Prairie Trails Memorandum
South Dakota State Library
Braille and Talking Book Library
Spring 2001, Volume 1, Issue 1
Kathy Schreiber, Editor
From the Desk of Dan Boyd
Director's Comments
This issue of the memorandum ushers in a new editor. A new editor for a new millennium, kind of fits doesn't it?

For many years Karen Knudsen was the editor of this publication. Late last fall Karen decided to retire and move back to her hometown of Gregory. Karen had worked for the Braille and Talking Book Program for over twenty years. During that period of time Karen held many positions in the program.

Kathy Schreiber has been hired for that position and is now the new editor. Prior to this position Kathy managed the equipment inventory and repair for the Braille & Talking Book Program.

In the next few issues of this newsletter you will see changes in content and style. This is a natural process as a publication moves from one editor to another.

If you have any suggestions for the newsletter please call Kathy at 1-800-423-6665 and she will be very willing to visit with you about your suggestions.

We take this opportunity to welcome Kathy to her new position and wish her well as the Editor of the South Dakota Braille & Talking Book Memorandum.

"Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration."


Notes from the Editor
Just to say "Hello"

This is a new and exciting change for me and I do look foreword to the challenges of the position. As the new editor of our newsletter, I am hoping to get fresh ideas and input from our readers as this is a collective effort from all of the staff here at BTBL. We want this publication to reflect you, the reader, any comments or suggestions are welcome.

Thank you,

Kathy


New Vision Gallery Invitation
New Vision Gallery invites you to participate in the first annual "Nationwide School for the Blind Exhibition", June 1st to July 31st. Deadline for entries is March 31st. All ages and all mediums accepted. Please send slides or photographs with a corresponding list of artist's name, grade, title, size, and medium. Slides or photographs must be mailed to and received by March 31.
New Vision Gallery
819 West Main
Louisville, Ky 40202
If you would like your slides or photographs mailed back, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope otherwise they will be discarded. You will receive notification of which artwork has been selected on April 20. Selection of artwork is based on the Jusy, New Vision Gallery and New Vision Enterprises staff. All artwork selected must be mailed or brought in by May 20. Two-dimensional art must be framed and ready for display. Thank you for your participation and we look forward to viewing your artwork. If there are any questions or concerns please contact me, Corinne Andersen at 502-568-6841.


Free/Low Cost Prescription Drugs Available
Many major drugs companies offer free or low cost medication as a public service to those in need. The programs are seldom publicized. To find out if a medication you use is available and if you qualify, ask your doctor for information.

Other information including links to pharmaceutical companies is available on the Internet at these web sites:
Internal Revenue Service Has Braille 2000 Tax Forms
The following publications have been sent to our library in Braille:
  • 1040 and Instructions 1040A and Instructions
  • 1040EZ and Instructions Publication 17 (tax guide)
  • Publication 334 (small business) Tax Tables
If you would like any of the following publications, call us at 1-800-423-6665.


Scourby Awards
NEW YORK--The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) invites nominations for the 15th Alexander Scourby Narrator of the Year Awards. The awards were established by the AFB in memory of one of its most popular narrators, who recorded for the Talking Books program for nearly 50 years. Scourby Awards for outstanding narration will be presented in two categories: fiction and nonfiction. A third "special recognition" Scourby Award will also be given at the awards ceremony and reception scheduled for Monday, June 25, 2001, at the Madison Square Garden Theater in New York City.

All Talking Books readers are eligible to nominate one Talking Books narrator in each category. If you would like to cast a vote, send your choices (one per category) to the:
American Foundation for the Blind
Communications Group, 11 Penn Plaza
Suite 300, New York, NY 10001
email: afbinfo@afb.net

Magazine Subscribers
As we are updating and revising our magazine area, we will be adding the following new, no cost titles if there is enough interest.
  • Birds and Blooms
    Birding, gardening, and practical tips for the backyard.
  • Country Woman
    Household, farm and garden advice, crafts, decorating, and recipes.
  • Sunset: The Magazine of Western Living
    • Gardening, recipes, crafts projects, home decorating, and travel in the western states.
There may be changes in circulation or costs. Look for any letters regarding your current subscriptions as you will be informed of any changes. If you have any questions, please call the library.


Echoes of Life
A man and his son are walking in the forest. Suddenly the boy trips and feeling a sharp pain he screams, "Ahhhh!" Surprised, he hears a voice coming from the mountain, "Ahhhh!" Filled with curiosity, he screams, "Who are you?" But the only answer he receives is, "Who are you?" This makes him so angry, so he screams, "You are a coward!" and the voice answers, "You are a coward!" He looks at his father, asking, "Dad, what's going on?"

"Son," the man replies, "pay attention!" Then he screams, "I admire you!" The voice answers, "I admire you!" The father shouts, "You are wonderful!" and the voice answers, "You are wonderful!" Again the father shouts, "You are wonderful!" and the voice answers, "You are wonderful!" The boy is surprised, but still can't understand what is going on.

Then the father explains, "People call this "ECHO" but truly it is "LIFE!" Life always gives you back what you give out! Life is a mirror of your actions. If you want more love, give more love! If you want understanding and respect, give understanding and respect! If you want people to be patient and respectful to you, give patience and respect! This rule of nature applies to every aspect of our lives."

Life always gives back what you give out. Your life is not a coincidence, but a mirror of your own life doings.

~Author Unknown~


Why do I get an overdue letter when I have already returned my books?
Several things may determine the answer here.

First, the overdue letter and your books may have crossed in the mail depending on when you returned your books.

Second, the books have not arrived here at the library (lost in the mail) and they still are on your record.

Third, when the books are scanned during the check-in procedure, the scan didn't pick up the number so the books remain on your list. Depending on the setting of your record, you might not receive more books.

All of the above problems are easily remedied with a quick call to your reader advisor. Remember that there is no charge for missing books and your call allows us to clean up your records.