KidsNews Newsletter
South Dakota State Library
Braille and Talking Book Library
Summer 2006, Volume 1, Issue 1
Editor: Karen Duenwald
Notes from the Director
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!!!!!
Dan Boyd
It is often difficult to measure the ways in which an organization's services impact the lives of those it serves. The South Dakota Braille & Talking Book Library, a division of the South Dakota State Library is an exception. 2006 marks the 37th Anniversary of the South Dakota Braille & Talking Book Library and the 75th Anniversary of the National Library Service for the Blind & Visually Impaired.

The South Dakota Braille & Talking Book Library has always provided a high level of service to its patrons, helping patrons move beyond blindness, visual impairments and physical challenges to achieve independence and a sense of fulfillment many thought were no longer possible. We currently supply recorded books, descriptive videos, magazines, radio talking book, telephone newspapers, alternative format textbooks and large print books to registered patrons in almost every city in South Dakota. Our collection has grown to over 45,000 titles with over 191,000 copies. The collection continues to grow at the rate of 2,000 titles/16,000 copies per year. Our patrons range in age from 4 to 100+ and they continue through notes and conversations express their satisfaction with the service and its importance to their lives.

To celebrate this milestone we are asking each of you, our patrons and friends, to spread the word about our service to as many people as possible. Tell your friends, family doctor, and pastor - anyone who may know someone who could benefit from the service. With your help we can provide even greater service to the citizens of South Dakota.


Important!!
Remember to return any or all books, including textbooks, or extra machines to the Braille and Talking Book Library when you have finished. Others may be waiting for the chance to enjoy them also.


Welcome from the two newest staff members at the Braille and Talking Book Library
Educational Materials Coordinator - Karen Duenwald
In October 2005 I began work as the Educational Materials Coordinator at the SD Braille and Talking Book Library. I am a certified English Teacher and had been teaching for the past two years, but becoming an employee at the State Library has been a highlight in my career, since I will continue to work with teachers to continue the much important education of reading for our South Dakota students.

I enjoy every part of my job - the library, the library patrons, the staff, the volunteers, and the work which I have been doing to help our patrons receive large print, Braille, and talking textbooks for their education.

Reader Advisor - Carrie Gors
Hello everyone. I am the new Reader Advisor for last names starting with the letters J-R. I started at the library on April 10th and have been busy getting to know patrons and learning about my job. Here is a little bit about me.

I was born and raised in Pierre, after High School I moved to Sioux Falls where I attended Augustana College. I graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. During college I had a variety of jobs from retail sales to bartending. After college I worked at Southeastern Behavioral Healthcare with adults and children with developmental disabilities. This job was both challenging and rewarding. Last summer I decided that I wanted to move back to Pierre to be closer to my family.

I am very happy that I got the opportunity to work at the Braille and Talking Book Library and I thank you for you patience as I am learning about my new job.


July is National Ice Cream Month
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month is National Ice Cream Day. He recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by a whole 90% of the nation's population.


Prairie Bud and Prairie Pasque Awards
Sponsored by the South Dakota Library Association, South Dakota Children's Book Awards encourage students in grades K-6 to read, and vote for, their favorite book of the year. The Prairie Bud Award is designed for students in grades K-3, while the Prairie Pasque Award targets fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. Children who read at least five titles at their grade level from the list qualify to vote. Both awards are based on the votes of South Dakota students.

A panel of educators and librarians selects the fifteen candidates for each award. Nominated books are chosen for their quality and potential popularity with children. The Prairie Pasque Award was first given in 1987 to Ivy Ruckman for her book, Night of the Twisters. Other winners have included Phyllis Reynolds Naylor for Shiloh, David Pateneaude for Someone Was Watching, Louis Sachar for Holes, and Judy Blume for Double Fudge. The Prairie Bud Award was created by the Prairie Valley Reading Council and has been given annually since 1998. The Prairie Bud Award was first given to Patricia Rae Wolff for her book, Toll-Bridge Troll. Other winners have included Bill Grossman for My Little Sister Ate One Hare, Joan Steiner for Look-Alikes, and Glen McCoy for Penny Lee and Her TV.


READBOOKS!
National Braille Press, along with Seedlings Braille Books for Children, is distributing attractive braille book bags to families with blind and visually impaired children, ages birth to seven, across the country. The distribution process is a collaborative effort with educators and early intervention professionals.

Each bag contains:
  • A print/braille book for three age groups: birth-3, 4-5, and 6-7;
  • A braille primer for sighted parents entitled Just Enough to Know Better;
  • A colorful print/braille place mat; Print/braille bookmarks;
  • Because Books Matter, a guide for parents; Print/braille magnetic letters
  • A gift coupon for another print/braille book or braille/large print playing cards.
2006 Summer Reading Program
Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales
The 2006 Governors Summer Reading Program received 54 registrations. The program runs from June 12 through July 21. If you are participating please have your book reports postmarked no later than Sunday, July 23.Plese call if you need more books or book report forms. Remember, the number of books reports returned determine the winners. Plaques are given to the first, second and third place winners in each age division: ages 7 to 9, ages 10 to 12, and ages 13 to 15. The first place winners are invited to an Awards Program to be held August 5, 2006 in Aberdeen South Dakota at the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The program will include a pizza luncheon, awards program, a presentation by the Zoo man and a trip to Storybook Land. If you have questions please contact Mary Sjerven, Program Coordinator.


Awaken your creative side with the following books:
  • Earth-Friendly Crafts for Kids... RC056455
  • Creative Crafts for Critters RC054515
  • The Tiger's Eye... Guide to Martial Arts RC045884
  • Knitting and Crochet for the Physically Handicapped... RC055543
  • Ecology Crafts for Kids... RC050140
  • Haiku: Asian Arts and Crafts for creative kids RC060202
  • Amateur Radio; Super Hobby RC019407
Slate Pals
Slate Pals is a pen pal program for braille reading students who want to write and receive braille letters from other students. Students can specify the quantity, age range, and the gender preference of prospective slate pals. The program is sponsored by the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children. More information is available on the web at: www.nfb.org/slatepal.htm. You may also write to: Slate Pals, 5817 North Nina, Chicago IL 60631 or email: dkent5817@worldnet.att.net.


Notable Children's Books
  • Acceleration. McNamee, Graham. RC057917
    For senior high. A 2005-2006 SD Young Adults Reading Program (YARP) book.
  • Whittington. Armstrong, Alan. RC061516
    For grades 4-7. A 2006 Newbery Honor Book.
  • Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow. Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. RC060814
    A 2006 Newberry Honor & Sibert Honor Book. For grades 6-9.
  • When I Was a Soldier. Zenatti, Valerie. RC061463
    For senior high. A 2006 Newberry Honor Book.
  • Secrets of a Civil War Submarine: Solving the Mysteries of the H.L. Hunley. Walker, Sally M. RC061080
    A Sibert Medal Winner. For grades 6-9
  • The Tequila Worm. Canales, Viola. RC061891
    For senior high. A Sibert Honor Book.
"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep."
- Scott Adams

The Kid's News, published quarterly, is our means of communication with the younger patrons of the Braille and Talking Book Library. The Kid's News is available in braille, on cassette, in large print, or on a diskette upon request and is posted on our website: www.sdstatelibrary.com/b&tb

If you have any questions or comments you would like to address, or wish to request this newsletter in alternative format, please contact the Braille and Talking Book Library.

The South Dakota Braille and Talking Book Library does not endorse any product or service listed in this newsletter.