Category Archives: News & Announcements

January is Blood Donor Month

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January is National Blood Donor Month, a time when we honor the generosity of America’s blood donors and highlight the importance of donating blood regularly for those who are able to do so.

Did you know that every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood for surgeries, cancer treatments, childbirth, anemia, serious injuries, blood disorders, and more?

If you are able, consider donating blood. Below are some nonfiction books about blood for adults and children as well as one fiction book that features a blood donor who travels to a small town to donate her rare blood and finds love along the way. 

For more information: https://www.aabb.org/for-donors-patients/national-blood-donor-month

Adult Nonfiction

BLOOD: A VERY SHORT INTRODUCTION by Chris Cooper (DB 115447)
BLOOD MONEY: THE STORY OF LIFE, DEATH, AND PROFIT INSIDE AMERICA’S BLOOD INDUSTRY by Kathleen McLaughlin (DB 114750)
NINE PINTS: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE MONEY, MEDICINE, AND MYSTERIES OF BLOOD by Rose George (DB 94206)

Juvenile Nonfiction

BLOOD! NOT JUST A VAMPIRE DRINK by Stacy McAnulty (DB 110037) Grades Kindergarten-3
CHARLES DREW: THE INNOVATOR OF THE BLOOD BANK by Aaron Talley (DB 115453) Grades 3-6
SEEING RED: THE TRUE STORY OF BLOOD by Tanya Lloyd Kyi (DBC 06727) Grades 4-7

Adult Fiction

PIECE OF MY HEART by Sharon Sala (DB 94768)

That All May Play: Accessible Games and a Game Bibliography

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The Texas Talking Book Program is excited to announce the launch of its new game collection!

A variety of braille, tactile, and large print games are available for check out to individual patrons and institutions starting in 2024. There are a mix of board and card games that everyone can enjoy.

Games can be checked out for 45 days. To ensure that everyone gets a chance to borrow these games, there are no options to renew your loan. Individuals can check out one game at a time. Institutions can borrow up to five games simultaneously. Even if the game you want is currently loaned to another patron, we can always add it to your request list, so that you’ll be sent it once it is available.

This is a growing collection so check back throughout the year to see what new acquisitions we’ve made.

Perhaps you’d rather just read about games. Here are some books about board games, card games, and strategy games.

Backgammon: Tactile

Fiction

GAMBLER’S ANATOMY by Jonathan Lethem (DB 86013)

Cards (Spades, Poker, Euchre, etc.): Braille and Large Print

Fiction

PLAYING THE CARDS YOU’RE DEALT by Varian Johnson (DB 106454) Grades: 4-7

Nonfiction

HOYLE’S RULES OF GAMES: DESCRIPTIONS OF INDOOR GAMES OF SKILL AND CHANCE, WITH ADVICE ON SKILLFUL PLAY; BASED ON THE FOUNDATIONS LAID DOWN BY EDMOND HOYLE (DB 53859; BR 14229)

Checkers: Tactile

Nonfiction

PLAY WINNING CHECKERS: OFFICIAL AMERICAN MENSA GAME BOOK by Robert Pike (BR 12569)

Chess: Tactile

Fiction

FOCUSED by Alyson Gerber (DB 95432; LB 12619) Grades: 5-8
GRANDMASTER by David Klass (DB 78852) Grades: 6-9
LORDS OF THE WHITE CASTLE by Elizabeth Chadwick (DB 58566)
NERD SERIES
OBSESIÓN ENFERMIZA por Axael Velasquez (en español: DB 113336) para grados: 9-12
NOT AN EASY WIN by Chrystal D. Giles (DB 113356) Grades: 3-6
QUEEN’S GAMBIT by Walter S. Tevis (DBC 17656; en español: DB 105896)

Nonfiction

CHESS IN TEN LESSONS by Larry Evans (LB 02735)
IMMORTAL GAME: A HISTORY OF CHESS, OR HOW 32 CARVED PIECES ON A BOARD ILLUMINATED OUR UNDERSTANDING OF WAR, ART, SCIENCE, AND THE HUMAN BRAIN by David Shenk (DB 101961; BR 17706)
UNDERSTANDING CHESS MOVE BY MOVE by John Nunn (DB 106626)
WINNING CHESS: TACTICS AND STRATEGIES by Ted Nottingham (DB 52571) Grades: 5-8

Monopoly: Braille

Nonfiction

MONOPOLISTS: OBSESSION, FURY, AND THE SCANDAL BEHIND THE WORLD’S FAVORITE BOARD GAME by Mary Pilon (DB 81188)
PASS GO AND COLLECT $200: THE REAL STORY OF HOW MONOPOLY WAS INVENTED by Tanya Lee Stone (DBC 17272) Grades: 2-4

Parcheesi: Tactile

Fiction

FACESPACE by Adrian Chamberlain (DBG 08643) Grades: 5-8

Scrabble: Braille

Fiction

FINGERTIPS OF DUNCAN DORFMAN by Meg Wolitzer (DB 75236) Grades: 5-8
QUEEN OF THE TILES by Alkaf Hanna (DB 111410) Grades: 9-12

Nonfiction

WORD NERD: DISPATCHES FROM THE GAMES, GRAMMAR, AND GEEK UNDERGROUND by John D. Williams, Jr. (DB 82637)

TBP Book Club Title Announced for January 2024!

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Please join us on Tuesday, January 30 at 7:00 p.m. (Central Time) for our Book Club discussion of ANTHROPOCENE REVIEWED: ESSAYS ON A HUMAN-CENTERED PLANET by John Green (DB 103903, LB 13412). In this collection of personal essays adapted and expanded from his podcast, the author reviews the contradictions found within humanity. He discusses how mankind is both far too powerful and not nearly powerful enough and covers topics ranging from the QWERTY keyboard to Canada geese. Commercial audiobook. Bestseller. 2021

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

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

Accessible StoryWalks for National StoryWalk® Week

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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

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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

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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!

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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

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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!

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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

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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