WTBBL, please contact me at
(360) 902-4171 or laura.mott at sos.wa.gov.

********

The next WTBBL Patron Survey will be available in the next issue of Reading
Matters. The center section of the newsletter will be a brief set of
questions that can be detached and used as a post-paid self-mailer to send
back to WTBBL. If you have questions about the WTBBL Patron Survey, please
contact David at (800) 542-0866 or david.junius at sos.wa.gov.

-------------------- 
Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (wtbbl)
An email list bringing you the latest information from the Washington
Talking Book & Braille Library, including newletter, booklists and items of
importance. 
--- 
You are currently subscribed to wtbbl as: k7uij at panix.com. 
To unsubscribe from this list:
email to: wtbbl-request at list.statelib.wa.gov
<mailto:wtbbl-request at list.statelib.wa.gov?subject=unsubscribe> 
subject: unsubscribe