Look Again. Oakland Talking Book RHPL. News from OTBS. Welcome to RHPL. Contact Us. Winter

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1 News from OTBS Christine Lind Hage, RHPL Director, Meagan Daniels and Michelle Wisniewski, OTBS Staff at dedication ceremony. Winter Oakland Talking Book RHPL Welcome to RHPL Welcome to the Oakland Talking Book Service at the Rochester Hills Public Library or as we call it OTBS@RHPL. Actually for most of you I should be saying thank you for allowing us to join your community. No matter which way you look at it, we are thrilled to be serving you. Records indicate that library service for people with visual impairment began in the late nineteenth century. As early as 1868, the Boston Public Library established a department for the blind after receiving eight embossed volumes. The Detroit Public Library placed 110 volumes on the shelves in The concept of a national library for the blind was developed in 1897 by John Russell Young, the Librarian of Congress, when he established a reading room for the blind with about 500 books and music items in raised characters. The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) at the Library of Congress, administers the free program that loans recorded and Braille books and magazines, music scores in Braille and large print, and specially designed playback equipment to residents of the United States who are unable to read or use standard print materials because of visual or physical impairment. The Pratt-Smoot Act, became law on March 3, The Act provided service on a national scale through an appropriation expended under the direction of the Librarian of Congress. The Librarian of Congress was authorized to arrange with other libraries to serve as local or regional centers for the circulation of such books, under such conditions and regulations as he may prescribe. Two regional libraries were established in Michigan, one to serve Wayne continued on page 2 Look Again 500 Olde Towne Road, Rochester, MI Contact Us Call or Toll Free outreach@rhpl.org Visit us at:

2 County; the other to serve the rest of Michigan. It was housed in Saginaw under the Bureau of Social Services. Two important developments occurred in 1933: the establishment of a uniform system of Braille (Standard English Braille) for all English-speaking countries and the development of the talking book. The second development is described as the recording on a disc of the voice of a good reader, and its reproduction at will through the instrumentality of a reproducing machine or phonograph. In 1974, the Oakland County Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped housed in the Farmington Hills Public Library opened serving residents of Oakland County. In 1994, service moved from Farmington Hills to Pontiac. In 1999 the Oakland County Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped changed its name to the Library for the Visually and Physically Impaired. The service moved again on October 1, 2012, when the Rochester Hills Public Library assumed responsibility for Oakland County services for the blind and physically handicapped with the opening of the Oakland Talking Book RHPL. And so the service enters a new phase. The staff of the Rochester Hills Public Library look forward to serving you and enhancing your reading and learning experience. We have over thirty thousand digital books available for you. For those of you who enjoy large print books we have a collection of over 10,000 titles for you to borrow. We are committed to getting the right book in the right format for you. We recognize that library service is more than just reading materials. You and a guest are welcome to attend any and all library programs. We have several Sunday afternoon concerts that I am sure you will enjoy that feature live performances of all kinds of music. We have a robust assortment of lectures that may interest you including book discussions. We have almost one hundred low vision aids that will help you improve your reading and daily living experience. We look forward to meeting you, whether it is when you visit the library, attend a program, or on the phone. Although we have eight or nine librarians that will be able to help you over the phone, we have two staff members that will be doing nothing but working in the OTBS@RHPL. Librarian Michelle Wisniewski will lead the service and adaptive technology trainer Meagan Daniels will be available to help you learn or use technology tools that can improve your daily living. We promise to do our very best to provide you the service you need and deserve. We are proud to be OTBS@RHPL. Welcome, welcome, welcome! Check These Out! Helpful services and resources suggested by OTBS customers. We would love to hear from you if you have something to recommend to future readers. Please send your suggestion to michelle.wisniewski@rhpl.org or call

3 Getting to Know Us Jennifer Smith OTBS Page Jennifer Smith is a key member of the OTBS staff. On a daily basis, she prints mail cards and matches them to their talking books, checks out the talking books, checks in new talking books and any returned talking books, and shelves. She graduated magna cum laude from Oakland University with a bachelor s degree in English. Her interests include reading on a wide variety of subjects, creative writing, cross-stitching and crocheting. Meagan Daniels Adaptive Technology Trainer Meagan earned her Bachelor s Degree in Communication from Eastern Michigan University. After graduating, she worked as an intern for the Braille and Talking Book Library in Lansing where she discovered her passion for helping people operate and learn how to use assistive technology. Meagan will work with OTBS customers interested in learning how to use and fix common problems with their digital players or wanting to know more about downloading books from BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download. Michelle Wisniewski OTBS Librarian Michelle has worked at the Rochester Hills Public Library for over 20 years in various capacities; most recently, as the Manager of Outreach & Bookmobile Services. She is delighted with her new role as the OTBS Librarian and looks forward to meeting and speaking with all of you. Michelle earned her Bachelor s Degree in Social Work from Michigan State University and Master s Degree in Information and Library Science from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Follow OTBS on Facebook We d love to have you and your family join the OTBS community on Facebook at otbs.rhpl.org. Our hope is to make this page a gathering place where helpful ideas and suggestions can be shared with the Oakland Talking Book Service Community. If you have any questions about the OTBS Facebook page, please call Michelle at or Meagan at Hope to hear from you very soon.

4 Dryer Adaptive Technology Lab Edward Dryer and his wife, Ellen, were lifelong residents of Metro Detroit. When Edward Dryer suddenly lost his sight, his wife helped him follow the stock market by reading The Wall Street Journal and other publications. This enterprising spirit helped Edward Dryer create his own opportunities to make a living through investing. The Dryer Charitable Foundation was established through their estate plan to help those with limited sight and to fund research for the prevention of blindness. This charitable foundation provided funding to establish the Dryer Adaptive Technology Computer Lab. The Computer Lab is open during regular operating hours at the Rochester Hills Public Library. The Dryer Computer Lab includes the following technology and devices: Bose QuietComfort 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones: Available for use at the Dryer Lab computer stations. Braille Services: Braille Embosser: Similar to a printer, the embosser produces Braille on paper. Duxbury Braille Translation Software: Translates standard print into Braille. Produce Braille Documents: We will braille short documents upon request such as a newsletter, contact list, or brief document. EyePal: Portable USB scanner that converts printed material into speech, text files, or Braille. JAWS Screen Reader: JAWS screen reading software reads what is on the computer monitor and provides information about web pages. Kurzweil 1000 Reader: Converts print or electronic text into speech and reads it aloud. Reading speed, pitch and emphasis can be adjusted. Refreshable Braille Display: A device that reads text on a computer screen and translates that text into a keyboard-like display of Braille characters in the form of raised dots (pins) through holes in a flat surface. Talking Typer for Windows: An audible program to learn keyboarding and typing that speaks and displays lessons on screen. Adjusts to a user s skill level and vision impairment. Topaz Desktop Video Magnifer: This closed-circuit television system makes seeing type, handwriting, and small details much easier. ZoomCaps: High contrast, large type keyboard labels for easier viewing by low vision customers. ZoomText Screen Magnification: Enlarges and enhances what is displayed on the computer monitor. Assistive Technology Training: Oneon-one assistive technology training is available in the Dryer Computer Lab at the Rochester Hills Public Library on a walk-in basis most Tuesdays and Thursdays and also by appointment by calling

5 The Bookshelf Feature on Your Digital Player By Meagan Daniels, Library Assistive Technology Assistant AT OTBS we understand that our patrons who download from BARD like to put more than one book or magazine on a thumb drive or cartridge. In order to access the multiple books on your thumb drive or cartridge you must use the bookshelf feature on your Digital Talking Book Player. This article will explain the process. 1. First check your player s firmware. That s the software that runs your Digital Player. A. Locate the white crescent moon shaped button just above the square play button. B. Press it 10 times quickly. The player will announce your serial number, followed by your firmware version. It will repeat this information until you press the play button to silence the player. If your version of firmware is 2.3 or later you have the bookshelf feature. If it s lower then 2.3, you will need to upgrade your player s firmware. A phone number and website for help updating your player s firmware can be found at the end of this article. 2. Once you have updated your player, insert your thumb drive or cartridge containing the multiple books. 3. Turn on your digital player. Your player will beep several times then announce the number of books on the thumb drive or cartridge. If no buttons are pressed it will continue reading from where you stopped reading. How To Use The Book Shelf If you want to switch books or magazine issues: Press the square play button and hold until your player says Book shelf and the number of books. Then, using your rewind and fast forward keys, to the left and right of the play button, move through the book list. When you find the book or magazine you want to read, press the play button. The player will begin reading. One final tip. Don t worry how you will keep your spot in each book. No matter what book you re in, the player will remember where you stopped reading. So, for example, you could be in chapter one of a Dean Koontz book and chapter 5 in a Nora Roberts book. If you need help updating your digital player, please call Meagan at Instructions can also be found at

6 Hot Reads for Cold Nights! We know that you read all year round so we ve decided to have a Winter Reading Program beginning January 2 and ending February 28. Just read one digital book and send us a slip with your name, phone number and comments about the book. Submit your slips when you return your book to OTBS. If it is easier to call us with your comments, we will be happy to record your entry. We will display your comments only on our OTBS Facebook page but will enter your name in a random drawing for prizes. So snuggle up with a good book this winter and enter to win a fun prize. Library Programs As Oakland Talking Book Service customers you are welcome to register and attend any of the programs scheduled at the library. You will need a valid RHPL Library Card to register and we are happy to help you obtain one. Just give us a call at for assistance. To view a complete listing of the winter programs visit org/images/stories/newsviews/fullpdf.pdf. Tuesday, January 8 Tuesday, February 5 Thursday, January 17 Thursday, January 31 Sunday, February 10 Winter Program Highlights Meditation for Beginners Health Coverage and the New Health Care Law Nutrition 101 The Basics of Healthy Living In Stitches: From MSU to Hollywood Sunday Concert: Sheila Landis Sings a Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald OTBS Book Discussion Group If you are looking for an opportunity to discuss great books and network with other Talking Book Service customers, please consider joining this stimulating book discussion group. The group will be meeting on Monday, February 4 from 1-3 pm at the Good Samaritan Lutheran Church at 517 W. Walton Blvd.in Pontiac. The Church is accessible by the SMART bus system. Discussion Titles are: DB In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson and RC Patch of Blue by Elizabeth Kata Newsline Now Has an App NEWSLINE, the popular newspaper reading service made available by the National Federation of the blind, has a new smartphone application. Newsline subscribers who use an iphone can go to the App Store, search for Newsline, and download the app at no cost.

7 Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind initiates a new Newsletter! OUB will soon be publishing a newsletter covering all the exciting events that YOU can take part in through their programs at Camp Tuhsmeheta in Greenville, MI, Birding By Ear in Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Lansing, and Camp-in-a-Box that takes us wherever fun and adventure call us! To sign up to receive this newsletter by , please Gwen Botting, gwen@campt.org or call to receive a paper copy in the mail. OUB is always looking for anyone with ideas, suggestions, or who would like to help in any way large or small. Donations are always accepted! For more information please go to Talking Labels for Your Prescriptions As part of our Pharmacy Freedom Program blind and visually impaired persons can get a patient reader free-ofcharge. En-Vision America will send you a reader and work with your pharmacy and get talking labels on all your prescriptions. Many Pharmacies are now offering ScripTalk. Call for more information. Michigan Parents of Children with Visual Impairments MPVI was formed in 1989 as an independent parent support group. In 1999, MPVI became an affiliate of NAPVI National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments. MPVI can help if you have a child with a visual impairment or are a grandparent, friend or teacher of a visually impaired child. Visit their Website at or them at mpvi@mpvi.org. Braille calendars There is a small supply of 2013 APH InSights large-print/braille calendars available upon request. The type is 36 point and the calendar measures 8.5 x 11 inches. To request a calendar, contact Michelle at or michelle.wisniewski@rhpl.org. New OTBS Deposit Collection at Leader Dog Leader Dog now has a brand new deposit collection of NLS digital talking books! If your facility serves customers with low vision and there is a need for a new or updated deposit collection, please give us a call!

8 OTBS Oakland Talking Book RHPL Rochester Hills Public Library 500 Olde Towne Road Rochester, MI Free matter for the blind and handicapped Look Again: News from OTBS is also available in Braille by request. The current version of the publication can be found at Monday-Thursday Friday, Saturday Sunday OTBS Hours 9 am-9 pm 9 am-6 pm 1-6 pm during the school year or outreach@rhpl.org