See Note Newsletter
Previous editions of the See Note Newsletter are available here
Newsletter of the Utah State Library for the Blind and Disabled
Winter 2013 - Number 91
This newsletter is available in Braille, on cassette, or via email by contacting the library.
Download alternate forms of this newsletter:
| Large Text (.pdf) | Braille (.brf) | Audio (.mp3) |
Table of Contents:
Braille Calendars for 2013 Now Available
The library is once again providing braille calendars, compliments of American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults. If you have not already requested one, please check the Reader Response Sheet (page 3 of this newsletter). You may also telephone the library or email the library (blind@utah.gov) to request this item.
The large print edition of For Younger Readers, 2010-2011 is now available. It includes all braille, cassette, and digital books for all ages from preschool through young adult produced by the Library of Congress during 2010-2011. Titles are arranged by nonfiction subject or type of fiction. If you have not already received a copy, (it is green in color), please check the Reader Response Sheet (page 3 of this newsletter). You may also telephone the library or email the library (blind@utah.gov) to request this item.
Please Rewind and Mark Damaged Cassette Books
Most cassette book readers have noticed that they are receiving cassette books that may contain cassettes that have not been rewound or are damaged. The library no longer uses volunteers to open, inspect, and rewind cassette books. The library’s circulation device does verify that the correct cassettes are in the container and that the contents are complete.
So, please rewind cassettes that you return to the library. If a cassette is damaged, please indicate this by marking the “DAMAGED” box on the yellow side of the address card that has the library’s address. To receive a replacement copy, you may either call the library or mark the box under “DAMAGED” that says
“SEND ANOTHER COPY.”
Thank you for your help.
The services available through the State Library (USL) Blind and Disabled Program could not happen without the dedication of volunteers who faithfully give their time to record and edit books for audio playback. Recording is done at the State Library building located at 250 N 1950 W in Salt Lake. Parking is free and soon will have access to TRAX lines. One hour per week is all that is required of volunteers, and you have your choice of recording - if you are comfortable reading out loud and have a pleasant voice - or editing other volunteers’ reading.
The State Library has eight recording rooms. Last year 28 volunteer book narrators and reviewers produced 85 books! If you or someone you know is interested in giving the gift of time to record or edit books for patrons, please contact Jeri Openshaw 801-715-6737 or jerio@utah.gov. All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
LDS Standard Works All on One Digital Book Cartridge
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has produced a digital book cartridge that contains recordings of the King James Version of the Bible as well as the LDS scriptures. Readers may order their own copy to keep from the LDS Church Distribution Center for $10. The item number to order is 10379 087. To order or for more information, please call
(800) 537 – 5971.
LDS Church Magazines also on Digital Cartridge
The LDS Church also provides its magazines each month in the new digital cartridge format. Each month readers receive a cartridge with all the new magazines (Ensign, New Era, and the Friend), as well as all magazines produced thus far for that year. These cartridges should be returned each month. At the end of the calendar year, readers may keep the cartridge that contains all the magazines for the year.
If you would like the library to start your subscription to the LDS Church magazines, please check the Reader Response Sheet (page 3 of this newsletter). You may also telephone the library or email the library (blind@utah.gov) to request this item.
Utah Produced Digital Books Available Again
The Reading for the Blind facility at the Utah State Prison is where the library’s local interest book collection is produced. The inmate staff are working with a new system implemented by the State’s Information Technology Department. They are learning the processes and procedures of the new system. The new system is in test phase, but local interest digital cartridge books are being produced and added to the collection. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we resume production. The library looks forward to increasing the momentum of production as quickly as possible.
Since implementing the automated system in May, the library has processed and shipped over 174,400 items to patrons! Now all items the library sends to patrons contain RFID labels, and staff members work diligently to label more books daily.
The postal service delivers a ton or more Braille, audio and large print books to the library each day. These books are returns from patrons and most contain RFID labels. The automation system combined with the RFID technology helps warehouse staff make quick work of processing and shelving the returned books. This means the materials are available for circulation to other patrons sooner.
Utah Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired
The Utah Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired has been serving the blind children, youth and young adults of Utah, along with their families, since 1988. Programs are designed to enhance the lives of the blind by teaching skills, providing experiences, and developing self confidence to help those served to live fulfilled and productive lives with the greatest degree of independence possible.
UFB provides numerous programs in the areas of education, independent living, athletics, recreation, and social skills training. The goal is to help each blind child have the experiences and skills to reach their maximum potential.
The foundation’s website at www.ufbvi.org contains details on programs such as
- a variety of athletic activities like goalball and junior blind Olympics
- Braille reading programs, including a Braille magazine
- an annual Braille Challenge event
- independent living skills instruction
- several types of summer camps
They say love is blind and the folks at the Utah Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired want to give you a chance to test that theory. Come celebrate Valentine’s Day on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at the Red Lion Hotel in Salt Lake at 161West 600 South. There will be dinner and an auction to benefit the foundation. You may reserve a spot for you and your sweetheart by calling
801-209- 8492. The cost is fifty dollars per person. Oh, and there is one more thing…you’ll get to eat dinner blindfolded and find out if love really is blind!
By providing information in the See Note, the Utah State Library, Program for the Blind and Disabled, does not endorse any product, service, organization, or company mentioned herein.
