Digital Library Program

The National Library Services (NLS) digital program continues to move forward this year. We expect the first shipment of digital players from NLS to arrive by June 2009. In addition, Rhode Island Talking Books Plus and Perkins Braille have established a joint collection of digital books to lend to our members. Initially, both the digital players and digital books will be available in limited quantities, but they will increase in number each year during the transition period from 2009 to 2013. Since the migration to the digital program will develop over 5 years, we are required to follow distribution policies established by NLS and existing library legislation.

By law, Talking Books Plus will give first priority to qualified veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Second priority, set by NLS policy, will be given to Talking Books Plus members who are at least 100 years old. Third priority is given to other registered members of the Talking Books Plus program. If you are a TBPlus member, call 401-574-9310 or email tbplus@olis.ri.gov to establish your place on the waiting list and update your database record. In addition, the digital player comes in two models - the standard model (DS1) and the advanced model (DA1). Both models are the same size and operate in a similar manner. However, there are some additional controls on the advanced model for setting and retrieving bookmarks and for navigating through the digital book. You should decide on your model preference when you call us. TBPlus staff will be available Monday – Friday between 8 am – 4 pm to take requests and answer any questions about the new digital program.

2009 Summer Reading Program

Talking Books Plus is collaborating with Bradley Hospital and Meeting Street School, our 2009 partners in the statewide Summer Reading Program coordinated by the RI Office of Library and Information Services. According to Nancy Schwegler, Bradley Hospital Children’s Librarian, many of the children benefit from customized materials such as those compiled for the Summer Reading Program. Nancy has developed creative ways to use books, movies, and DVDs in different places – at the beach, at picnics, at campsites, and with pets. This approach fits right into the Summer Reading Program theme, Be Creative @ Your Library. Meeting Street School Librarian, Wendy Kirchner, says students love the program charts to keep track of their success at activities. Talking Books Plus supports the Summer Reading Program with books for participants with no or low vision and to those unable to read regular print. As in the past, Talking Books Plus hopes that all preschoolers and students will enjoy the reading theme, the prizes, and listening to storytellers and performers at participating libraries. Talking Books Plus is supporting the program at Bradley Hospital and Meeting Street with funding for promotional materials and storytellers. On a statewide basis, Rhode Island public libraries offer the summer reading program as well. Check your local public library for accessibility and activities. For more information about the program, visit Summer Reading Program or call your local library to register.

Reading Across RI Events Update

The 7th Annual May breakfast of Reading Across RI is May 9th. Meet Ron Carlson, the author of Five Skies. This book is the 2009 selection of Reading Across RI. Hear Ron in person read and speak about his book. To sign up download the registration form from the Reading Across RI webpage. If you missed the L-TV interview with Ron Carlson in March, you can hear the recording of this event. The link is on the Reading Across RI website. There you can hear Deborah Barchi interviewing the author of Five Skies. Listen in as Mr. Carlson talks about his writing and 25 years as a teacher of creative writing.