[nfbwatlk] FW: Welcome To "Reading Matters" From WTBBL

[Nightingale, Noel]

The latest newsletter from WTBBL:

Washington Talking Book & Braille Library

Reading Matters
Summer 2007 Newsletter

Dear Patrons, Volunteers and Friends,

Hope your summer is going well.  Here are two updates 
regarding (1) National library Services' (NLS) digital talking book
(DTB) program and (2) enhanced role of the Patron 
Advisory Council (PAC) during the WTBBL transition process.

In May, NLS representatives unveiled the new digital talking book,
mailing container and player.  Special features of the new DTB system
include a higher sound quality, improved navigation system, and smaller
size measuring 9 x 3 x 11 inches and weighing about 2 pounds.  

In late June/July the House appropriations committee approved a $12.5
million increase for NLS in lieu of the $19.1 million requested.  The
Senate initially agreed with the House.  Final action is expected when
Congress returns in September.  NLS plans to convert cassettes to
digital books even if the program is not fully funded. 

Recently, you received a letter from the Washington State Library (WSL)
outlining its plans for the continuity of services that you have come to
expect, love, and enjoy.  With WSL's support, the PAC decided to
continue with its current members through June 30, 2008, end of the
transition year. PAC's input, along with the advice of others, is
critical to the transition process.  Thank you PAC and WSL for your
ongoing commitment to the Library on behalf of our patrons statewide.

Sincerely,

Gloria J. Leonard

Meet WTBBL's Staff: Alan Bentson & Wes Derby

WTBBL's two Readers' Advisors connect our patrons with interesting and
entertaining books.  Alan Bentson has worked at WTBBL for over 25 years.
He lives in north Seattle, is the Chair of the Washington Council of the
Blind Scholarship Committee, and enjoys reading science fiction,
children's, and young adult literature.  Wes Derby has worked at WTBBL
since 2000.  He lives in Everett, is the proud father of a two-year-old,
and especially enjoys reading mysteries and thrillers.  Wes and Alan
manage the reading profiles of our patrons, so please e-mail
wtbbl at wtbbl.org or call them if you:
 - Would like to receive more or fewer books at a time
 - Heard about a great book and want to know if we have it
 - Have a broken book or cassette player
 - Would like a username and password so you can order books from our
online catalog
 - Are not getting books that you are interested in reading
 - Want books by the same author or on the same subject

WTBBL Program Highlights

On May 12th, the 3rd Annual 10-Squared Talking Book Club event honored
WTBBL's 43 centenarian patrons.  Honorees in attendance included:  Faith
Callahan, 102; Bernard Chichester, 100; Margaret Hawkins, 101; Ruth
Houk, 100; Daisy Murphy,107; Alice Scherner, 102; and Evangeline W.
Shuler, 100. Our 50 guests enjoyed high-tea treats;  featured speaker
Mary Daheim, author of the popular mystery series set in the Northwest;
a media presentation of the attending honorees; and an induction
ceremony to welcome new Club members.

A record 78 elementary-age WTBBL patrons statewide participated in the
"Get a Clue at Your Library" Summer Reading Program, aiming to read at
least 1,000 minutes.  Participants received weekly packets which
included riddles, a folktale puzzle, nature or craft activity, and a
suggested reading list. August events in Seattle and Kennewick featuring
performer Eric Herman celebrated the program's completion.

Upcoming WTBBL Patron Survey

Beginning in September, the Washington State Library (WSL) will conduct
a WTBBL patron survey of 600 randomly selected patrons.  The survey will
help WSL understand which library services are the most important to
patrons and help guide 
future decisions on services and programs as the WSL prepares to assume
full responsibility for administration and operation of WTBBL on July 1,
2008.  

The telephone survey will be conducted by Washington State University
and will take about 12 minutes to complete.  If called, we hope that you
will participate, as we value your input on 
library services and priorities.  If you have questions about the
survey, please contact Cathy Turk at the Washington State 
Library.  She can be reached via email at cturk at secstate.wa.gov or by
phone at 1-888-558-8080.

Volunteer in the News

On June 2nd, WTBBL Evergreen Radio Reading Service (ERRS) volunteer Bill
Wippel received the 2007 Western Washington Excellence in Journalism
award from the Western Washington Chapter of the Society of Professional
Journalists (SPJ).  Bill, a retired KIRO radio broadcaster, has
volunteered at WTBBL since 2003.  You can hear him read the Tuesday
Seattle Times and Seattle Post-Intelligencer newspapers on ERRS every
week.

Volunteer Braille Proofreaders Needed!

Tactile braille proofreaders are needed to help proofread
newly-transcribed braille materials with a sighted monitor as a
proofreading team. Proofreaders should have good command of English and
know the formats and rules of braille.  Volunteers must be able to
commit two hours weekly.  To volunteer, please call 206-615-0417 or
email volunteer at wtbbl.org.

Library Tip - Please rewind your talking book cassettes and return them
promptly so other patrons may enjoy them too!

Recommended Reads
WLT:  A Radio Romance by Garrison Keillor 
In 1926, brothers Ray and Roy Sodebjerg decided to launch their own
radio station, WLT, to advertise their struggling restaurant.  The
station prospers as characters fill the airwaves with news, comedy, and
romance. 
Cassette book RC 33947.  Large print book LP 11123.  Braille book BR
8714.

No Finish Line:  My Life as I See It by Marla Runyan
In 2000, the author became the first legally blind athlete to compete in
the Olympic Games.  In her memoirs, she discusses overcoming her anger
about her vision loss, exceeding expectations both on and off the track,
and confronting prejudices. 
Cassette book CBA 7347.  Braille book BR 14414.

The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman
When Emily Pollifax, a widow of sixty-three, is told by her doctor that
the cure for depression is a job, she applies for the only one that
interests her -- a position as a spy with the C.I.A.  
Cassette book RC 38703.  Large Print book LP 3901.

WTBBL
2021 9th Avenue 
Seattle, WA  
98121-2783

(206) 615-0400
(800) 542-0866
(206) 615-0418 TTY

wtbbl at wtbbl.org

www.wtbbl.org