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Upstate Update

Your Source for New York State Talking Book and Braille Library News

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In This Issue:

A Message from the Director

Check Out the NLS Spanish-Language Website

International Language Books Available Through TBBL

Providing Services for Children and Adults with Print Disabilities

TBBL Staff Picks

NLS Patron Corner

NLS Music Section

TBBL Hours and Contact Info:

Monday through Friday,

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Reader advisors are available between 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Toll-free: 1-800-342-3688

Fax: (518) 474-7041

tbbl@nysed.gov

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Cultural Education Center building from a distance. The tops of trees block the bottom of the building. Tall buildings are on either side.

A Message from Shawn Lemieux, Director

At the NYS Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL), we strive to provide exceptional service to individuals who qualify due to reading disabilities, physical disabilities, low vision, or no vision. Our focus is on you, our patrons, and ensuring that we meet your needs and preferences.

When you first join TBBL, one of our Reader Advisors (RA) will contact you by phone or email to personalize your service. We offer a variety of delivery methods, including instant downloads to the Braille and Audio Reading Download app (BARD Mobile), downloads to a USB cartridge or flash drive (BARD), and cartridge orders with the titles of your choice sent through the United States Postal Service straight to your mailbox.

If you want to update your reading preferences, increase or decrease the number of titles on each order, or find your next great read, contact TBBL to speak to a Reader Advisor. We want to ensure that you receive the best service possible, and adjustments can be made at any time. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.

Check Out the NLS Spanish-Language Website

The new NLS website provides general information and resources in Spanish, which will be useful to both current and prospective patrons. Access the new website by visiting the NLS homepage, or learn more about the program and how to apply, all en español.

International Language Books Available Through TBBL

The NLS continues to add more international language books to their catalog! To help locate titles, check out issues of the International Language Quarterly (ILQ). The ILQ highlights popular new titles added to the collection. The latest issue features 159 books in seventeen languages!

Read International Language Quarterly (ILQ) from NLS

Providing Services for Children and Adults with Print Disabilities

The Talking Book and Braille Library is home to an extensive collection of reading and informational materials for folks who are unable to use standard print materials due to a visual, physical, or reading disability. Our team is available to connect readers with the appropriate format, such as downloadable audio books or Braille, and to help in locating and obtaining books.

Do you know a child, student, or adult who may benefit from these services? Applications for TBBL service for both adults and children are available on the TBBL website.

Learn More on Our Website

Looking for something to read? Check out these Staff Picks!

Nonfiction fans, be sure to browse our list of biographies.

For our fiction fans, our list kicking off 2023 has a great selection of romance, mystery, and bestselling titles.

NLS Patron Corner

The NLS Patron Engagement Section (PES) will host a series of informational sessions through its new Patron Corner. The Patron Corner offers programs and resources to help enhance your library experience. Quarterly sessions share information around a specific topic and provide an opportunity for patrons to learn more about library services directly from NLS staff.

NLS Music Section

In addition to the Patron Corner, the NLS Music Section will start hosting a quarterly virtual event where patrons can learn in depth about selected music topics. Beginning in the spring, the quarterly Music Notes Meeting will occur on the fourth Tuesday of the first month of each quarter, at 7:00 p.m. eastern time. The remaining 2023 sessions will be held on July 25 and October 24.

Learn more about PES services and the Patron Corner!

Click Here to View This Newsletter as a Webpage

The NYS Talking Book and Braille Library newsletter is delivered to your email four times a year. Current and previous versions of the Upstate Update are available on our website. If you are having trouble accessing the newsletter, please contact our library.