Inside this Issue
Notes from the Editor
By Josh Easter
It has been a while since our last newsletter, so get ready for lots of important information inside this issue. Updates on distribution of the NLS talking book topics bimonthly catalog. Events and programming happening, including summer reading programming. The new DA2, digital advanced player, from NLS.
Our newest staff member, Madison Bruce, joined us in August 2025. She has been a great addition to the team. In addition to being a reader advisor she also assists Josh with post-production of South Dakota recorded materials, helps clean up our catalog, and is always willing to learn something new.
Introducing Staff
Reader Advisor, Madison Bruce
Hi, my name is Madison Bruce, and I am the new Reader Advisor with letters K to R! I am originally from North Dakota, but I moved around a lot. I lived in Montana for about eight or nine years before moving to Pierre in 2016. There, I graduated in 2018 from T.F. Riggs. I love reading, singing, chatting with my friends, and playing all sorts of different genres of video games!
However, one thing that has stuck with me throughout my life, from childhood to adulthood, is reading. I was one of the "gifted" kids in elementary and middle school who could read at least a few grade levels above my current grade. I am a poetry and fantasy book lover also! My favorite poetry author is Edgar Allen Poe, and I have two favorite series right now, which are the Eragon series (or The Inheritance Cycle series) by Christopher Paolini, which the first book is DB 57232, and one that my mom had introduced me to when I was a kid, The Last Dragon Chronicles by Chris d'Lacey, and the first book is DBC 15631.
Books have always held a special place in my heart, and I am so ecstatic to be able to help all of you find those books you really like or help you with any problems you might come across. I am more than willing to learn a new thing or two! My number is 605-773-3514, 1-800-423-6665, option 2, and my email is Madison.Bruce@state.sd.us.
Talking Book Topics
There has been a change in TBT Talking Book Topics. You used to receive the audio version of Talking Book Topics directly from a national NLS contractor, and they would send a printed order form with it. They have now changed that, and we are sending TBT on cartridge ourselves. The only thing is that the cartridges will come without order forms.
If you have Wi-Fi, you can print your own from the website for the latest or past catalogs. The link for those is loc.gov/nls/new-materials/talking-book-topics.
If you do not have access to the internet, let us know, and we can print the order form. We are happy to mail the order form for the specific issue of Talking Book Topics that you need to choose your titles and books from.
NFB Newsline
NFB Newsline will be discontinued on June 30, 2026, due to state library budget constraints.
SD NFB Accessible STEM Event
From the NFB SD Chapter President: The South Dakota affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind will be hosting a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) event at the Children's Museum of South Dakota in Brookings. This event will focus on forensic experiments like identifying different substances based on their properties, making molds of footprints, and extracting DNA in a way accessible to the blind. Date and time to be announced soon; current plan is a Saturday in June.
Contact the South Dakota NFB Chapter President, Ismael Collazo, for details and to sign up. Ismael Collazo, Cookingizzy@yahoo.com, (305) 763-2540
SDAB 2026 Convention
From the SDAB President: Hello Friends!
SAVE THE DATE: Our SDAB (South Dakota Association of the Blind) Convention will take place Sept. 18-19, 2026, at the AmericInn in Aberdeen. Room rate is $141.00, double occupancy. Registration begins at 1 p.m. on Friday. Activities will include a tour of the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, followed by a pizza party and playing bingo with the students. Saturday's activities, including informative sessions, an auction, and our business meeting, will take place at the Multi-Cultural Center in the Eagle’s Nest.
Come and enjoy camaraderie with old and new friends, and learn what SDAB is all about. If you have any questions, email: lerae@rapidnet.com, or call (605) 978-9267. Joining together, Lerae Olesen, SDAB President.
America 250
We are joining the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America in a big way. On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking the start of our nation. The national focus and celebration is called America 250, and more information can be found at the america250.org.
For summer reading this year, our adult reading challenge cartridge will feature books set in decades throughout our nation's history, 1776-2026. We will also have suggested book lists, and the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) will launch an America 250 webpage with resources.
There will also be nationally available summer reading programming through NLS and Braille Institute. In fact, our very own library manager, Kathleen Slocum, recorded the narration for a special collaborative project with Josh Easter in our Pierre, SD studio with direction from Keith Reynolds, who works for Braille Institute in California, for a Badlands National Park audio description tour, which will be released on June 22, 2026. Narrated Soundscapes take you on immersive audio journeys through the landscapes of four national parks. Once posted, each one remains available so you can explore at your own pace. We will email out the link to the Narrated Soundscape when it launches, so make sure we have your email address on file. brailleinstitute.org/summer-reading-program/#soundscapes
Adult Reading Challenge, Summer 2026
Sign up now for the adult reading challenge, Summer 2026! As we celebrate America 250, this summer's cartridge will feature books set in decades throughout our nation's history, 1776-2026. Interested readers, contact your reader advisor to sign up and receive a customized Adult Reading Challenge cartridge with 6 books from various genres. Participants who answer a short questionnaire about their favorite reading challenge book or other thoughts on the reading challenge will be entered into a prize drawing held in September after the end of the program. The 2026 summer reading program runs June through August, so there is plenty of time to read. We will hold a Social Club Zoom in September, which will include time to discuss the summer reads. Sign up with your reader advisor, and they can send the books to you on cartridge or add them to your BARD wish list (the first book is not on BARD, but the other 5 are).
This year's 6 titles are:
- Gunpowder for the General by Kenneth Bartholomew, DBS004925 (1777-1778) (recorded in SD)
- Fever, 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson, DB051967 (1793)
- A Lantern in her Hand by Bess Streeter Aldrich, DB024820 (1854-early 1900's, Nebraska)
- THE WRIGHT BROTHERS by David G McCullough, DB082175 (1899 to 1909)
- The Personal History of Rachel DuPree by Ann Weisgarber, DB093828 (1917, SD Badlands)
- American princess: a novel of first daughter Alice Roosevelt by Stephanie Thornton, DB094288 (1901-1970)
Youth Summer Reading Program, Summer 2026
For Summer Reading 2026, we are focusing mainly on the CSLP national summer reading theme of "Unearth a Story," focused on themes including Dinosaurs, Archaeology, and Paleontology. We plan to unearth stories from throughout America's history as well.
Open to all registered library patrons aged birth-19. Participants are asked to read at least 20 minutes every day for eight weeks during June, July, and August. But we are not sending a reading chart this year because we want to know the total time you read through the summer. Keep track of your time however you find easiest. We aren't sending a physical reading chart, but let us know if you'd like us to send a way to keep track of total minutes through the summer. Contact your reader advisor, Ginny, so she knows you are participating, or if you want her to help keep track of your time through the summer. You can call her or email her at Virginia.Kaus@state.sd.us. To be eligible for the drawing at the end, let us know how many total minutes you read from June through August.
Senior High students can also participate in the Adult Summer Reading Challenges.
We can send a cartridge of some mainly dinosaur-focused juvenile and youth books to you or your student. Contact Ginny, and she can send out this cartridge, or you can download them from BARD.
- A dinosaur named Ruth: how Ruth Mason discovered fossils in her own backyard by Julia Lyon, DBC28566
- A Dinosaur Named Sue: The Story of the Colossal Fossil: The World's Most Complete T. Rex by Patricia Relf, DB052351
- When Dinosaurs Came With Everything by Elise Broach, DBS004595
- All the way to the top: how one girl's fight for Americans with disabilities changed everything by Annette Bay Pimentel, DB104007
- Dinosaurs Before Dark (Magic Tree House Book #1) by Mary Pope Osborne, DB052354
- The Dinosaur Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner, DBC17143
- Jack Horner: Living with Dinosaurs by Don Lessem, DB039834
- Stolen Bones, a novel by Joan Davenport Carris, DB040427
- Dinosaur Time by Peggy Parish, DB009611
- The Dinosaur World by Edwin Harris Colbert, DB012185
- Tyrannosaurus Rex by Millicent Ellis Selsam, DB014735
- The Enormous Egg by Oliver Butterworth, DB030417
- Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier, DB120848
- Dinosaurs and other prehistoric life by Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan, DB134674
- World at War, 1944 (Magic Tree House Super Edition Book #1) by Mary Pope Osborne, DB088254
2026 NLS Summer Reading Program
NLS and the Library of Congress are proud to promote literacy through the NLS Summer Reading Program. This annual program, now in its fourth year, expands the horizons of imagination and literature, for readers of all ages, by providing timely book recommendations on a given theme.
This year's theme is "Unearth a Story" - a lively exploration of books about dinosaurs, fossils, paleontology, archaeology, geology, and all manner of biological treasure buried underground. The NLS Summer Reading Program runs from June 15 through August 11. For more details about this year's program, go to the website: loc.gov/nls/services-and-resources/summer-reading
NLS Collections Connections
The latest issue of NLS Collections Connections focuses on the many notable works in this year's program. The Summer Reading Program book list includes both fiction and nonfiction grouped into the following sections: Early Literacy Books, Middle Grade Books, Young Adult Books, and Adult Books. Most of the titles on the list are available for immediate download from BARD for eligible patrons of NLS through the provided links. Please note that some of the titles do not include links and are marked as being "in process." These titles are not immediately available for download because the audio or braille book is still in production. These titles will be added to the NLS collection as they are completed and will be retrievable on BARD at that time. We encourage you to check BARD throughout the summer as new titles are added every week! We hope that you can excavate a summer of deep reading, reflection, and the enjoyment of life that good books can bring. loc.gov/nls/new-materials/collections-connections/may-2026-collections-connections
To sign up for NLS Collections Connections by email, which has suggested book lists focused on different subjects each issue, go to the webpage loc.gov/nls/new-materials/collections-connections/.
Books Added to the South Dakota Collection
By Douglas Hoff
Alone, the beautiful young Anna immigrated to America from an Island in the North Sea at 16, running from cruelty. Honor forced her to leave her fiancée in New York, and she found herself running again, this time from love. Working her way across America, she brought her work ethic and her own style of integrity and love wherever she went. In Dakota, Anna found love again, but with it and her life there came an abundance of hardship, sometimes taking her faith and courage close to the breaking point.
This novel follows the true life story of Anna, starting where Honoring Anna left off. Life on their prairie homestead was often harsh, and the country and its perils were often unyielding, but it also had its heartwarming and rewarding moments and triumphs.
Honoring Anna, The Winds of Time takes the reader through the Dirty Thirties, The Great Depression, the year of the wolves, WWII, and homesteading hardships like none other ever written, through the eyes of those that experienced it. It is a piece of American history that will make you cry one minute and stand up and cheer the next, and will inspire you to reach for the levels of courage and honor that these amazing immigrants possessed.
By Kenneth Bartholomew
This historical novel follows four young men, society outsiders, who band together from childhood to forge an unbreakable team. Knowing the secrets of black powder and hearing of the gunpowder shortage crippling the Continental Army, they set out to make powder throughout the winter and get it to General Washington before the campaigning season of 1778. Beset by loyalists, outlaws, bears, winter snows, and redcoats, they fight their way through the wilderness of western Pennsylvania and spend the winter making niter and grinding powder as snowstorms and lack of food constantly threaten their survival.
Attacked by outlaws on two occasions, they are forced to kill to survive. Then, attacked by two patrols of British soldiers, they again must outsmart, outflank, outrun, and outshoot the redcoats. Helped by an Indian tribe they befriended and helped with supplies, they make it through the winter and head back to Valley Forge with four wagons of gunpowder. Infiltrated by a traitor from Washington's headquarters, they once again must outsmart a gang of eight, using the secrets of the wilderness to their advantage.
At last, they arrive at Valley Forge, only to find the army departed for New Jersey. They brave the June heat to deliver four wagon loads of gunpowder at the start of the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse, the largest and longest artillery battle of the Revolutionary War. Their magical concoction helps to turn the battle and force the British from the field. The four men in their early twenties - an Irish Catholic, a Native American, a free Black, and a Chinese lad whose father taught them the secrets of making gunpowder - demonstrate that friendship and loyalty can overpower racial prejudice and bias.
By Paul Higbee
A secret bombing mission, a crash-landing, a bold escape far from the plains of his homeland, World War II pilot Donald G. (Don) Smith swam toward unknown terrain, having just played a significant role in the legendary American military venture, the Doolittle Raid. Commanding Plane Fifteen, a B-25 nicknamed TNT, the twenty-four-year-old Smith successfully led his squad to their target in Japan and, after a watery landing, to safety through Japanese-occupied territory in China. Seven months after the Doolittle Raid, Smith died when his new bomber crashed during a routine exercise over the English countryside. He left behind a family and a community that had, only months before, welcomed him home during a brief reprieve from fighting. In his short life, Smith made an indelible impression on those who served with him, but he left behind no personal recollections of his experience. Until now, his story was known only to a close few, surviving through the frequent letters he wrote home to his parents in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. Author Paul Higbee follows Smith from his childhood through college, flight training, and Army Air Corps service, highlighting the young man's transformation from South Dakota boy to American hero. Higbee reveals the excitement, danger, and pride of the eighty men who took part in the first American attack on Japan and the uncertainty of life in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. Smith's story reflects lives forever altered by wartime experiences, whether on land or in the air.
By W. T. Earley
In a post-WWIII dystopian world, China and her proxies reign supreme. Freedom is a distant memory. The CCP's puppet regime, the Legacy, mercilessly controls what was the former continental United States. Molon Labe resistance fighters combat for a return to American values, while Leon y Cordero - an underground Christian organization - sees its numbers begin to burgeon internationally. Population control is dictated by an implantable device tied to a unique Coin. The secrets of the Coin are understood by a limited few. The dangers associated with the Coin are extreme, hidden, and final. After her husband dies under suspicious circumstances, Dr. Jeannie Garcia is unavoidably thrust into a world she never knew furtively coexisted alongside her stable, regime-privileged life. To save herself and her two young girls, Dr. Jeannie is forced to confront her husband's secret double-life, the regime's treachery, and her own unwitting complicity in it all.
By Paul L. Hedren, and Jack Crawford, Jack Jr.
In 1875, a young man from Pennsylvania joined the Dodge Expedition into the Black Hills of Dakota Territory, from where he penned letters to the Omaha Daily Bee. Not content with accompanying Dodge, Captain Jack returned to the Black Hills in 1876 for a further six months.
John Wallace Crawford, who became better known as Captain Jack, wrote a vibrant account of this fascinating time in the American West. His correspondence featured his adventures in the early Black Hills gold rush as he played the parts of reporter, plainsman, scout, and raconteur. Captain Jack informed his readers, in great detail and with an eye for the unusual and intriguing, of the relative merits of the gulches, the vagaries and difficulties of travel in the region, the art of survival in what was essentially wilderness, the hardships of inclement weather, trouble with outlaws, and interactions with American Indians.
Captain Jack met and worked with Buffalo Bill Cody and quickly seized the opportunity to scout for Brigadier General George Crook on his Indian campaign. Jack’s correspondence from the Starvation March and the fight at Slim Buttes offers detailed and intimate accounts of these dramatic episodes of the Great Sioux War.
By Donna Stainbrook
Our Place in Rural America, Milltown, South Dakota is the History of Milltown, SD, and area families' information, including from cemetery and school records, collected, written, and self-published by Donna Stainbrook as a love letter to the community that embraced her.
By Victor Swallow; Gary Wietgrefe
Victor Swallow, a Lakota elder who grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation of South Dakota, wrote 42 oral stories passed on for five generations dating back to the 1850s. What was life like? How did they make the transition? Here are his memories from when Lakota freely roamed the Dakota Plains and bison ran wild to life in modern times at Lakota family gatherings.
Lakota's provisional victory at Greasy Grass (a.k.a. Custer's Last Stand) into the twenty-first century, Victor Swallow, a Lakota elder (paternally French/maternally Native), passes on oral stories from his mother, her mother's mother, and her mothers mother's mother dating from the loss of the American Bison (mid-1800s) to family life in 2025.
By Jan Cerney - Series Narrated by Lynda Lowin
The spinster sisters, Dora and Josie Winslow who belong to the Hedge City, Nebraska Quilters' Guild present an idea for the guild's annual project. The guild decides on making a sampler quilt of 50 blocks representing every state in the USA. Although, the members can obtain the patterns without any trouble, the sisters volunteer to search for appropriate quilt patterns while on their retirement trip across the country via Amtrak. The group approves the plan in spite of a sister's and niece's concerns for their naive sisters and aunts' safety.
- Heist Along the Rails: Winslow Quilting Mysteries, Book 1 DBS004920
- Library Quilt Caper: Winslow Quilting Mysteries, Book 2 DBS004921
- Clues in the Civil War Diary: Winslow Quilting Mysteries, Book 3 DBS004922
- The Nativity Quilt: Winslow Quilting Mysteries, Book 4 DBS004923
- The Quilting Cruise Gambit: Winslow Quilting Mysteries, Book 5 DBS004924
By Noel Hamiel
South Dakota's Mathis Family Murders brought death and deception to the heartland.
It was perhaps the most infamous murder case in state history. Ladonna Mathis was shot twice in the head at point-blank range inside the family's metal shed serving as their makeshift home. Two of her three children, ages 2 and 4, were also shot in the head. The brutality of the killings shocked the state and set off a frenzy of law enforcement activity. Despite its intensity, the investigation never found the murderer or the murder weapon. Though charged with the crime, the husband was acquitted, leaving the door open for endless speculation about what really occurred on that late summer morning of Sept. 8, 1981. With renewed insight from those involved, veteran South Dakota journalist Noel Hamiel explores this cold case of murder and mystery that still haunts the Mount Rushmore state.
Ten Squared Club
The South Dakota Braille and Talking Book Library recognizes the accomplishments of our active readers who have reached age 100 or older. They are sent an invitation to join this elite club and receive a certificate of merit, a letter, and a small gift. We have heard amazing stories from our 10-squared Club members.
This newsletter's 10-squared inductees are: ARLEEN ORTMAN and SISTER MARCINE QUINTUS
ARLEEN ORTMAN:
The talking book library made a difference in Arleen's life because the talking books keep her alert and thinking. Arleen says a teacher probably got her reading and now she reads her talking books in her living room. A favorite book is about Elizabeth Blackwell, the first female Doctor. Other hobbies Arleen enjoys are church and all musical events.
Congratulations to Arleen for being inducted into the 10 Squared Club on Nov. 1, 2025.
SISTER MARCINE QUINTUS:
Sister Marcine appreciates the talking book library because it has kept her current with authors she likes. Her parents read to her and then, of course, she read to herself. Growing up the bookmobile came to their home. Her favorite types of books to read in her room are Willa Cather and books by pioneer women. Other hobbies Sister Marcine enjoys are BINGO games, candle making, cards, listening to Rachel Maddow, and Mass. She says something she would share of her experiences as a centenarian is the importance of "being grateful for each day!"
Congratulations to Sister Marcine for being inducted into the 10 Squared Club on May 24, 2026.
NLS Digital Advanced Player 2 (DA2)
The Digital Advanced Player 2, or DA2, is the newest player from NLS. The DA2 has many of the same features as the older DS1 and DA1 models. These include a 3.5 mm headphone jack, tactile, high-contrast buttons with Braille and print labels for keypad controls, sleep timer, built-in audio instructions, bookshelf feature, and audio playback from NLS cartridges and USB thumb drives. Additionally, new features of the DA2 include: the ability to connect to Wi-Fi and to connect to BARD, Bluetooth connectivity, 28GB internal storage, and an embedded Text-to-Speech (TTS) engine with TTS voice options. The DA2 weighs 2.5 pounds, and its dimensions are 8.3" by 7.8" by 1.6". You charge it with the included USB-C cord or other USB-C cords.
The main benefit for DA2 users is that they can connect to BARD, the Braille and Audio Reading Download website, download audiobooks and magazines, store them on the player, and listen to them over Bluetooth-enabled speakers or headphones. However, before you can engage the NLS BARD Mode on the DA2, you must first connect the machine to a Wi-Fi network, have an active BARD account, and then log in to the DA2 with your BARD email and password credentials. After enabling the BARD service, you can search the BARD catalog directly on the DA2 via buttons with speech output, locate your desired reading material, and download an item at the touch of a button! You can also connect external USB-A or USB-C keyboards to make it easier to type usernames and passwords or search BARD.
Not every patron will need the DA2 player. The standard DA1 and DS1 machines are still being supported for patrons who do not wish to connect to Wi-Fi and download from BARD. We are limited on DA1 machines, so those who use advanced navigation features (where you want to jump around like in a Bible, recipe book, or other nonfiction book) will likely need to use the DA2.
If you choose to return your DA2 player to us for any reason, please notify us of the reason for return. These players are under warranty, and any technical issues must be extensively documented.
To request a DA2 player, contact your Reader Advisor. There are resources on using the DA2, including the NLS DA2 How-To video series on YouTube. We can email you the link to the playlist and other DA2 user guides.
Patron Voices: Thoughts on the DA2
Next are some early thoughts on using the DA2 directly from two of our patrons who have used it: Kelsey Wollman and Bob Riibe. If you would like to share some thoughts or experiences, please tell your Reader Advisor, and they will have Josh set up an interview time with you.
Kelsey Wollman
Starting with Kelsey Bowman she talks about what she likes about the DA2 digital talking book advanced player 2.
It's very light and carriable, and I don't have a bunch of cords to deal with. I can connect Bluetooth headphones-my headphones don't get tangled in. I can use any cord to charge it (USB-C). I don't have to trip over a cord. I can download my books right into the tape player, I don't have to worry about another device. I can jump back and forth in between pages and chapters instead of trying to find it with the arrows. That's a lot of good features. I think it met my expectations. I have been waiting for it quite a while, and I also like that I can download my books right into it; I don't have to deal about cartridges.
Yes, that's a good point, that we can still send you books on cartridges, but you can copy them directly too. Do you want to talk a little bit about how you do that?
You insert the cartridge into the tray, and then it says "info" the key with the Braille in the middle; "press input to confirm or any key to cancel." Then you press Info to confirm, and then you will have to wait a while, and then it starts copying. It takes up to 5-10 minutes, but the books are always there, and you can read them over and over again. Or you can delete them if you don't want them. And that's another option it has-you can set it to any voice you prefer.
Do you want to talk about the process of getting it connected to Wi-Fi?
You go into the settings, and you go into user settings. And you find Wi-Fi, and you press the info key to get that. And then you have to wait quite a while till it finds the name and the signal. Then you hit on scanning for SSID code, and then you put in your password with the up and down arrows. And then you press the bookmark for the letters and numbers, and then the sleep button to insert your character. And then you can nickname it and it's always there; it connects automatically. You can also log into BARD on there, and then you can always be connected and always be ready to download any book you would like.
Do you use the search BARD feature on the DA2?
Yes, I do. I find it easier than on the electronic device.
You also utilize if we can put things on your wish list and download, do you want to talk about that, how you call us up and everything.
Yes I do that. See, you're going to NLS BARD, and you find it says "search for a book" or gives you the options. And then you hit wish list and then you press the info button, and you go into wish list, and it says download or cancel or queued for download. I like it a lot!
Kelsey loves the new technology in the DA2 over the DS1 and DS1. Yes, I do. I'd recommend it over the main standalone. I feel like this has more accessible features for like blind people or people that it's hard for reading. And I also like that it has for me it has a better handle on the side, the other one the white part would slide in and out.
And also like you said any USB-C cord can work with it as long as you have one cord with you, you should be good.
And it still has the jump drive setting on the side.
Kelsey also uses the Bluetooth capabilities.
You going to info, and you go into user settings and you look for Bluetooth. It takes a while for it to connect, it can be difficult. But it's nice once it's connected it stays.
How do you know if it needs an update, or once you connect it to Wi-Fi does it tell you, or how do you know?
Once you are connected to Wi-Fi, and you hit play, and you go into the settings, it says there's an update available or it notifies you and asks you to do it. I felt like the player worked better once I had it updated.
What are some of your favorite books or series that you've read in talking books?
It was on the last Christmas cartridge. Miracle on 34th Street. My favorite authors are Danielle Steele and Debbie Macomber.
Would you recommend the DA2 to most people, certain people only-what do you say?
I would recommend it to most people, unless they don't like downloading their cartridges and being without their cartridges. I'm the type of person the less clutter I have the better. I really enjoy it; it's a very handy nice tool.
Bob Riibe
And now for thoughts from Bob Riibe, where he talks about the DA2 as well as the Victor Reader Streams, which are third-party players that you can purchase yourself. While the DA2 is something we provide free.
If you are a senior citizen who's not used to the newest modern technology. For one thing, it does too many things. The DA2's menu is non-comprehensible because it goes in so many directions that is disorganized and it serves no purpose unless you want to spend hours and hours trying to learn the machine. But unlike the Victor Stream, which has menus that are organized, was not well thought of by Humanware. The machine just simply will not work if you are a senior citizen who currently is comfortable about using your current device. My advice to any of those of you who would consider doing such a thing is not to, and simply stay with your device.
If you are a younger consumer, a consumer, particularly one who has had computer training, who uses a smartphone, you probably will not find this technology, perhaps, much of a challenge even though the menu is almost non-comprehensible because it jumps all over the map. Because it's not organized it takes longer to learn. But if you don't mind those hiccups, then that technology is for you and you should be able to do fine if you are wanting to try the new technology and like all of the different things that it does.
But if you are a person who enjoys and prefers organization, who was raised with menus that are organized and that have a sense of purpose, then you you want to stay with the current player that you have now. The players that I use right now is the original player that most seniors have (The DA1 or DS1).
The player, though, that I use most is the Humanware Victor Reader Stream 3. I like it because I could listen to it using hands-free headphones. The menu is organized when you, when you get into it. You'll need a little time to learn the Victor Reader 3, but it's-as I indicated in the review I did on the Victor Reader quite some time ago. They don’t make the Victor Reader 2 or Victor Reader Trek anymore, and you're unable to listen to cassettes (cartridges) using the Victor Reader 3. If that is something that you like, then you'll want to stick with the library's technology. But if you don't mind learning how to use BARD to download books directly onto your player, then you'll like the Victor Reader 3. You'll also like it because the Victor Reader 3, you can use any size SD card, and in doing so, you could keep a large, large number of books on your SD card that you have into your Victor Reader 3. Of course, it first goes to your internal memory, and then from there you can download anything you have to your SD card. Other reasons why I like the Victor Reader 3, besides the ability to download a talking books from NLS, is the fact that the Victor Reader 3 has Internet radio, and I do mean Internet radio. You're able to listen to virtually any station that you want, not only in this country but others as well. If you are a person, like me, who enjoys podcasts you can go into the podcast setting and type in the name of the podcast that you want to listen to and from that point on the podcast will eventually be delivered to your to your menu, to your internal memory, and when you listen to podcasts one thing about it is you don't have all the commercials that you have if you listen to the podcast directly from your terrestrial radio.
I want to make sure people understand, I'm not trying to tell anyone what to do as far as what player to use, that's an individual decision, and they're going to have to base that decision on their own technological ability. But if you're at all like me, if you have technological ability but you like organization, and you like a simple format and how to use technology, then the player that you currently have, the DA1, is for you. If you don't mind a tough challenge, and you don't mind that the menu is spread all over the place, and if you don't mind taking longer to learn to use the machine, then the DA2, I'm sure, will work for you.
Thank you to both Kelsey Woman and Bob Riibe for sharing their thoughts on the DA2 digital advanced 2 talking book player. If you would like to share your thoughts or experiences, please tell your reader advisor, and they will have Josh set up an interview time with you for the next newsletter.
New DVDs with Descriptive Audio
New DVDs have Arrived! We're excited to share that we have added 52 new DVDs with descriptive audio tracks to our collection! These films are now ready to be checked out and enjoyed. Below you’ll find a list of titles along with DVD numbers. To request a movie, contact your Reader Advisor-we’re happy to help. You may borrow up to two DVDs at a time and keep them for one month. Enjoy the show!
- DVD01093 The Accountant
- DVD01094 The Amateur
- DVD01096 The Bad Guys 2
- DVD01097 Captain America: Brave New World
- DVD01098 A Complete Unknown
- DVD01099 Despicable Me 4
- DVD01100 Dog Man
- DVD01101 Conclave
- DVD01102 Elio
- DVD01103 F1: The Movie
- DVD01104 The Fall Guy
- DVD01105 The Fantastic Four: First Steps
- DVD01106 Fast X
- DVD01107 Flow (2 DVD's)
- DVD01108 The Forge
- DVD01109 The Friend
- DVD01110 Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
- DVD01111 Harold and the Purple Crayon
- DVD01112 How to Train Your Dragon (Live Action)
- DVD01113 IF
- DVD01114 Jurassic World Rebirth
- DVD01115 Karate Kid: Legends
- DVD01116 The Last Rodeo
- DVD01117 Lilo & Stitch: Big Wave Edition
- DVD01118 M3GAN
- DVD01120 M3GAN 2.0
- DVD01121 Migration
- DVD01122 A Minecraft Movie
- DVD01123 Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning
- DVD01124 Moana 2
- DVD01125 Mufasa: The Lion King
- DVD01126 The Naked Gun (2025)
- DVD01127 One Battle After Another
- DVD01128 One Life
- DVD01129 Ordinary Angels
- DVD01130 Paddington In Peru
- DVD01131 Piece by Piece
- DVD01132 A Quiet Place
- DVD01133 A Quiet Place Part II
- DVD01134 A Quiet Place: Day One
- DVD01135 Roofman
- DVD01137 Snow White (Live Action)
- DVD01138 Sonic the Hedgehog 3
- DVD01139 Sketch
- DVD01140 Superman (2025)
- DVD01141 Thunderbolts* The New Avengers
- DVD01142 Twisters
- DVD01143 The Unbreakable Boy
- DVD01144 Unsung Hero
- DVD01145 Wicked: Part 1
- DVD01146 Wicked: For Good
- DVD01147 Red One
Gifts and Donations
The SD State Library, Accessible Library Services, Braille and Talking Book Library thanks all our generous donors who have contributed to the library in the past several months.
- Doug Puetz "This gift is in honor of Accessible Library Services staff. Keep up the great work!"
- Phyllis E Walters
- In honor of patron James Sui, By Dennis & Susan Helder
"My brother James wanted to donate to Accessible Library Services. He has been using the services since 2020 and truly enjoyed the services, thank you. - Madeline Rose (James Sui's Sister)
Gifts and bequests that are donated to the Braille and Talking Book Library are used to enhance the services that we provide. We appreciate the generosity of those who give, and we miss patrons honored with memorials. All donations are considered charitable donations and therefore are tax-deductible. When donating, please include the address of those to be notified for memorials or donations in honor of a special occasion or person.
The donations that you make are used to help us better serve our patrons. Donations have been used to support programs including the summer/winter reading program, provide DVDs with descriptive audio, and honor volunteers or our readers who are 100 years old or older. You can designate a specific purpose for your gift. If you have any questions, call your reader advisor.
Donations can be sent to:
SD Accessible Library Services
800 Governors Drive
Pierre, SD 57501-2235
Please make checks payable to the "SD Accessible Library Services."
Thank you for helping to enhance and improve library services.
Picture of Accessible Library Services, Braille and Talking Book Library staff.
Front Row Left to Right: Jeanette Munyer, Ginny Kaus, Kathleen Slocum.
Back Row, Left to Right: Madison Bruce, Michelle Loffelmacher, Josh Easter, Jack Mortenson.
Holiday Closings
The library will be closed for the following holiday(s). Please plan to order your books accordingly. Keep in mind that the books you return will take longer to reach us. You may want to order extra books at least one week in advance of the following holidays:
- Monday, Sept. 7, 2026 - Labor Day
- Monday, Oct.12, 2026 - Native American Day (Columbus Day)
- Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 - Veterans Day
- Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026 - Thanksgiving Day and likely Friday, Nov. 27, 2026
- Thursday, Dec. 25, 2026 - Christmas and likely Friday, Dec. 26, 2026
Be prepared for interruptions in service due to weather events. You can ask your reader advisor about possibly increasing the number of books you receive so you don't run out. Or ask how you can download books at home from the BARD website, or on the BARD mobile app for smartphones and tablets, or on your DA2. Please also let your reader advisor know if you are having any issues with the mail-not receiving books or ones you have returned that have not reached us.
The Prairie Trails Newsletter is our means of communication with all patrons of the South Dakota Accessible Library Services. The Prairie Trails Newsletter is made available in digital audio on cartridge, or via email, and is posted on our website in large print and audio.
If you have any questions or comments, or wish to request this newsletter in an alternative format, contact the SD Accessible Library Services.
Write:
South Dakota Accessible Library Services
800 Governors Drive
Pierre, SD 57501-2235
1-800-423-6665 (in SD Only)
Email
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Masthead photo of prairie grasses and pasque flower with sunrise courtesy of South Dakota Department of Tourism © 2019 
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