Friends of MD State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

08/31/2025

TUG Meeting Announcement
iOS 26
This program will begin at 10 a.m. and will be recorded.

On Saturday, September 27, at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) will reveal the latest changes coming to the iPhone’s operating system (iOS 26). Will these changes aid in accessibility or prove to be just hype?

The presentation will begin at 10 AM and last sixty minutes.

Who should attend?

All iPhone users
Individuals who are considering getting a smartphone.
Call in Number:

1-301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 656 203 7293​ #


One tap mobile
+13017158592,,6562037293 #

Webcast:

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

08/13/2025

LBPD Events
August EventsStructured Literacy event
LBPD Live: Structured Literacy: What It Is, How It Supports Students with Exceptional Needs, and How It Relates to the Home
August 20, 2025

6:00 p.m. EST

Join the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled for a webinar, presented by the DC Capital Area Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (DC-IDA). This session will introduce the principles of structured literacy, a research-based approach that is proven to help students, including those with dyslexia and other exceptional learning needs, develop strong reading and writing skills. Together, we will explore what structured literacy looks like in practice, why it is so effective for struggling readers, and how families can support this learning at home.

This talk will be led by Kelly Fox, M.S.Ed. Language and Literacy. Kelly Fox is currently a DC Public School First Grade Teacher and Vice President of the Board of the Directors of DC-IDA. Kelly Fox is a veteran educator with several certifications, specifically: Reading Specialist (K-12), TESOL (K-12), Bilingual Education (K-12), and Elementary Education. Kelly Fox has a deep and long-standing commitment to addressing the needs of dyslexic thinkers and learners with learning differences, as well as their families and professionals, as a teacher, a speaker, and an advocate.

Register here: https://marylandlibraries.zoom.us/meeting/register/zfZFJ5o8RLSMoJQLj53o7A



Clayworks Info
LBPD Event: Baltimore Clayworks
August 22, 2025

12:00 p.m. EST

Baltimore Clayworks will host a tactile educational experience for library patrons, including instruction on hand-building coils and pinch pots. The experience will also include clay samples in various states for the participants to touch. An Instructor representing Baltimore Clayworks will teach up to 20 students, ages 8 to Adult, on Friday, August 22, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Baltimore Clayworks: 5707 Smith Ave, Baltimore. MD.Note that this program will not be at LBPD and transportation arrangements should be made to and from Baltimore Clayworks.

Register here:https://marylandlibraries.libcal.com/calendar/ExternalCalendar/BaltmoreClayworks25

Class title
Intro to Ballet for Blind and Low Vision Participants In-Person
Saturday, August 23, 2025,

11 a.m. EST

In-Person at 415 Park Ave., Baltimore, MD 21201

Registration required. A minimum of four people are needed for the class to proceed. The class is capped at 10 people.

Join us for a joyful, movement-filled hour designed primarily for individuals who are blind or have low vision! Taught by experienced dance instructor Robyn Hughes, this introductory ballet class focuses on body awareness, graceful movement, and creative expression. No prior dance experience is needed, just the ability to move your arms and legs comfortably.

Robyn will guide students through basic ballet positions and flowing routines with clear verbal instructions, while trained assistants provide optional physical guidance through gentle touch. This supportive and encouraging environment is perfect for anyone looking to explore movement in a new and inclusive way.

Registration is required, and the class will only be held if at least four students sign up. Class size is limited to ten participants to ensure personal attention and a safe, welcoming experience.

Let your body move, your spirit lift, and your creativity shine. Sign up today and try something new!

Register here: https://marylandlibraries.libcal.com/event/14855965

Robyn Hughes, a lifelong patron of the MLBPD, is an adult ballet student at the Baltimore Ballet School and recently performed the Firebird Pas de Deux at Goucher College with internationally renowned dancer Cem Catbas. She has trained through elite, disability-inclusive programs such as American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet’s Access Workshops. Robyn has taught introductory ballet classes to students with visual impairments at the National Federation of the Blind and the Maryland School for the Blind. In addition to her arts background, she holds advanced degrees in Jewish Studies and History, and is training in audio description and braille transcription.

Cooking Class
LBPD Live: Sabor y Tradición: Virtual Cooking with the Artesanas
Get ready for a flavorful evening in the kitchen. Join Creative Alliance’s Artesanas for a live, interactive virtual cooking class from our Creativity Center community kitchen. In this hour-long, step-by-step session, you will learn how to make tacos de pollo (chicken) and fresh salsa in real time, cooking along with one of our talented Artesanas.

This special program marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15), which honors the cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities. While this is our only live celebration this year, we invite you to continue exploring and learning through our curated Hispanic Heritage Month reading list, available on our website.

Register Here:

https://marylandlibraries.zoom.us/meeting/register/gJjhCSX6SBGlUvhbbfkMAQ

If you need help registering or have questions, please reach out to:

Ashley Biggs

410-230-2430

Get ready for a flavorful evening in the kitchen. Join Creative Alliance’s Artesanas for a live, interactive virtual cooking class from our Creativity Center community kitchen. In this hour-long, step-by-step session, you will learn how to make tacos de pollo (chicken) and fresh salsa in real time...

08/11/2025

Structured Literacy
What It Is, How It Supports Students with Exceptional Needs, and How It Relates to the Home
Wednesday, August 20 at 6PM
Join the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled for a webinar, presented by the DC Capitol Area Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. This session will introduce the principles of structured literacy, a research-based approach that is proven to help students, including those with dyslexia and other exceptional learning needs, develop strong reading and writing skills. Together, we will explore what structured literacy looks like in practice, why it is so effective for struggling readers, and how families can support this learning at home.

This talk will be led by Kelly Fox, M.S.Ed. Language and Literacy. Kelly Fox is currently a DC Public School First Grade Teacher and Vice President for the volunteer board of DC-IDA. Kelly Fox is a veteran educator with several certifications, specifically: Reading Specialist (K-12), TESOL (K-12), Bilingual Education (K-12), and Elementary Education. Kelly Fox has a deep and long-standing commitment to addressing the needs of dyslexic thinkers and learners with learning differences, as well as their families and professionals, as a teacher, a speaker, and an advocate.

Register here:

Join the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled for a webinar, presented by the DC Capitol Area Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. This session will introduce the principles of structured literacy, a research-based approach that is proven to help students, including t...

08/01/2025

TUG Meeting Announcement
BARD Website and DA2 Release
This program will begin at 10 a.m. and will be recorded.

On Saturday, August 9, at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) profiles recent changes to the NLS website and equipment. The DA2 will soon be going out to qualified patrons who can utilize the player’s advanced options. Learn what the DA2 can do well, what’s different from the previous player, and what may surprise you.

BARD 2.0 is the new NLS website for NLS’s Maryland patrons. Many changes have occurred, and these new features will be showcased.

The presentation will begin at 10 AM and last sixty minutes.

Who should attend?

Current BARD patrons, especially those who use the BARD website.
Individuals who have the current NLS advanced player, aka the DA1.
Curious tech enthusiasts.
Call in Number:

1-301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 656 203 7293​ #


One tap mobile
+13017158592,,6562037293 #

Webcast:

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

07/24/2025

Remembering Gary Hawbaker

Gary Hawbaker joined the Friends Board of the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled on January 6, 2024 as an advocate for disabled veterans. Because he lived in Hagerstown, he was welcomed virtually and attended all meetings via Zoom, although he attended the General Meeting in person at the library on Saturday, October 25, 2024. All the Friends, Patrons, and attendees were happy to meet him, and this reporter spoke extensively with him about his time in the United States Air Force as an Airman First Class. After his working life as an entrepreneur and business owner, he also volunteered with the Boy Scouts before joining up with the Friends of LBPD.
Gary passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at age 58. He will be missed by all the Friends for his affable demeanor and his insights into veterans issues and contributions to the Board.

Image: photo of Gary Hawbaker

07/21/2025

Events at LBPD and Beyond!
Happening Soon
Have questions:

reference.desk@maryland.gov | 410-230-2424 | lbpd.maryland.gov

Exploring Color Through Sound and Emotion
As part of our Color Our World Summer Reading Program, join us for a special virtual event that reimagines the way we experience color through sound and emotion. Presented by members of Tau Beta Sigma at Towson University, this interactive session is designed for individuals who are blind or have visual impairments. Using carefully selected audio clips, participants will explore how different sounds can represent the feelings and moods often associated with colors. Discover how music and emotion bring color to life, and explore how color is utilized in design and storytelling to create atmosphere and convey meaning.

Monday, July 21

6:00 p.m. EST

via Zoom

This free program is open to all ages, and no prior knowledge of music or color theory is needed.

Register Here

Baltimore Clayworks
Baltimore Clayworks will host a tactile educational experience for library patrons, including instruction on hand-building coils and pinch pots. The experience will also include clay samples in various states for the participants to touch. An instructor representing Baltimore Clayworks will teach up to 20 students, ages 8 to Adult, on Friday, July 25, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, 415 Park Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21201. A maximum of 20 people may attend. Registration is required.

NLS Family Day
Do you listen to audiobooks? Have you ever wondered how to read braille? Do you or someone you know have dyslexia? Learn all about the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) and how it serves Library of Congress patrons and their families.

Saturday, July 19

10:30 a.m. EST to 3:30 p.m. EST

In-person, ticket required

Activities Include:

Audiobook Narrator Demos (tickets here)
Interactive Tactile Touch Displays
Introduction to reading and writing braille

07/11/2025

TUG Meeting Announcement
Alexa Plus
This program will begin at 10 a.m. and will be recorded.

On Saturday, July 12, at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) takes an in depth look at Alexa Plus and showcases recent Alexa skills. These skills cover a wide range of topics from games to services.

The presentation will begin at 10 AM and last sixty minutes. Who should attend?

Individuals owning Echo devices or who have Alexa on their
phones, computers or tablets.
Smart-speaker game enthusiasts.
Individuals seeking to learn what services can be provided by
smart speakers.
Call in Number:

1-301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 656 203 7293​ #


One tap mobile
+13017158592,,6562037293 #

Webcast:

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

07/11/2025

This just in from Jerry Price:

My Tech News
Summer 2025 Edition.
A service of the Technology User Group at the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled. Feel free to share this newsletter.

iOS 26 Promises More Accessibility Features
Apple recently announced its upcoming accessibility features for iOS 26, which will be released in the fall. iOS is the operating system for iDevices, such as iPhones and iPads. The following are some of the newly announced features.

Accessibility Nutrition Labels will provide more detailed information about accessibility for apps and games on the App Store. The labels will give users a new way to learn if an app will be accessible before they download it, making it easier for users to make informed decisions about their App Store purchases.

Braille Access is an all-new experience that can turn an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Vision Pro into a full-featured braille note taker that’s deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. With a built-in app launcher, users can easily open any app by typing with Braille Screen Input or a connected braille device. With Braille Access, users can quickly take notes in braille format and perform calculations using Nemeth Braille, a braille code often used in classrooms for math and science. Users can open Braille Ready Format (BRF) files directly from Braille Access, unlocking a wide range of books and files previously created on a braille note-taking device. In addition, an integrated form of Live Captions allows users to transcribe conversations in real time directly on braille displays.

Accessibility Reader is a new systemwide reading mode designed to make text easier to read for users with a wide range of disabilities, such as dyslexia or low vision. Available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro, Accessibility Reader gives users new ways to customize text and focus on the content they want to read, with extensive options for font, color, and spacing, as well as support for Spoken Content. Accessibility Reader can be launched from any app and is built into the Magnifier app for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, so users can interact with text in the real world, like in books or on dining menus.

Accessing Audio Description: Hear What You’ve Been Missing
Many individuals who are low vision or blind find audio described programming to be useful and informative. However, audio described content can be challenging to play. Let’s look at some popular streaming services and the techniques for getting audio description to work.

First, you must find out if audio description is even an option. The American Council of the Blind has a master list of all audio described movies either currently available in theaters or archived. You can find that list at

ADP Master List of Audio Described Videos (acb.org). The master list also includes TV shows.

The next thing you need to do is turn on the Audio Description accessibility tool on your iPhone. To turn on this tool, do the following:

Open Settings with Siri.
Swipe with one finger to the right until you find Accessibility, and double tap.
Swipe to the right until you hear Audio Description, and make sure this option is in the “on” position. The Audio Description button toggles with a double tap.
Even though audio description is now turned on, it does not mean that every streaming service will recognize the utility. Apple content, though, should play as expected.

A number of content streamers allow users access to audio description by doing the following:

Start a video.
Double tap the video with one finger to bring up the Viewing and Listening menu.
Put your phone in landscape mode.
Swipe with one finger from left to right until you hear the Audio and Subtitles button.
Double tap the Audio and Subtitles button with one finger.
Swipe with one finger to go through the options.
If audio description is offered, it will appear in the Audio and Subtitles menu as either “audio description English” or “US AD.”
Double tap with one finger to select the audio description option your streaming site uses.
You may have to then double tap on the Back Button or Close Button.
You may also have to double tap on Play.
Each streaming site is a bit different. Certain streaming services, such as Prime Video and Netflix, will learn to turn on audio description because you have used it in the past.

YouTube TV has an interesting way to turn on audio described content. The steps are:

Begin playing a video.
Double tap on the More Options button, which will be near the extreme right. Your video quality, captions, and other menu items will appear. If there is a chance your content is described, you will hear Primary button. Double tapping the Primary button will bring up the Secondary button, which provides a variety of options. Double tap the Secondary button, and see what happens. You may have options for audio description, or you may have a foreign language. You might even have a tertiary option that you can test.
Hadley Podcasts Available by Phone
Hadley, an educational nonprofit for individuals who are blind or have low vision, now offers several podcasts via phone, including Hadley Presents and Insights & Sound Bites. To listen to these podcast episodes, featuring both experts and community members, call 847-558-1317. Braille for Everyday Use, a series of interactive workshops, is also available at 800-323-4238. For more information, visit www.hadleyhelps.org External or email info@hadleyhelps.org.

News on Alexa
You have probably discovered that your Echo device plays many services and podcasts. One of these informational services is the news. Here is a list of some of the broadcasts you can listen to and the Alexa commands for how to access them.

ABC: Play ABC News update

Al Jazeera: Play Al Jazeera update

AP: Play AP News update

BBC: Play BBC News update

CBC: Enable CBC skill

CBS: Play 24-hour CBS News

CNN: Plays CNN News podcast

CNN International: Play CNN International News

(CNN International requires the TuneIn App. This news program will play from TuneIn if the app is on your phone.)

Fox: Play Fox News update

NBC: Enable NBC News skill

NPR: Play NPR News update

NY Times: Play The Daily podcast

Washington Post: Play the Washington Post podcast

Join the Technology User Group on July 12th as we explore other Alexa skills!

NLS Books on Computers and Software
The book titles listed below are currently available or will soon be available in the NLS collection. If you are interested in receiving any of these selections, please contact the Reference Desk at the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled at (410) 230-2443 or email reference.desk@maryland.gov.

A Windows Screen Reader Primer: All the Basics and More (Third Edition)

By David Kingsbury

DB121117

David Kingsbury is an Assistive Technology Instructor at the Carroll Center for the Blind. This book is meant to help beginning and intermediate JAWS, NVDA, and Windows Narrator users work more effectively with the most important PC applications – like Microsoft Office, email clients, and web browsers. These applications include the Windows operating system, the four primary Office Suite applications (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint), and the three most commonly used web browsers (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox). Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive for Desktop, the three most popular cloud-based file-sharing programs, are also covered. So, too, is Adobe Acrobat Reader for accessing PDF files. Participating in, scheduling, and hosting Zoom meetings is also discussed. Appendices include a list of keystrokes, a glossary with over 100 definitions of computer-related terms, academic-style guide requirements for formatting Word documents, and a set of practice exercises. New topics since the second edition include a chapter on using the most popular Google Workspace applications, an introduction to artificial intelligence (AI), and audio and video editing.



Basic Training for NVDA

By NV Access

DB118858

BR025361

The Basic Training for NVDA eBook is the first module in the official set of training materials for learning to use the free NVDA screen reader. This eBook is suitable for the new and existing user wishing to improve proficiency. Topics covered include: getting started with NVDA and Windows, basic configuration, writing and editing text, document formatting, file management, multitasking, browsing the web, using the review cursor, and object navigation.

Windows 11 for Dummies

By Andy Rathbone

DB109227

Windows 11 promises to be the fastest, most secure, and most flexible version of the Microsoft operating system yet. With a promise like that, of course you want to start using it as quickly as possible! Windows 11 for Dummies gives you that speed, security, and flexibility by getting you up to date with the latest in Windows. Windows expert and bestselling author Andy Rathbone gives you a helping hand by showing you how to get around the newly updated Windows 11 interface, how to use the new Windows tools like Teams and widgets, and how to use Android apps. Your tour of Windows 11 starts with the Start menu and ends with how to troubleshoot when things go wrong. In between, you find out how to find files on your hard drive, connect with friends and colleagues on Microsoft Teams, transfer photos from your phone to your hard drive, and switch between your desktop and laptop. Additional topics include: navigating the Start menu, finding where your files are hiding, adding separate user accounts to keep your kids out of your business, connecting to a Wi-Fi network, customizing your widgets, and switching to a laptop or tablet. You know what you want to get done. Keep Windows 11 for Dummies by your desktop, laptop and tablet, and you can open it at any time to find out how to get your Windows computer to do what you need.



Windows 11 for Seniors for Dummies

By Curt Simmons

DB109228

What do you want to do with your Windows computer? Sign up for Facebook to keep up with your friends? Watch a video taken during the latest family trip? Find your latest email messages with a single click of the mouse? Look no further than Windows 11 for Seniors for Dummies to discover how to do these tasks and others that you use on a daily basis. With this guide to the popular operating system, you find the clear and easy instructions to checking tech tasks off your to-do list. This book focuses on giving you the steps you need – with plenty of helpful illustrations – to complete the essential tasks that you perform throughout your day, like connecting with friends on social media, customizing your Windows 11 desktop with personal photos, and emailing the family about weekend plans. You also find out how to navigate Windows 11 and enhance it with the apps and widgets that you regularly use. Other topics include: adding shortcuts to favorite apps, personalizing your desktop, creating your private Windows account, setting up the email app, having news delivered to your desktop, chasing down lost files, tweaking your digital photos, and setting your security and forgetting about it. Reach for Windows 11 for Seniors for Dummies whether you need a basic introduction to Windows, want a refresher on Windows 11, or have a question you want answered right away. You can then spend less time looking for help on how your computer works and more time enjoying the fun parts of life.

The Rotor
The rotor gesture for the iPhone is considered to be the hardest move to master. Place your thumb and forefinger in the center of the screen and turn to the left (counterclockwise). As you turn, you should hear items such as language, speaking rate, words, characters, etc. Of these, speaking rate is probably the most important to a new smart phone user. Once you hear the device say “Speaking Rate,” then you can either flick up with one finger to increase the speaking rate or flick down with one finger to decrease it. Once the speaking rate is set, you may want to do the rotor move again so that the focus in no longer on that option.

There is a second option if the rotor gesture should prove to be too difficult. Place your forefinger from one hand on the center of your phone. Now take the forefinger from your other hand and begin to make a semi-circle above the finger that is planted on the phone. You should hear the options mentioned above.

If you want to add or subtract the options mentioned in rotor, ask Siri to launch your VoiceOver settings and swipe to Rotor. Now you can select or deselect items by doing a one finger double tap on each item presented.

Technology User Group Meetings
All Technology User Group (TUG) meetings can be joined via Zoom:

https://marylandlibraries.zoom.us/j/6562037293



Meeting ID: 656 203 7293

---

One tap mobile +13017158592,,6562037293 #

Upcoming TUG Topics:

July 12: New Skills for Smart Speakers

August 9: BARD 2.0 and the DA2

September 13: What To Expect with iOS 26

Most Recent Podcast Recording
Listen Now!

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

07/04/2025

LBPD Bi-Monthly Newsletter
July/August 2025
Library Contact Information:

lbpd.maryland.gov | reference.desk@maryland.gov | 410-230-2424

Adult Event Survey
Library survey
Help shape 2026 events!
Help us plan meaningful, engaging programs for adults in 2026 by completing our short survey! Your feedback will shape future events, from life skills workshops to social gatherings and cultural outings. It only takes a few minutes and helps ensure we’re meeting your needs and interests. Please share your thoughts by Thursday, July 18 — your voice matters!

https://forms.gle/3CGU6K4r4wSaf6DdA

Dyslexia Summit 2025
Join the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled for the Dyslexia Summit on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST. This free, virtual event will explore dyslexia through expert speakers, advocacy resources, and assistive technology demonstrations. Keynote speakers include Drs. Brock and Fernette Eide of Dyslexic Advantage. Learn more at: https://msla.maryland.gov/Pages/Dyslexia-Summit.aspx.

Technology User Group - Learn. Discuss. Share.
Technology User Group - hands reading an electronic braille reader.

Technology User Group
The next three Technology User Group meetings will be held on:

July 12: New Skills for Smart Speakers

August 9: BARD 2.0 and the DA2

September 13: What To Expect with iOS 26

All meetings begin at 10:00 a.m., and can be accessed by either calling in or via Zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting:

Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 656 203 7293

Call in Number:
1-301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 656 203 7293​ #

One Tap Mobile:
+13017158592,,6562037293 #

Podcast - Learn. Discuss. Share.
Podcast - microphone on black background

Listen to the latest podcast!
Listen to the latest podcast here
Youth Highlights
Youth Highlights
Cindy Freland Collection

The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled is excited to celebrate the addition of the Cindy Freland collection -- captivating children’s books that bring Maryland’s wildlife and history to life! Freland’s engaging storytelling and vivid descriptions make her books a fantastic addition for young readers who love adventure and learning about the Chesapeake Bay. To mark this special occasion, all new patrons under 18 will receive a free, adorable crab plush when they sign up. Don’t miss this chance to explore these delightful stories and welcome a cuddly new friend! If you want to learn more, please contact the Youth Reference Desk at kidsdesk.lbpd@maryland.gov.
Cindy Freland Flyer
Introducing Remind!
Life is busy! Need a reminder?

Keep track of LBPD youth programs with Remind. Receive updates via text, app, or email notifications. Download the Remind app on your smartphone.

Kids: Use the link: rmd.at/db3hefg.

Teens: Use the link: rmd.at/7ebgc6.

OR

Kids: Text to number 81010.

Teens: Text to number 81010.



“Color Our World”
Color Our World Graphic
2025 Summer Reading, Summer Fun!
This summer, the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) and the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) invite patrons of all ages to celebrate creativity, literacy, and imagination through their seasonal reading programs.

For youth under the age of 18, LBPD’s Summer Reading Challenge runs from June 21 through August 15 and is built around the vibrant theme, “Color Our World.” Upon registration, participants will receive a hands-on Art Starter Pack that includes Wikki Stix, tactile objects, and a canvas board. The challenge encourages young readers to explore the arts — drawing, painting, fiber crafts, storytelling, photography, 3D art, and more — while engaging with books and library programs throughout the summer. As they complete activities, participants can earn additional art materials, raffle entries, and prizes. Artworks may be featured at the library at the end of the summer, creating a sense of celebration and community for young artists and readers.

Adults are encouraged to take part in the NLS Summer Reading Program, which also runs from June 16 through August 15. This national program invites adult patrons to attend a wide range of accessible virtual events. Highlights include a live reading with bestselling author Mac Barnett, a storytelling hour with professional storyteller Donna Washington, and a hands-on gardening workshop led by a master gardener — each event designed to be engaging, inclusive, and inspiring. Participating adults can enjoy programs that support lifelong learning, spark creativity, and build community across the country.

Whether you’re a young artist discovering new textures and stories or an adult reader looking to connect and explore, this summer offers meaningful and enriching opportunities for everyone in the LBPD and NLS communities.

Magazines
Magazine Highlight
Please contact the library to subscribe to this or any other magazines.

Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine (available in 2025)

The magazine comes out bimonthly in both ebraille (BARD) and braille format. It is a literary magazine specializing in crime and detective fiction, includes original short works, reviews of lengthier mystery works, and mystery-themed contests and puzzles.

NLS Talking Book Machine, eReader, and digital cartridge
Collections Connections
With hundreds of thousands of audio and braille books and magazines available from NLS, it’s hard to know where to start when searching. Collections Connections, a free email newsletter from the NLS Collection Development staff, can help. Each month it highlights fiction and nonfiction titles focused on a timely theme. To sign up, send your name and email address to the Collection Connections team at connections@loc.gov. You can unsubscribe yourself from the list at any time.

Library events
Upcoming Events:
LBPD Event: Exploring Color Through Sound and Emotion
July 21, 6:00 p.m. EST (virtual)

Presented by members of Tau Beta Sigma at Towson University, this interactive session is designed for individuals who are blind or have visual impairments. Using carefully selected audio clips, participants will explore how different sounds can represent the feelings and moods often associated with colors. Learn how music and emotion bring color to life, and discover how color is used in design and storytelling to create atmosphere and meaning. This free program is open to all ages, and no prior knowledge of music or color theory is needed. Registration required.

LBPD Event: Intro to Ballet for Blind and Low Vision Participants
August 21, 11 a.m. EST (in person)

Join us for a joyful, movement-filled hour designed primarily for individuals who are blind or have low vision! Taught by experienced dance instructor Robyn Hughes, this introductory ballet class focuses on body awareness, graceful movement, and creative expression. No prior dance experience is needed, just the ability to move your arms and legs comfortably. Registration required. A minimum of four people are needed for the class to proceed. The class is capped at 10 people.

Get Ready for College
College Textbooks
The Maryland Accessible Textbook program helps students with print disabilities access their required textbooks in accessible formats. The program works with publishers and alternate format providers to convert textbooks into MP3, DAISY, PDF, or Word files so students can read and study more easily. To sign up, students must complete a student agreement form and provide proof of a qualifying disability. Applications should include detailed textbook information and proof of purchase. Materials are delivered through download or physical media, and technical support is available if needed. This program is open to Maryland students enrolled in a 2 or 4 year brick and mortar institution. Learn more here: https://msla.maryland.gov/Pages/Textbooks.aspx.

Hello Summer Reading
Collection Highlights
July/August 2025
July is Disability Pride Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of individuals with disabilities worldwide.

The Blind Woodsman: One Man’s Journey to Find His Purpose on the Other Side of Darkness, by Anni and John Furniss

BR 25567

DB 122631

The Blind Woodsman is an inspiring autobiography about a man who finds joy after struggling with depression, drug addiction, anxiety, and financial despair. Despite being blind, John is now a highly skilled woodworker creating incredible pieces of art in complete darkness. A story that will give hope and inspiration to those dealing with depression, addiction and the many anxiety driven stresses in our lives.

Sipping Dom Pérignon through a Straw: Reimagining Success as a Disabled Achiever, by Eddie Ndopu

DB 116797

Born with spinal muscular atrophy and told he wouldn't live past five, humanitarian Eddie Ndopu defied expectations. Despite thriving academically and becoming a sought-after speaker on disability justice, his full scholarship acceptance to Oxford University revealed further challenges. Ndopu's journey highlights the exclusion, discrimination, and neglect faced by people with disabilities, even as he soared professionally. Juggling demanding academics, a revolving door of care aides, and the loneliness of being the only one, Ndopu's story, written with one finger, is a powerful testament to resilience against ableism.

Braille Boy, by ZuZu Sampson

For grades preschool - 2

BR 25730

DBC 30394

Braille Boy is a captivating book written by a nine-year-old who was unable to find braille books with certain characters. Frustrated by the lack of options, exacerbated by his impairment, he decided to write and publish his books. Braille Boy is a fictional story featuring Braille Boy and Braille Alien. Braille Boy fights off Braille Alien, who seeks to confuse Braille readers. Braille Boy teaches valuable lessons to children while introducing the basic concept of braille.

More or less Maddy, by Lisa Genova

DB 127893

Overwhelmed NYU freshman Maddy Banks, after a breakup and feeling like an outcast, spirals into a terrifying mania culminating in a bipolar disorder diagnosis. As she struggles to find her way in this new reality, navigating the complex effects bipolar has on her identity, her relationships, and her life dreams, Maddy will have to figure out how to manage being both too much and not enough.

New Collection
Marylandia Updates
July/August 2025
Suspense

Vital Spark: Chesapeake Tugboat Murders, Book 1, by Leah Devlin, narrated by Janet Sanford

DBC 12462

After eking out a living as an adjunct professor, fisheries ecologist Alex Allaway lands a job running a small marine station back in her hometown. Arriving in River Glen to surprise her grandfather with the good news, Alex is horrified to discover him dead, a bloody dagger in his heart. His clenched fist grasps a piece of pirate gold and a cryptic map with her name on it. While the police investigate the murder, Alex begins her own search for answers. Aboard the tugboat Vital Spark, she sails the Chesapeake in pursuit of treasure that belonged to a distant relative, the pirate Giles Blood-hand. But descendants of a rival pirate family are also looking for the bounty that's been hidden for over three centuries.

NLS Logo
PBS documentary features NLS

Earlier this year, PBS visited the National Library Service (NLS) to film a short video highlighting how "talking books" for blind readers in the 1930s sparked the modern audiobook industry. The video, Audiobooks and the Accessibility Revolution, features NLS's Tamara Rorie discussing the history and evolution of NLS audiobooks and her personal experience as a patron. It also includes insights from the American Foundation for the Blind and Audible. The video is part of The Curb Cut Effect series by American Experience, which showcases how accessibility innovations benefit everyone.

The audio described video can be watched here: https://youtu.be/E4tifOhUJws?si=PcTP2BCv13HafbNw.

Baltimore, The City of Accessible Arts: Public Convening
Accessible Art
The event “Baltimore, The City of Accessible Arts: Public Convening” is a free, in-person and virtual meeting hosted by the Enoch Pratt Free Library at its Central Branch on July 11, 2025. The incubator gathering brings together museums, public art spaces, disability justice activists, and artists with disabilities for screenings, panels, exhibitions, and community dialogue—and offers full accessibility including ASL interpreters, audio description, and sensory breaks. Learn more here: https://calendar.prattlibrary.org/event/baltimore-the-city-of-accessible-arts-public-convening.

Help us shape next year’s adult programs! If you have difficulty with this form, please contact: ashley.biggs1@maryland.gov or call 410-230-2430. Below are examples of adult-focused programs we offered in 2024 and 2025: Dementia Webinar Tactile Tour of Maryland Nature Museum and Guinness Brewery F...