PRAIRIE TRAILS MEMORANDUM
South Dakota State Library
Braille and Talking Book Library
Summer 2007, Volume 2, Issue 1
Editor: Carrie Gors
pdf download
Notes from the Director, Dan Boyd
There are many changes taking place at the South Dakota State Library. Because of necessary changes in services provided by the State Library, there will be less space in the near future. Since the library will have less space, some of the programs including the Braille & Talking Book Library will have less space for the services provided. Two of the changes will have some impact on your talking book service.

A decision was made that the South Dakota State Library would no longer provide library service directly to individuals. This decision did not include the Braille & Talking Book Library except in the case of large print books. If you have received large print books from the SD Braille & Talking Book Library, this service is now being provided through your local public library. Please visit your local public library and talk with them about your large print needs.

The second change will be in the cassette book collection. With less space we are going to have less shelving for cassette books. In the near future the library will be reducing the size of its cassette book collection. The collection will still contain all books that have been produced, and all new books that will be produced, just fewer copies of each title.

The library will have a backup collection in another location that can provide additional copies for a short period of time if necessary. The library also has the ability to duplicate copies to fill requests as needed.

If you have any service problems in the future please contact the library at 1-800-423-6665 and explain your problem. The staff at the South Dakota Braille & Talking Book Library will work with you to solve your problem.


CHANGES!?
If you happen to find that your reading preferences are changing or that you wish to increase/decrease the number of books that you are currently receiving, contact your Reader Advisor so that they may assist you.
  • If your last name starts with A through I, ask for Mary
  • If your last name starts with J through R, ask for Carrie
  • If your last name starts with S through Z, ask for Brian

Top 10 Reasons to Return Books, Magazines, and Descriptive Videos
10.
 The green boxes don't match your drapes.
9.
 Your mail carrier said he needed more exercise.
8.
 By the time you finish one Danielle Steel, she’s written another one you just have to hear.
7.
 You might win a million dollars!! (Just kidding).
6.
 Fewer things to dust around.
5.
 Braille books only last so long as a coffee table substitute.
4.
 So someone else can enjoy them.
3.
 They aren't heavy enough to serve as doorstops.
2.
 They do NOT substitute for green legos.

And the number 1 reason...
1.
 Your mom would be proud of you!!!
Source: Hillsborough County Talking Book Library Newsletter


Exciting News about our Descriptive Video Collection!
We have a new Descriptive Video catalog and order form! The new catalog separates our videos into different categories (Action Adventure, Biographies, Comedies, Documentaries, Dramas, Family and Children, Horror, Mysteries, Musicals, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, War, Westerns, and TV show episodes). The order form contains all titles and can be reversed and sent back to the library for easy ordering.

The Descriptive Video catalog is also available on our website. Just go to (www.sdstatelibrary.com/b&tb) and scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on Descriptive Video Catalog Now Online! Once you get there you can browse titles, download the catalog, or go to the WEBOPAC (online ordering site) and order specific titles.

Descriptive Videos are especially for the enjoyment of people who are blind or visually impaired. The videos carefully describe the visual elements of the movie-action, characters, locations, costumes, and sets-without interfering with the dialogue or sound effects. To enjoy these videos and hear the descriptions, all you need is a regular VHS videocassette recorder (VCR) and a television.

If you would like a copy of the new Descriptive Video catalog and order form call your Reader Advisor at 1-800-423-6665. The catalog and order form are available in large print and braille.


Closed Circuit Television Program
Over the years, the Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI) has received donations from individuals in memory of loved ones. Thanks to the generosity of these individuals, the Division implemented the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Lease/Loan Program in April of 2004. This program makes CCTV's available to individuals who cannot otherwise afford them because of limited financial resources. They are also available on a monthly lease basis for those who do not meet the financial need criteria. 150 CCTV units have been made available for lease or loan by consumers of the SBVI Older Blind Program. If you would like more information about leasing/loaning a CCTV unit call 1-800-265-9684.


Last C-1 Produced
The last C-1 player produced by NLS came off the assembly line in February 2007. To help the SD Braille and Talking Book Library in the future to provide these players to new patrons and as replacements for those in repair, we ask that patrons who may have two C-1's sitting around their home to return one of them to us. Regulations say that a patron can only have one C-1 player at a time. Once the digital players begin to be produced and our allotments start, patrons will find they will have to have both kinds of players in order to listen to older titles and books in series. Gradually, within the next several years less and less cassettes will be produced. The last cassette title is anticipated to be produced sometime in 2010.


AFB Launches Web Site to Help People with Vision Loss Maintain Independence
To help families, caregivers and people directly affected by vision loss, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) launched a new, totally accessible, multimedia web site that offers instructional videos, easy to implement tips and testimonials to help this country's growing low vision population maintain independence. The web site also connects seniors and their families to important resources in their own communities, such as vision loss specialists who can recommend solutions and instruct older adults with vision loss.

The launch of AFB Senior Site, comes amid concerns from health officials that diseases like age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy are expected to double as the nation's 78 million baby boomers reach retirement age and beyond according to AFB President Carl R. Augusto.

Currently 6.5 million Americans over the age of 65 have severe vision loss. While some are adapting successfully, there are many others who don't know where to turn for help, or even if such help exists. AFB's web site is meant to address this knowledge gap.

Among the features of the web site are the Top Ten E-Z Home Eye-deas to help families and individuals adjust to living with low vision or vision loss. To read the entire list visit www.afb.org/seniorsite.
  • Keep rooms well lit. Good overall lighting is a must for safety.
  • Make stairways safer by placing a brightly-colored strip of tape along the edge of each step.
  • Paint door frames and light switches in a contrasting color to the walls around them.
  • Use pill organizers with raised markings or talking labels to help prevent serious medication mishaps.
  • Eliminate clutter-dispose of unnecessary items and always return things to the same place.

Attention Readers Digest and Newsweek Subscribers
Each year the American Printing House for the Blind mails out forms asking if subscribers wish to continue to receive Readers Digest and Newsweek magazines. You must fill out this form and return it or your magazines will be cancelled. These magazines on cassette are free but you need to re-subscribe each year when you receive the form.

If you would like to receive Readers Digest, Newsweek, or would like a complete list of magazines available, contact your Reader Advisor at 1-800-423-6665.


Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
The last Harry Potter book is set to be published on July 20th, 2007 and will be available on recorded cassette as soon as possible. We have already started a list of patrons who want the book. Give us a call at 1-800-423-6665 if you would like to be added to this list.


Five Reasons Why You'll Love Digital Talking Book Machines
  1. The Digital Talking Book Machine will be much smaller than the current cassette player, and much lighter, weighing about 2 1/2 pounds. It will include a carrying handle and attachment points for shoulder straps. There is a provision for headphones, with the jack having a high contrast color.
  2. The machine can be plugged in or played using a battery, which allows 15-20 hours of playing time before needing to be recharged.
  3. It will be easier to use, having buttons for Play, Stop, Volume, Speed and Power, and no slider on the volume. When you press a button without a cartridge inserted, the player will tell you the function of that particular key. The buttons will also be marked tactilely and can be operated with mouth sticks. The cartridge will insert only one way and with a minimal amount of force. A clear indication will be heard when the cartridge is properly inserted.
  4. The audio will be significantly better, especially in the high and low frequencies. There will be variable speed control where the pitch remains constant, allowing for easier hearing at two times faster than normal speed.
  5. Books will always be announced when you turn the machine on. Books can be interchanged as automatic bookmarks are dropped onto the machine to keep track of where you are on each title. The Advanced Player will be able to navigate books by parts, sections and sub-sections, and there will be a "go to page" feature.

Book Narrators
The Library of Congress National Library Service (NLS), has created a website at (www.loc.gov/nls/narrators) where readers can learn more about their favorite narrators of nationally recorded books. These books have book numbers beginning with RC. So far, narrators who record at the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and the NLS studios have provided information.

Library patrons may also send comments, criticism, fan mail, and letters of appreciation to national narrators in the following ways:
Mail: Name of Narrator
C/O Margie Goergen-Rood
Recording Studio Director
NLS/Library of Congress
1291 Taylor St. NW
Washington, DC 20542
Fax: 202-707-0711
Email: mgoe@loc.gov
NLS will forward all letters and comments to the narrator's recording studio.


Diabetes Treatment Booklist
  • RC 60385: Conquering Diabetes: a cutting-edge, comprehensive program for prevention and treatment. 2005. by Anne L. Peters

  • RC 60378: Beating Diabetes: the first complete program clinically proven to dramatically improve your glucose tolerance. 2005. by David M. Nathan

  • RC 60011: Atkins Diabetes Revolution: the groundbreaking approach to preventing and controlling type 2 diabetes. 2004. by Mary C. Vernon

  • RC 60692: Fix-it and Forget-it Diabetic Cookbook: slow cooker favorites-to include everyone! 2005. by Phyllis Pellman Good


Did You Know?
In the 19th Century, piano tuners in Britain and France were frequently blind. Actually, blind piano tuners are so common that people in England are surprised to meet one who isn't. Claude Montal is often given credit as the first blind piano tuner. At first, people were skeptical of his ability until he proved that he was quite skilled in the necessary mechanical tasks. His reputation and skill eventually led him to become a teacher of the craft.


Books from the South Dakota collection
Many of our readers enjoy stories by Laura Ingalls Wilder, especially the "Little House on the Prairie" series. Recently the South Dakota Braille and Talking Book Library recorded stories about Laura's Ma, Caroline Quiner.

The following series is written by Marie D. Wilkes.
  • SD004072 Little House in Brookfield
  • SD003949 Little Town at the Crossroads
  • SD003950 Little Clearing in the Woods
  • SD003928 On Top of Concord Hill
  • SD004073 Across the Rolling River
  • SD004074 Little City by the Lake
  • SD004143 A Little House of Their Own
Another series we have is set in the years when Laura, Manly and their daughter Rose move from South Dakota to Missouri. This series is written by Thomas L. Tedrow.
  • SD003821 Missouri Homestead
  • SD003822 Children of Promise
  • SD003823 Good Neighbors
  • SD003824 Home to the Prairie
  • SD003825 The World's Fair
  • SD003826 The Mountain Miracle
  • SD003827 The Great Debate
  • SD003838 Land of Promise
Other titles which include this frontier family include:
  • SD004077 Frontier Family by Marie D. Wilkes
  • SD003288 A Little House Sampler by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Holiday Closing
The Braille & Talking Book Library will be closed on the following holidays. Please place your book orders in advance so that you will have plenty on hand.
  • September 3: Labor Day
  • October 8: Native American Day

The Prairie Trails Memorandum, published quarterly, is our means of communication with our patrons. The Prairie Trails Memorandum is available in braille, cassette or a computer diskette upon request and is also posted on our website.

If you wish to request this newsletter in an alternative format, please contact the Braille and Talking Book Library at 1-800-423-6665.

If you have any questions or comments that you would like to share with us about the library program, please contact us.
  • Write:
    South Dakota Braille & Talking Book Library
    800 Governors Drive,
    Pierre, SD 57501
  • E-mail: talkbkreq@state.sd.us
  • Call: 1-800-423-6665 (SD only)
The Braille & Talking Book Library does not endorse any product or service listed in this newsletter.