Accessible StoryWalks for National StoryWalk® Week

November 12-18, 2023 is National StoryWalk® Week, sponsored by Let’s Move in Libraries and the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services! This is the third annual week-long event that, as noted in the Let’s Move in Libraries blog, celebrates “the inspiring work of libraries who spearhead StoryWalk® programs—promoting literacy, reading, health, exercise, and movement in communities and neighborhoods across the United States and the world.”

What even is a StoryWalk®? A StoryWalk® is a permanent installation incorporating a children’s story that has been deconstructed, with each page displayed separately along a path for participants to read and enjoy. It is a wonderful way to promote literacy and movement. Libraries are increasingly working to make these StoryWalks® more accessible to individuals of all abilities. Let’s Move in Libraries includes some tips for making StoryWalks® more accessible in their blog post about National StoryWalk® Week. Here are some things to consider when creating a StoryWalk®:

  • Use braille overlays on top of the book displays.
  • Incorporate an audio reading of the story into the StoryWalk®.
  • Provide audio or braille descriptions of the story’s pictures. Depending on the style of your StoryWalk®, you could even outline the pictures with puffy paint for a tactile design that can be felt!
  • Consider the location of your StoryWalk®. Places that are wheelchair accessible with a wide, paved walkway are preferable to uneven, narrow ground.

If you are in Austin, you can visit a braille enhanced StoryWalk® presented through a partnership between the Texas Talking Book Program and Austin Public Library (APL), located at APL’s Windsor Park Branch (833 Westminster Drive). Currently the APL Windsor Park StoryWalk® tells The Three Billy Goats Buenos story by Susan Middleton Elya. You can read more about this braille enhanced accessible StoryWalk® at the Talking Book Program’s June 6, 2023, press release about the launch of this partnership.

Learn more about accessible design and allyship with these books available through the Talking Book Program, and don’t forget to celebrate National StoryWalk® Week!

ACCESSIBLE AMERICA: A HISTORY OF DISABILITY AND DESIGN by Bess Williamson (DB 94027; BR 22552)

WHAT CAN A BODY DO?: HOW WE MEET THE BUILT WORLD by Sara Hendren (DB 100228; BR 23245)

DEMYSTIFYING DISABILITY: WHAT TO KNOW, WHAT TO SAY, AND HOW TO BE AN ALLY by Emily Ladau (DB 105481; BR 23987)

Introducing “Talking Book Voices” Podcast: Celebrating the Talking Book Program

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new podcast that opens doors to a world of literature and storytelling like never before. “Talking Book Voices” is here, and it’s on a mission to celebrate the incredible magic of the Texas Talking Book Program.

Imagine a world where literature knows no bounds, where books come to life through the power of voice, and where everyone, regardless of their physical abilities or reading difficulties, can access the treasures of accessible reading materials. But the program is much more than just a library. It’s a lifeline to stories, knowledge, and imagination for those who may have thought the world of books was beyond their reach. It’s a testament to the power of technology and community coming together to ensure that no one is left behind in the world of reading.

In each episode, we’ll explore the Talking Book Program’s rich history, share inspiring stories of its impact, and dive into its vast collection of accessible materials. From classic literature to the latest bestsellers, this program opens doors to a world of books, magazines, and newspapers.

“Talking Book Voices” will bring you the latest updates from TBP, offer insights from program experts, and feature heartfelt conversations with patrons who have benefited immensely from this essential service.

To join us on this exciting journey, visit the official “Talking Book Voices” website at www.tsl.texas.gov/podcasts. There, you’ll find more information about the podcast, including details about upcoming episodes, profiles of our inspiring guests, and additional resources related to the Texas Talking Book Program. Episodes will also by published on the TSLAC YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/tslac.

New episodes will be released monthly! So, mark your calendars and prepare to immerse yourself in the world of “Talking Book Voices.” Listen and share with a friend! We look forward to your feedback.

October 19, 2023: “TEXAS GREAT READ” BONUS BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION

Please join us on Thursday, October 19 at 7:00 p.m. (Central) for our Great Texas Read book club discussion of WEST WITH GIRAFFES by Lynda Rutledge DB 102687, BR 24571.

Every year, the Library of Congress asks each state Center for the Book to select a title that represents the state’s literary landscape to highlight at the National Book Festival. The event showcases the importance of books and reading. The festival is sponsored by the Library of Congress and takes place during Labor Day weekend in Washington, D.C.

In honor of this event, the Texas Talking Book Program will host a bonus book club meeting so that our patrons can participate in the Great Texas Read initiative. The Great Texas Read is an event sponsored by Texas Center for the Book.

Our Book Club meetings via Zoom, however all you need to participate is a telephone! If you have a land line, we will provide a telephone number for you to dial. If you have a smart phone we will email you an easy “one click” number you can use to join the discussion. We will also email a Zoom invitation to those who prefer to use a computer. This information will be sent to all patrons who RSVP a week prior to the book club meeting.

To RSVP, please call the Talking Book Program at 1-800-252-9605. 

Please indicate if you would like us to mail you the digital cartridge or if you prefer to download it from BARD. Also, please let us know if you would like a reminder via email or phone-call (or both).

NLS Annotation: As the Great Depression lingers, Americans long for wonder. They find it in two giraffes who miraculously survive a hurricane while crossing the Atlantic. In a 12-day road trip, Woodrow Wilson Nickel drives a custom truck to deliver the giraffes to the San Diego Zoo. Some violence and some strong language. 2021.

We request that everyone remember the following:

  • Keep external distractions to a minimum.
  • Be courteous and be respectful of differing opinions.
  • Keep discussion points concise and relevant to the book.

We look forward to having you join us on Thursday, October 19!


TBP Book Club Title Announced for September 2023!

Please join us on Thursday, September 21 at 7:00 p.m. (Central) for our Book Club discussion of BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOLS by Jillian Cantor (DB 106770).

We host our Book Club meetings via Zoom, however all you need to participate is a telephone. If you have a landline, we will provide a telephone number for you to dial. If you have a smartphone, we will email you an easy “one click” number you can use to join the discussion. We will also email a Zoom invitation to those who prefer to use a computer. This information will be sent to all patrons who RSVP a week prior to the book club meeting.

To register, please call the Talking Book Program at 1-800-252-9605, or email us at tbp.ral@tsl.texas.gov.

BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOLS is available by mail as a digital cartridge. It is also available to download on BARD.

We ask that everyone remember the following:

  • Be courteous and respectful of differing opinions.
  • Keep discussion points concise and relevant to the book.
  • Keep external distractions to a minimum.

BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOLS by Jillian Cantor: Reexamines THE GREAT GATSBY (DB 16147) through its female characters. Jay Gatsby is shot dead in his swimming pool. It appears to be a murder/suicide when the body of George Wilson, a local mechanic, is found in the woods nearby. Then a diamond hairpin is discovered, and three women fall under suspicion. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2022.

We look forward to having you join us on September 21!

ANNOUNCING: 2023 Summer Reading Program


Our ALL AGES summer reading program is returning for its second year on June 5, 2023! This year’s theme is All Together Now and focuses on friendship, kindness, and unity.

Sign up will begin on April 1, 2023. The first 100 people who sign up will receive a summer reading goody bag!

Sign up by filling out the following online form:  https://forms.gle/jFirCc8ud3ZtJZ8p9

Or by calling us at 1-800-252-9605.

The webpage for summer reading is here: https://www.tsl.texas.gov/tbp/summerreadingprogram

From June 5 to August 11, you’ll get themed book lists and matching activities by age group, and you can win a prize at the end of summer by reviewing books.

This year the National Library Service is also providing several virtual events, including live, virtual author talks!

We can’t wait for you to join us this summer!

TBP Book Club Title Announced for January 2023!

Image of books, audio book on cell phone, and headphones, with text "Talking Book Program Phone-In Book Club," 1-800-252-9605

Please join us on Thursday January 26 at 7 pm (Central Time) for our book club discussion of GOODBYE TO A RIVER by John Graves.

We host our Book Club meetings via Zoom, however all you need to participate is a telephone! If you have a land line, we will provide a telephone number for you to dial. If you have a smart phone we will email you an easy “one click” number you can use to join the discussion. We will also email a Zoom invitation to those who prefer to use a computer. This information will be sent to all patrons who RSVP a week prior to the book club meeting.

To register, please call the Talking Book Program at 1-800-252-9605; or email us at tbp.ral@tsl.texas.gov.

GOODBYE TO A RIVER is available by mail as a digital cartridge. It is also available to download on BARD.

We ask that everyone remember the following:

  • Be courteous and respectful of differing opinions.
  • Keep discussion points concise and relevant to the book.
  • Keep external distractions to a minimum.

Goodbye to a River by John Graves: John Graves leads us through an exciting three-week trip down the Brazos River in this classic narrative. An excellent history of the early inhabitants along the river is well woven into this engrossing book, with memories of events in Texas history that took place along that river. Unrated. 1960.

We look forward to having you join us on January 26!

National Library Service (NLS) Quarterly Patron Corner Call: September 12

Join the NLS Engagement Section for its quarterly “Patron Corner” as they discuss Narration: The Art of Telling the Story. Guest speakers include Celeste Lawson, narrator and Head of the NLS Media Lab and other NLS narrators. This event will be a 90-minute panel discussion, so bring your questions and thoughts about digital audio narration.

The full Zoom invitation, including call-in numbers, is included below.

When you join this Zoom event, you will be in the waiting room until the program starts. When you enter the room, your phone or computer will be muted. Please stay on mute unless you are called on. If you want to ask a question, you may raise your hand by pressing Alt Y on your computer or Star 9 on your phone. Once you are called on, press Alt A on your computer or Star 6 on your phone to unmute yourself.

This meeting will be recorded. If you do not wish to be recorded, we ask that you avoid speaking during the call. Also, please note that since we are using Zoom.gov for these sessions, if you choose to dial in, you must use the Zoom.gov phone numbers provided. The regular Zoom phone numbers will not allow access to the Zoom.gov IDs.

Zoom Meeting
One tap mobile: US: +16692545252, 1600983343# or +16468287666, 1600983343#
Meeting URL:
https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1600983343?pwd=VW9tRWtwY3BsdHRac0s2MmJkN0RCZz09
Meeting ID: 160 098 3343
Passcode: 164674

Join by Telephone
For higher quality, dial a number based on your current location. Dial:
US: +1 669 254 5252, or +1 646 828 7666, or +1 669 216 1590, or +1 551 285 1373
Meeting ID: 160 098 3343
Passcode: 164674
SIP: 1600983343@sip.zoomgov.com
Passcode: 164674

Skype for Business (Lync)
https://loc.zoomgov.com/skype/1600983343

Library of Congress Announces New U.S. Poet Laureate, Ada Limón

On July 12, 2022, Ada Limon was named the 24th Poet Laureate of the United States by the Library of Congress. The position was authorized by an act of Congress in 1985. Appointed by the Librarian of Congress, the poet laureate’s office is administered by the Center for the Book. Limón will assume her duties on September 29,. In the meantime, here are the books by previous U.S. Poet Laureates in the NLS Collection.

For more information: https://newsroom.loc.gov/news/librarian-of-congress-names-ada-lim-n-the-nation-s-24th-u.s.-poet-laureate/s/44d3bf04-61fa-465d-89f7-6ace60f0790a

2022-present: Ada Limón

2019–2022: Joy Harjo

AMERICAN SUNRISE: POEMS
DB 101306, BR 22723
CONFLICT RESOLUTION FOR HOLY BEINGS: POEMS
DB 100519, BR 22835
CRAZY BRAVE: MEMOIR
DB 97592, BR 22807
HOW WE BECAME HUMAN: NEW AND SELECTED POEMS
DB 96674, BR 22778
POET WARRIOR
LB 13827

2017–2019: Tracy K. Smith

LIFE ON MARS: POEMS
DB 74916, en español: DB 104879
SUCH COLOR: NEW AND SELECTED POEMS
DB 106653
WADE IN THE WATER: POEMS
DB 91468, BR 22310

2015–2017: Juan Felipe Herrera

BORDER-CROSSER WITH A LAMBORGHINI DREAM: POEMS
DB 106520
FEATHERLESS/DESPLUMADO: STORY/CUENTO
BR 16017
HALF OF THE WORLD IN LIGHT: NEW AND SELECTED POEMS
DBE 00018
JABBERWALKING
BR 22695
UPSIDE DOWN BOY: EL NINO DE CABEZA
BR 13098

2014–2015: Charles Wright

BLACK ZODIAC
BR 11995
OBLIVION BANJO: THE POETRY OF CHARLES WRIGHT
DB 102171

2012–2014: Natasha Trethewey

BEYOND KATRINA: A MEDITATION ON THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST
BR 19612
MEMORIAL DRIVE: A DAUGHTER’S MEMOIR
DB 100452
MONUMENT: POEMS: NEW AND SELECTED
DB 94262, BR 22650
NATIVE GUARD
DB 65666
THRALL: POEMS
DB 75891

2011–2012: Philip Levine

MERCY: POEMS
BR 12822
NEW SELECTED POEMS
DB 74619
SEVEN YEARS FROM SOMEWHERE: POEMS
BR 04555
SIMPLE TRUTH: POEMS
BR 10139
WHAT WORK IS: POEMS
DB 34000

2010–2011: W. S. Merwin

LOST UPLAND
DB 36307
OPENING THE HAND
DB 32064
UNFRAMED ORIGINALS: RECOLLECTIONS
DB 19263

2008–2010: Kay Ryan

BEST OF IT: NEW AND SELECTED POEMS
DB 72287
SYNTHESIZING GRAVITY: SELECTED PROSE
DB 100002, BR 23143

2007–2008: Charles Simic

BOOKS OF GODS AND DEVILS
DB 33645
HOTEL INSOMNIA
DB 37392
NEW AND SELECTED POEMS: 1962-2012
DB 83462
SCRIBBLED IN THE DARK: POEMS
DB 89595
VOICE AT 3:00 A.M.: SELECTED LATE AND NEW POEMS
DB 63320
WALKING THE BLACK CAT: POEMS
BR 10814
WEDDING IN HELL: POEMS
DB 39978
WORLD DOESN’T END
DB 32955, BR 08498

2006–2007: Donald Hall

CARNIVAL OF LOSSES: NOTES NEARING NINETY
DB 92353, BR 22422
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN POETRY
BR 01245
ESSAYS AFTER EIGHTY
DB 80647, BR 20675
HERE AT EAGLE POND
DB 34441
IDEAL BAKERY
DB 28382
LIFE WORK
DB 37596
LUCY’S CHRISTMAS
DB 40911
LUCY’S SUMMER
DB 40904
OLD AND NEW POEMS
DB 34487
OLD HOME DAY
DB 45071
ONE DAY: A POEM IN THREE PARTS
DB 30743
OX-CART MAN
DB 21584, BR 05914
POETRY SAMPLER
LB 00200
PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS OF PORTUGAL: PROSE PIECES
DB 41857
SEASONS AT EAGLE POND
DB 28160
SELECTED POEMS OF DONALD HALL
DB 85035, BR 21568
STRING TOO SHORT TO BE SAVED
LB 02513
UNPACKING THE BOXES: A MEMOIR OF A LIFE IN POETRY
DB 68474
WHEN WILLARD MET BABE RUTH
BR 10788
WHITE APPLES AND THE TASTE OF STONE: SELECTED POEMS, 1946-2006
DB 64104
WITHOUT: POEMS
BR 11891

2004–2006: Ted Kooser

DELIGHTS AND SHADOWS
DB 60382
POETRY HOME REPAIR MANUAL: PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR BEGINNING POETS
DB 61714
MR POSEY’S NEW GLASSES
DB 106348
WHEELING YEAR
DBC 01971

2003–2004: Louise Glück

AMERICAN ORIGINALITY: ESSAYS ON POETRY
DB 101223, BR 23461
FAITHFUL AND VIRTUOUS NIGHT
DB 101237, BR 23465
MEADOWLANDS
DB 43058
POEMS 1962-2012
DB 79850
TRIUMPH OF ACHILLES
BR 06473
WILD IRIS
DB 37600
WINTER RECIPES FROM THE COLLECTIVE
DB 106655

2001–2003: Billy Collins

AIMLESS LOVE: NEW AND SELECTED POEMS
DB 77867, BR 20375
POETRY 180: A TURNING BACK TO POETRY
DB 75492
RAIN IN PORTUGAL: POEMS
DB 87464, BR 21825
SAILING ALONE AROUND THE ROOM: NEW AND SELECTED POEMS
DB 53069

2000–2001: Stanley Kunitz

COLLECTED POEMS
DB 52239
INTERVIEWS AND ENCOUNTERS WITH STANLEY KUNITZ
DB 52177
PASSING THROUGH: THE LATER POEMS, NEW AND SELECTED
DB 42433
WELLFLEET WHALE AND COMPANION POEMS
DBC 04231

1997–2000: Robert Pinsky

AMERICANS’ FAVORITE POEMS: THE FAVORITE POEM PROJECT ANTHOLOGY
DB 5000, BR 12771
FIGURED WHEEL: NEW AND COLLECTED POEMS, 1966-1996
BR 11292
HISTORY OF MY HEART
DB 22693
JERSEY RAIN
DB 56663
LIFE OF DAVID
BR 16614
POEMS TO READ: A NEW FAVORITE POEM PROJECT ANTHOLOGY
DB 55374, BR 14510

1995–1997: Robert Hass

APPLE TREES AT OLEMA: NEW AND SELECTED POEMS
DB 73030
HUMAN WISHES
DB 40909
SUMMER SNOW: NEW POEMS
DB 98754
SUN UNDER WOOD: NEW POEMS
BR 10828
TIME AND MATERIALS: POEMS 1997-2005
DB 66784
TWENTIETH CENTURY PLEASURES: PROSE ON POETRY
DB 25022

1993–1995: Rita Dove

DARKER FACE OF THE EARTH: A VERSE PLAY IN FOURTEEN SCENES
DB 39360
MOTHER LOVE: POEMS
DB 41331
ON THE BUS WITH ROSA PARKS
BR 12555
PLAYLIST FOR THE APOCALYPSE: POEMS
DB 105310, BR 23936
SELECTED POEMS
DB 40038
THOMAS AND BEULAH
DB 27316
THROUGH THE IVORY GATE
DB 36005

1992–1993: Mona Van Duyn

FIREFALL: POEMS
DB 37002
IF IT BE NOT I: COLLECTED POEMS, 1959-1982
DB 37854
NEAR CHANGES: POEMS
DB 35335

1991–1992: Joseph Brodsky

COLLECTED POEMS IN ENGLISH
DB 51984
LESS THAN ONE: SELECTED ESSAYS
DB 24352, BR 08784
NATIVITY POEMS
BR 14350
ON GRIEF AND REASON: ESSAYS
DB 42661
SO FORTH: POEMS
BR 10774
TO URANIA: SELECTED POEMS
DB 28616
WATERMARK
DB 35031

1990–1991: Mark Strand

BLIZZARD OF ONE: POEMS
DB 50109
CONTINUOUS LIFE
DB 32952
DARKER
DB 32314
MONUMENT
DB 32599
SELECTED POEMS
DB 37399

1988–1990: Howard Nemerov

HOWARD NEMEROV READER
DB 39005
INSIDE THE ONION
DB 21035
TRYING CONCLUSIONS: NEW AND SELECTED POEMS, 1961-1991
DB 36418

1987–1988: Richard Wilbur

COLLECTED POEMS, 1943-2004
DB 63295
NEW AND COLLECTED POEMS
BR 07575

1986–1987: Robert Penn Warren

ALL THE KING’S MEN
DB 53553, BR 13840
AUDUBON, A VISION
BR 01238
BAND OF ANGELS
DB 11520
CIRCUS IN THE ATTIC AND OTHER STORIES
DB 46060, BR 11646
LEGACY OF THE CIVIL WAR
DBC 03376, BR 12296
NEW AND SELECTED ESSAYS
DB 29919, BR 08067
NEW AND SELECTED POEMS, 1923-1985
DB 42648
PLACE TO COME TO
DB 52041
PORTRAIT OF A FATHER
DB 29884
WORLD ENOUGH AND TIME
DB 60856

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

On Saturday, July 16, 2022, a new three-digit code can be used to connect to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The number will be known as the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The current Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number, 1-800-273-8255, will always remain available to people in crisis.

When individuals call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. 

Veterans and their loved ones may contact either 988, option 1, or the Veterans Crisis Line, available by phone at 1-800-273-8255, option 1, by texting 838255, or by chatting online at www.veteranscrisisline.net.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.

For more information, visit https://988lifeline.org.

Affordable Connectivity Program: Get Discounted Internet and Vouchers Toward Devices

Recently the federal government launched the Affordable Connectivity Program to help people get home internet services and devices such as tablets and computers at a lower cost. This program can be accessed by people who want help paying for their current internet service, or those who do not have home internet service yet. Below is some information on the program and tips for how to apply, and how to get help with the application process.

From www.fcc.gov/acp:

The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.

The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.

Who Is Eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?

A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:

  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
  • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income internet program;
  • Participates in one of these assistance programs:
    • The National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision;
    • SNAP
    • Medicaid
    • Federal Public Housing Assistance
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
    • WIC
    • Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
    • or Lifeline;
  • Participates in one of these assistance programs and lives on Qualifying Tribal lands:
    • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance 
    • Tribal TANF
    • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
    • Tribal Head Start (income based)

Get Help:

How to Apply Link: https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/how-to-apply/

Helpline Phone Number: 877-384-2575

Link to Participating Providers in Texas: https://www.fcc.gov/affordable-connectivity-program-providers#Texas

What you will need to apply:

  • Name
  • Date of Birth
  • ID verification such as Social Security Number, Tribal ID, Drivers License, Passport, or other government ID
  • Home address where you want internet service (no PO boxes)
  • Knowledge on if you and/or your child qualify based on their eligibility guidelines
  • An email address if applying online (follow mailing instructions in that How to Apply link to do it by mail)
  • Documentation to prove eligibility

Tip 1: If you already have internet service, contact your provider and have them enroll you in this program!

Tip 2: If you live with other people that you are not related to, all of you can apply for this program separately.

Tip 3: Approval is not instant. Make sure you plan ahead, with the knowledge that you will need to wait for approval before getting the discounts.