BITS OF GOLD NEWSLETTER
BY THE MONTANA TALKING BOOK LIBRARY (MTBL)
Winter 2016
WHERE YOU CAN FIND A
MOTHER LODE OF INFORMATION
Copyright 2016 by the
Montana Talking Book Library.
Contents
Librarian’s Logbook (pages 2-3)
Library Holidays (page 3)
Montana Digital Recording Program (page 4)
Technology Tailings (page 5)
Reader’s Alley (pages 6-8)
Memorials and Donations (page 8)
Treasure State News (page 9)
Volunteers are Shining Stars
MTBL
hosted our annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at the lovely Montana Club in
Helena. In 2015 MTBL had 90 volunteers contribute over 9,000 hours in a variety
of ways, such as pulling and shelving books, equipment repair, clerical duties
and recording Montana audio books. This year’s Special Appreciation Award
winner was Peggy Barnekoff. Recording
Team of the year winners were Bob Vanisko (narrator), Marie Vanisko (monitor),
and Al Tompkins (reviewer). The Keynote Speaker was Dale Sheldon, author of Who Lost? The Autobiography of a Blind Man
with Great Vision. (MDB 2029, DBC 1193) We are very grateful for all of our
volunteers who help us provide the best possible library service for our
patrons.
Page 2
Librarian’s Logbook: Christie Briggs,
Regional Librarian
Employee Gems
Carolyn Meier retired in May, 2015, after 32
years of dedicated service. She held several positions, including many
years as a readers’ advisor and most recently as the circulation manager. We
wish her the best in her retirement.
In mid-November Bert Rinderle joined MTBL as the circulation manager. Bert has a Master’s Degree in Library and
Information Science and over 15 years of public library experience. Please join
us in welcoming Bert.
Erin Harris, Recording and Volunteer Director,
has completed post-production editing and has uploaded ten Montana books to
BARD.
Martin Landry, Readers’ Advisor (RA), represents MTBL on the Keystone Database
Advisory Group. He attended the 2015 KLAS (database) User Conference in
Oklahoma. Martin also presented a talking book library in-service at the
Montana Health Care Association’s Activity Directors workshop in Helena.
Readers’ Advisors Jackie Crepeau and Martin
Landry presented one-on-one MTBL instructions to newly blind and low vision
students attending the Montana Association for the Blind’s (MAB) Summer
Orientation Program.
Bobbi deMontigny, RA and Machine Lending Agent, directed the electrical
upgrade of the machine room and reorganized the workflow to be more efficient.
Volunteer Gems
MTBL recently felt the loss of two special
volunteers. Gloria Purcell volunteered
over fourteen years. She always assisted wherever MTBL needed her
expertise. Gloria claimed that MTBL has “a better workout program” than any
athletic club.
Jean Barrett, a circulation volunteer for five years, was always open to
trying new things. They are remembered with great fondness and appreciation.
NLS
Consultant Visits MTBL
Pam Davenport, a National Library Service
Consultant, completed MTBL’s biennial review in July, 2015. Pam met with staff
and volunteers and observed daily operations.
MTBL received a positive evaluation of patron services.
Page 3
Nuggets from the National Library Service (NLS)
That All May Read Campaign
The long-standing motto of the NLS, “That All
May Read,” is also the name of a public education campaign aimed at
highlighting services available for people with temporary or permanent low
vision, blindness, or physical disability that prevents them from reading or
holding the printed page. As part of
the campaign, their website features videos of nine NLS patrons sharing their
experiences with the service, an explanation of resources and reading materials
available, information on eligibility, and instructions for enrollment. Visit www.loc.gov/ThatAllMayRead.
Transition to Unified English Braille Code (UEB)
As of January 4, 2016, UEB has become the
official literary code for the U.S. This is the first major change to the
familiar six dot pattern since the 1930s.
A majority of the changes have to do with the discontinuation of some
contractions, rules for spacing and formatting, and the use of symbols such as
@ and #. For more information about UEB
visit www.loc.gov/nls or
call 1-888-657-7323. To order NLS
Braille handout “Frequently Used UEB Symbols” contact MTBL.
Due Dates Extended for NLS Magazines
The NLS has increased the loan period for audio
magazines circulated on a cartridge.
These cartridges are labeled “Magazines: Week” followed by a
number. Cartridges with only weekly
magazines are now due 3 weeks from receipt (increased from one week). Cartridges with monthly magazines are now due
7 weeks from receipt (increased from four weeks). Please remember cartridges need to be returned
to receive the next issue. Issues may be
missed if cartridges are not returned in a timely fashion.
New magazines available
NLS has recently made fourteen new magazines
available through both BARD and by subscription through the Magazine on
Cartridge program (MOC). Eleven of these
are produced by network libraries and meet NLS quality standards. Some of the latest magazine titles available
are: AARP Magazine and Bulletin; Good Ol’ Days; O, The Oprah
Magazine; Rolling Stone; and Southern Living. Humpty Dumpty and Seventeen are
now available for our younger patrons.
For a complete listing of available magazines, please contact your
readers’ advisor.
LIBRARY
HOLIDAYS
May 30
(Monday) – Memorial Day
July 4 (Monday) – Independence Day
September 5 (Monday) – Labor Day
October 10 (Monday) – Columbus Day
November 8 (Tuesday) – Election Day
November 11 (Wednesday) – Veterans Day
November 24 (Thursday) – Thanksgiving Day
December 26 (Monday) – Christmas Day
Page 4
Montana Digital Recording Program
Recording Studio Status
The local MTBL recording studio has completed
its recording software transition and has begun recording Montana books
again. Many new titles are in various
stages of production. As always, a very
appreciative thank you to all of our volunteers who make access to regional
stories possible. The most recent
additions to our Montana digital collection that are also available on BARD
are:
Fate
Is A Mountain by Mark Parratt MDB 2039; BARD DBC01203 (Biography) A family memoir of summers spent in Glacier
Park from 1950-1964 which explores Glacier National Park from the perspectives
of the late ranger Lloyd Parratt’s sons: Mark, Monty, and Smitty.
Hang ‘Em: Montana Vigilantes vs. Henry Plummer by
Donald E. Crosley
MDB 2028; BARD DBC01192 (US
History/MT author) The legendary stories
of corruption and lawlessness between gold miners, cattle rustlers, and lawmen
that led to the formation of the Montana Vigilantes.
The
Land of Empty Houses by Jon L. Moore MDB 2003; BARD DBC00732 (Science
and Religious fiction/MT author) In the not-so-distant future a courageous
soldier may be the only hope for a world threatened by heretics, racists, and
savages. Daniel guides and protects a
mysterious woman through the wastelands of the American interior as she
valiantly tries to revive religion in the wake of nuclear disaster.
The Red Corner: The Rise and Fall of Communism in Northeastern Montana by
Verlaine Stoner McDonald MDB 2020; BARD DBC00749 (MT History/True Crime)
Beginning in the early 1900s in rural northeastern Montana, the story
chronicles the political events, including a newspaper editor elected state
senator and a county sheriff’s alleged involvement in prostitution and
bootlegging, where the farmers’ movement became one of the nation’s most
successful rural Communist organizations.
Forever Friends: The Journey of Two Families from Civil War Virginia to
Montana Territory 1860-1868 by Lenore McKelvey Puhek MDB 2002; BARD
DBC00731 (Romance/Historical fiction/MT author) On the western frontier,
Jeremiah and Amelia must choose between their commitments and the true love
they once shared.
A Life
in Time: A Woman’s Journey from Orphanage to Peace Corps by
Kaye Stone MDB 2004; BARD DBC00733 (Biography/MT author) The author
recounts her years growing up in an orphanage and later discusses her time as a
Peace Corps volunteer in India in the late 1960s.
Page 5
Technology
Tailings
BARD Mobile App Available for Android Devices
The free BARD Mobile application for Android
devices, version 1.0, is now available
at the Google Play store. Patrons of the
Talking Book Library are able to download audiobooks and audio magazines
directly to Android and Apple devices. Access is available at
https://nlsbard.loc.gov/login//NLS.
Download apps under ‘Additional Links—BARD Mobile’ for iOS or Android
devices. Patrons’ devices must meet the
minimum standards: iOS devices require iOS 4.3 or later and Android devices
require Android 4.0 or later.
Keep Your BARD Account Updated
If a move is in your future, or if you change
e-mail addresses for any reason, you can keep your current BARD account. Log into your BARD account and choose the
‘Update Account Settings’ link on the BARD Main Page. This will take you to a
page of options, including a link to ‘Change Your E-Mail Address.’ Once you
change your e-mail address (user ID), you will be required to reset your
password to protect the security of your account.
Helpful Hints:
Update Your Contact Information
Have you moved, changed your email address or
have a new phone number? Please remember
to update your contact information with MTBL.
Call or notify us so we are able to continue your service without
interruption.
Ordering Books
The bimonthly publication Talking Book Topics
(TBT) which contains book summaries and order forms does not go out-of-date.
Each catalog lists only what has been added to the library collection during
that time period. Feel free to order
from older TBT publications as the numbers do not change, or you can also ask
for specific books by title or author. A
complete listing of available titles is accessible online at
http://tbl.msl.mt.gov/ or contact your readers’ advisor for assistance.
Returning Machines
It is much easier to return a digital or
cassette player if you have kept the original box and packing materials. Turn over the preprinted card on the outside
of the box for the return address. You
can use another box, but please pack the machine carefully and mark “Free
Matter for the Blind” where postage normally goes. It is helpful to call and let us know why the
machine is being returned, especially if you need a timely replacement. Warning: Priority express boxes are not
considered “Free Matter” so please do not use them as you will have to
pay postage.
Page 6
Reader’s Alley: Recommended Reads
NATIONAL RECORDINGS:
Watchers by Dean
Koontz DB 25982 (Suspense/Science fiction). World-weary Travis Cornell stumbles upon a
super-intelligent golden retriever with uncanny powers. The dog reveals how he and a vile murderous
creature were created by U.S. scientists in a secret genetic experiment. Strong language, violence, and some
descriptions of sex.
English Creek by Ivan
Doig DB 22316 (Historical and Family fiction). Young Jick McCaskill
remembers older brother Alex’s rebellion and growing up in Montana in the
1930s. First book in the Two Medicine
Country series.
Me
Before You by Jojo Moyes DB 76161 (Bestseller/Romance). Lou, a working class English girl, tries to
keep the embittered Will, a former mogul who has been paralyzed, engaged with
the world. Will encourages Lou to expand
her horizons. Some strong language.
Little
Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers by
Ralph Moody DB 43671 (Biography). An account of roundups and auctions,
irrigation wars and tornadoes depicts Western farm life through the eyes of an
eight-year-old boy in 1906. First of
seven books following the Moody family’s adventures.
The Dangerous Days of Daniel X by
James Patterson DB 67523 (Adventure/Science fiction). Fifteen-year-old orphan Daniel has followed
in his parents footsteps as the Alien Hunter, secretly tracking down and
exterminating dangerous aliens. The
fates of Earth and another world hang in the balance as he faces Ergent
Seth. First book in the Daniel X series.
For senior high and older readers.
The Secret Garden by Frances
Hodgson Burnett DB 23638 (Classic). After becoming an orphan, Mary is
sent to live on her uncle’s huge estate.
Together with her cousin, they conspire to restore a locked secret
garden. For grades 4-7 or older readers.
MONTANA DIGITAL RECORDINGS
(Available on cartridge/not currently on BARD)
When the Meadowlark Sings by Nedra
Sterry MDB 748 (Biography/MT Author).
Nedra, born in 1918 Fort Benton, grew up in a succession of isolated
one-room schools where her mother, a teacher, eked out a living.
Echoes of Vengeance by Roland
Cheek MDB 683 (Western/MT Author) The first book in the Valediction for
Revenge series chronicles the life of Jethro Spring, a young man fleeing the
consequences of reckoning with his parents’ murder.
Rusty Irons by Dan
Cushman MDB 10 (Western/MT Author).
A crooked sheriff, greedy ranchers, and trigger-happy killers lock horns
with Rusty and his family.
Page 7
Land of my Heart by Tracie Peterson MDB 921 (Romance/Historical
and Religious fiction/MT Author). The Chadwick family joins their uncle’s ranch
in Montana in the 1860’s and suffer many tribulations, losses, and new
beginnings. First book in the Heirs of
Montana series.
The Green Plaid Pants by Margaret
Scherf MDB 23 (Mystery/MT Author).
A vintage “who-done-it” in which police in England and New York solve a
murder involving the disappearance of a pair of plaid pants.
Into the Western Winds: Pioneer Boys Traveling the Overland Trails by Mary Barmeyer O’Brien MDB 2022 (Biography/MT Author). Short
biographies of young boys who journeyed west in the 1800s tell of their
different experiences, work, play, and sometimes tragedies. For high school and older readers.
BARD Books from Other State Talking Book Libraries
BARD members can search for the DBC number in the BARD basic search
box. Non-BARD members can contact MTBL
to receive a digital cartridge copy through the mail.
Scent of the Missing: Love and Partnership with a Search-and-Rescue Dog by Susannah Charleson DBC 229 (Animal non-fiction/Biography). The
search-and-rescue partnership and adventures of a golden retriever and a
volunteer. Their searches include a
missing teen, an Alzheimer’s patient, and the debris of the space shuttle
Columbia disaster. [Washington]
Ramblings of a Lowcountry Game Warden: A Memoir by Ben McC. Moise DBC 94 (Biography). A former game warden shares tales of
adventure, humor and danger as he enforced the fish-and-game laws on the coast
from 1978 to 2002. [South Carolina]
Yellow Rose Bride by Lori
Copeland DBC 51 (Historical romance/Religious fiction). Seven years
after their annulled marriage, seamstress Vonnie Taylor finds herself sewing
the wedding dress for her ex-husband’s new fiancé. [Texas]
South of Superior by Ellen Airgood DBC 3386 (Friendship
fiction). Moving to Michigan's Upper
Peninsula to care for an aging family friend, Madeline Stone becomes involved
in the lives of the small community and two octogenarian sisters who teach her
valuable lessons about love and goodwill.
A 2012 Michigan Notable book. Unrated. [Michigan]
Don’t Make Me Go To Town: Ranchwomen of the
Texas Hill Country by Rhonda
Lashley-Lopez DBC 32 (Biographies). Portraits of eight women, from young
mothers to grandmothers, who have chosen to live and work on family ranches.
[Texas]
Page 8
Pioneer Mother on the River of No Return: The Life of Isabella Kelly
Benedict Robie by Herman Wiley Ronnenberg DBC 814 (Biography). After
her husband was slain at the beginning of the Nez Perce War in 1877, Isabella
and her two young children escaped only to be in danger as the Battle of White
Bird ensued. She survived, with the help of a Nez Perce man, to become an honored
Idahoan pioneer. [Idaho]
Brewster’s Millions by George Barr McCutcheon DBC 4901 (Humorous fiction). Montgomery
Brewster, a playboy with great potential, is bequeathed one million dollars or
he could win seven million by spending his one million dollars within one
year. The catch is that he has to keep
his plans of spending the one million a secret from everyone including his
friends and fiancée. Unrated. [Indiana]
Memorials and Donations
The generosity of our donors enhances library
services to patrons. Tax deductible contributions are greatly appreciated. An acknowledgement is sent to each donor.
Please include the person’s name for whom a memorial is made and the name and
address of those to be notified of a contribution.
Memorials: June - December 2015
Dick Howse — Patty Howse
Robert Morgan — William & Linda Browning; Margaret Carver
& Family; Peter & Patricia Tyanich; Kim & Michael Randall; Robert
M. Morgan; Donna Davis; Kirby Lambert & Rebecca Kohl; James & Patricia
Hammill; Richard & Bridget Saravalli; Marlene Barbour; Irene Roberts;
University of Washington Bothell School of Educational Studies; John L. Hollow
Rae O’Rourke — Traci Shinabarger; Mike Salvagni
Kathleen Basinger — Martin & Madilon Beatty & Families
Margaret Cameron — Samuel & Jessie Mourich; Alexander &
Dixie Cameron
Gloria Purcell — James & Laura Brown; James & Dorothy
Quinn; Vernie Kralicek; Ralph & Carol Leonard; Diane Larson, Elizabeth
Larson & Lydia Larson; Sandra Stanton
Dianna Riley — Donna Davis
Jon Richard Beck — Jack & Nancy Glaser
Donations: June - December 2015
Thank you to: Al Beavis; Rose Leary; Marjorie M. Birdsill; Judy Neely;
GFWC of Montana; Kay Stevens; Lester & Solveig Finneman; Louise Neff;
Daniel Propp-Benef; Maxine Pogreba; Erna & John Russell; Jim &
Juliana Verzuh; Ivan O’Neil; Jean Leck
Page 9
Treasure State News
National Federation of the Blind of Montana (NFB-MT)
For information on meeting dates, times and
events, contact Joy Breslauer, state President, at 406-454-3096; email president@nfbofmt.org;
visit www.nfbofmt.org; or
write to: Nat’l Fed of the Blind of MT; P.O. Box 1325; Great Falls, MT
59403. The 2016 NFB-MT state convention
will be held in Billings in the fall.
The place and dates to be announced.
Montana Association for the Blind (MAB)
For information on meeting dates, times, and
events, contact Rhonda Cochrane, state
President, at 406-442-9411; email mab.association@yahoo.com;
visit
www.mtblind.org; or
write to: Montana Association for the Blind, P.O. Box 465; Helena, MT 59624.
MAB Summer Orientation Program (SOP) is June 6-30th in Helena. The MAB 2016 state convention is Sep. 30–
Oct. 2 in Helena at the Best Western Great Northern Hotel.
Veterans Blind and Low Vision Group Meetings
For a schedule of support and clinic meetings, contact the VIST office at
406-447-7625 or the VIST Coordinator Tracey Tillinger at
tracey.tillinger@va.gov.
Montana Blind and Low Vision Services (BLVS)
BLVS provides a broad range of services through programs to assist
eligible individuals with visual disabilities in finding or maintaining
employment and increasing independence. Mailing address: 111 N Last Chance Gulch,
Suite 4C, PO Box 4210, Helena, MT 59604-4210. Phone: 406-444-2590 (voice/TTY).
Toll-free: 877-296-1197. Fax: 406-444-3632.
Website: http://dphhs.mt.gov/detd/blvs/blvs-vr
Contacting a Readers’ Advisor
In order to
provide more personalized service, we divide the alphabet between our Readers’
Advisors. If your last name begins with:
A—G contact
Martin,
H—O contact
Jackie, and
P—Z contact
Bobbi.
If your advisor is not available, others will be glad to assist you.
Page 10
Contact
Information
We are on the Web!
Website: tbl.msl.mt.gov
Like us on Facebook!
www.facebook.com/MontanaStateLibrary.MTBL
PHONE NUMBERS: 1-800-332-3400 (toll-free in-state); (in
Helena) 406-444-2064
LIBRARY PHONE HOURS: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Voice mail
24/7
ADDRESS: Montana Talking Book Library
1515
East Sixth Ave.
PO
Box 201800
Helena,
MT 59620-1800
E-MAIL: mtbl@mt.gov (for
patron requests or contact information)
DISCLAIMER: The products and services mentioned in this newsletter are for
your information only and do not imply endorsement by MTBL.