Libraries looking for ways to diversify services and increase
their patron base can get involved in Talking Book Week activities
from September 22-28, 2002.
This program provides a great opportunity for libraries to reach
out to their communities and raise awareness about library services
for people with disabilities. During Talking Book Week, libraries
all over the state will host activities to promote the program
and sign up eligible individuals.The Talking Book Program (TBP)
is a free service that provides unabridged books and magazines
on tape, in large print and in braille to individuals of all ages
with qualifying physical, visual and learning disabilities. Large
print musical scores also are available.
The program is funded by the Texas State Library and Archives
Commission and the Library of Congress.
Professional librarians may certify applications for anyone
with physical and visual disabilities. Applications may be downloaded
in English and Spanish at www.TexasTalkingBooks.org.
Copies of TBP booklets, “Just For Librarians” and “The Classroom
Guide to the Talking Book Program” also are available online.
For more information about the program and Talking Book Week,
visit the TBP website at www.TexasTalking Books.org, send an email
inquiry to TBPinfo@tsl.state.tx.us,
or contact Roxanne Elder, Public Awareness Coordinator, Talking
Book Program at 512- 463-5452
Suggested activities:
Create a display with Talking Book Program bookmarks, brochures,
and applications. All promotional materials are free of
charge and available in both English and in Spanish. Contact
the TBP with the number of items needed.
Sign your library up to become a demonstration site. You
will receive a Talking Book cassette player and sample tapes
(such as Texas Monthly, Sports Illustrated for
Kids, and a bestseller in English and in Spanish).
Host a community Talking Book Open House at your library.
Have a registration table available and demonstrate how
the program works. Send out press releases and invite your
local media to see first hand how you are reaching out to
serve those with disabilities.
Host a storytime that provides a teaching opportunity about
braille and people with disabilities. Feature books about
Louis Braille, who invented the system when he was just
14. TBP can provide braille alphabet cards or rulers as
free give aways. Children love the fact that braille is
a secret code—have them write messages using the braille
alphabet. End with a discussion about how some people read
with their fingers and some read by listening.
Create an exhibit in your library entitled Famous Texans
with Disabilities (a list is available online at www.governor.state.tx.us/disabilities/disabilities_famous.htm).
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