This newsletter is available in Braille, or via email by contacting the library.
Newsletter of the Utah State Library for the Blind and Disabled
See Note Newsletter (PDF)Library Operations Update
The Library is currently closed to walk in patrons due to the pandemic. To pick up books, please call ahead and we will get an order ready for you. The books will be placed on a table outside the wooden library doors. We hope to welcome you into the Library this summer, if it is feasible to do so. When we do open to in-person appointments, we will follow health related protocols to ensure staff and patrons remain safe. Please call or visit our website after June 1st for a status update, 801-715-6789 or blindlibrary.utah.gov.
Duplication on Demand Service
We are migrating patrons that currently receive audio books to the new duplication on demand service. This service provides multiple books on a single cartridge. We are no longer limited to one title per copy so there is no more waiting for a book. We will send the same number of books you are used to receiving, on fewer cartridges. It is possible to tailor each cartridge to your reading tastes, by including favorite authors, subject genres, series, or a mix of everything you enjoy. Each of the cartridges contains audio instructions about how to move from book to book, and the mailing card lists the titles on the cartridge. Address labels are on the cartridges and containers with this system, so the mailing card can be discarded prior to returning the books. Please contact the library if you have any questions or need assistance.
Updating Contact Information
If you have moved since becoming a patron, please contact us with your new address. This includes apartment, unit or room number changes. Occasionally mail is returned from the post office and we need you to verify that we have the correct mailing address. If you are unsure whether we have your current information, please call us to verify.
Change in Certification Requirements for Print Disabilities
The National Library Service has expanded the list of certifying authorities that are able to sign the library service application for people with print disabilities. A school psychologist, educator, social worker, counselor, rehabilitation teacher, and case worker can now certify a print disability. Please contact us with any questions.
New Book Collection
We are thrilled to offer a new collection of children’s books with tactile elements and transparent braille overlay. Our aim is to promote familiarity with braille at an early age to encourage interest from our youngest readers. Please spread the word, and contact us for more information.
BARD Account Inactivation
If you do not log into your BARD account for 30 days or more it is suspended by NLS for security purposes. Download a book from the BARD website or the BARD app every month to prevent inactivation. If you are locked out of your BARD account, please contact us to reactivate it for you. You must download using the reactivated account within 24 hours or it will be inactivated again.
Mail Delivery Delays
The U.S. Postal Service is experiencing significant delays with mail delivery nationwide. Please allow extra time for mail to arrive before calling if you have not received your order. Once the materials leave the library, we have no way to trace or locate the items in the postal system. With this noted, the duplication on demand service puts fewer items into the postal system, and we are hopeful that books will arrive to you much quicker. Downloading books via BARD is also an option, if you have a computer, smart phone, or tablet.
Alaska Senior Voice Magazine
We are now recording the Senior Voice, an Alaskan interest magazine. The Senior Voice will be produced as a bi-monthly subscription, to allow for recording, production and mailing time. The initial issue will include select articles and information for the months of April and May. Please contact us to set up your subscription.
New Website Design
Our website has a new design! We’ve tested the site for accessibility, and hope you find it easy to navigate and use. We have a blog on the site, where we post library information, new booklists, and other topics of interest. We are happy to have this feature available to us, and hope that you will check it frequently! The address is the same, blindlibrary.utah.gov.
Library Service Application on Our Website
Spread the word! We are making it easier to apply for our library service. The new library service application on our website can now be filled out online, digitally signed, saved and emailed to us.
Staffing Changes
We have a new State Librarian of Utah, Chaundra Johnson! She was previously the manager of the Library Development Program. Chaundra brings knowledge, great ideas, and expertise to the position. We are all looking forward to working with Chaundra as she begins her new job.
Vince Silas, an employee of the library for over 16 years retired in May of 2020. Vince provided support to our staff and operations. We miss his quick wit and sense of humor, which brightened so many days.
Julie Anderson, the administrative assistant for the library retired in November 2020 with over 30 years of service. Julie provided back up with answering patron calls, and also managed library contracts.
Faye Fischer is our new staff person managing the library’s contracts. Faye is doing a wonderful job and is learning her new duties. Faye will be backing up the Reader’s Advisors on the phones by this summer.
Holiday Closures 2021
The library will be closed the following dates this summer and autumn:
Memorial Day, May 31st
Independence Day, July 5th
Pioneer Day, July 25th
Labor Day, September 6th
Columbus Day, October 11
Veteran’s Day, November 11