Texas Talking Book Program Author Talk: Rubén Degollado

Join the Talking Book Program for an author talk on Tuesday, April 23 at 7:00 p.m. (Central) with award winning author Rubén Degollado.

Reader’s Advisory Librarian Laura Jean will talk with him about his career as an educator and author as well as his book, THE FAMILY IZQUIERDO: A NOVEL (DBC 28906).  A Q&A chat will follow.

Promo image of stage with red curtain and old fashioned chrome microphone with TBP and TSLAC logos and text mirroring post body with author name, date, etc.

Our Author Talks meet via Zoom; however, all you need to participate is a telephone! If you have a land line, you will use the telephone number. If you have a smart phone, you will use the “one-tap” number to join the discussion. We will also email a Zoom link invitation to those who prefer to use a computer. This information will be sent to all patrons who RSVP a week prior to the author talk.

We would also like to offer you the opportunity to ask Rubén Degollado questions about his book. Please submit questions by April 16. We will choose questions based on the responses to this form and they may be asked during the event!

Submit your questions at: https://forms.gle/Xagif6CpPgKgvuNj8

To RSVP, please reply to this email, or 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).

FAMILY IZQUIERDO: A NOVEL (DBC 28906) by Rubén Degollado

NLS Annotation: “A masterful debut that weaves together the lives of three generations of a Mexican American family bound by love, and a curse. The tight-knit Izquierdo family is grappling with misfortunes none of them can explain. Their beloved patriarch has suffered from an emotional collapse and is dying; eldest son Gonzalo’s marriage is falling apart; daughter Dina, beleaguered by the fear that her nightmares are real, is a shut-in. When Gonzalo digs up a strange object in the backyard of the family home, the Izquierdos take it as proof that a jealous neighbor has cursed them-could this be the reason for all their troubles? As the Izquierdos face a distressing present and an uncertain future, they are sustained by the blood that binds them, a divine presence, and an abiding love for one another. Told in a series of soulful voices brimming with warmth and humor, The Family Izquierdo is a tender narrative of a family at a turning point”– Provided by publisher. Commercial audiobook. Unrated. 2022.

We look forward to having you join us on Tuesday, April 23!

Maryland State Library for the Blind Podcast: NFB-NEWSLINE

Join the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled’s podcast on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. (Central). Host Ashley Biggs will explore the amazing features and benefits of NFB-NEWSLINE, a free audio and braille information service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, deafblind, or otherwise print-disabled.

Ashley will be joined by Scott White, the Director of Sponsored Technology Programs for the National Federation of the Blind, who will share his insights and expertise on NFB-NEWSLINE and how it can enhance your access to information, entertainment, and independence.

NFB-NEWSLINE offers access to more than five hundred publications, including newspapers, magazines, breaking news sources, online international newspapers, TV listings, job listings, retail ads, and more. You can access NFB-NEWSLINE through various methods, such as the touch-tone telephone, Apple iOS app, website, or Amazon Alexa, and customize your preferences and settings. This podcast is a great opportunity for you to learn more about NFB-NEWSLINE and ask questions.

If you want to sign up for this free service, contact the Texas Talking Book Program at 1-800-252-9605 or, if you have a non-Texas area code, at (512) 463-5458.

Whether you are a current subscriber or a new user, you will find this podcast informative and engaging. Join us on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. (Central). The details on how to join the Zoom presentation are listed below.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Join Zoom Meeting

https://marylandlibraries.zoom.us/j/5770178916?omn=98747133201

Dial in: 1-301-715-8592; Meeting ID: 577 017 8916#

One tap mobile

+13462487799,,5770178916# US (Houston)

+16027530140,,5770178916# US (Phoenix)

Dial by your location

• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

• +1 602 753 0140 US (Phoenix)

• +1 669 219 2599 US (San Jose)

• +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)

• +1 720 928 9299 US (Denver)

• +1 971 247 1195 US (Portland)

• +1 213 338 8477 US (Los Angeles)

Texas Talking Book Program Author Talk: The Texanist, David Courtney

Join the Talking Book Program for an author talk on Thursday, February 22, at 7:00 p.m. (Central) with esteemed Texas journalist and author, David Courtney.

Reader’s Advisory Librarian, Laura Jean will talk with the Temple, Texas native about his career working as a columnist and editor for Texas Monthly as well as his book, The Texanist: Fine Advice on Living in Texas (DBC 18771). A Q&A chat will follow.

No registration is needed! Simply join the meeting on February 22 via one of the following methods.



Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84839719639

One-Tap phone number (use with smartphones): http://+13462487799,,84839719639#

Dial In phone number (use with landlines and non-smartphones):

(346) 248-7799
Meeting ID: 848 3971 9639

Our Author Talks meet via Zoom, however all you need to participate is a telephone! If you have a land line, you will use the telephone number. If you have a smart phone, you will use the “one-tap” number to join the conversation.

If you’d like to read THE TEXANIST book, contact us to order it by replying to this email or calling us at 1-800-252-9605.

THE TEXANIST: FINE ADVICE ON LIVING IN TEXAS (DBC 18771) by David Courtney NLS Annotation: “The Texanist, Texas Monthly’s perennially popular back-page column, has become the magazine’s most-read feature. With an inimitable style and an unassailable wholesomeness, columnist David Courtney has counseled many a well-intentioned Texan, native or wannabe, on how to properly conduct him—or herself.” Publisher’s website. 2017.

We look forward to having you join us on Thursday, February 22!

TBP Book Club Title Announced for March 2024!

Please join us on Thursday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. (Central) for our book club discussion of LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY by Bonnie Garmus (DB 107538, BR 24813, LB 13735).

Our book club meetings take place 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 the digital cartridge to you or if you prefer to download it from NLS BARD. Also, please let us know if you would like a reminder via email or phone call (or both).

NLS Annotation: In the early 1960s, chemist Elizabeth Zott has a lot of challenges as the only woman on her team at Hastings Research Institute. She falls for colleague Calvin Evans, but the double standards of the day eventually have her looking for a new chapter outside academia, hosting a television cooking show. Strong language and some violence. Commercial audiobook. Bestseller. 2022.

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, March 21!

BARD Mobile Android Version 2.1.0 Release!

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) is releasing BARD Mobile Android version 2.1.0 this week, introducing enhanced features and improvements.

BARD Mobile enables NLS patrons to download and listen to audiobooks and magazines directly from their Android devices. Registered Texas Talking Book patrons will need a BARD account and a device running Android OS version 9-14 in order to use this updated version of the app.

Among the highlights:

In-app search functionality

A fully supported in-app search function, including Music Collection search, for a more seamless experience.

Spanish translation

The app can now be set so its text and audio are in Spanish. To switch to Spanish, select it as the default language in your device settings. The app’s visual and TalkBack interface will adjust.

International language search option

Explore the new international language search option by choosing up to four languages in the app’s settings. Filter search results by selecting your preferred language.

Navigate to: App’s Settings > User Account Settings > Language Preferences > Select up to four languages.

When accessing Get Books – Search, you will have up to four languages based on your settings. Default languages are English and Spanish if no changes are made.

Compatibility and User Guide update

  • The app supports Android OS versions 9–14.
  • Please note that the User Guide is being updated and will be added later.

Users should be able to update supported Android devices by February 1, 2024. BARD Mobile users can confirm that they are running the latest version by checking the bottom of the app’s Settings screen.

New BARD Download Limits

Beginning February 6, 2024, NLS patrons will be allowed to download no more than 250 books and magazines from BARD in any rolling thirty-day period. This download maximum includes both audio and braille titles, and across all BARD platforms. This means if you download 200 unique items using BARD Express, you can still download another 50 titles using the BARD mobile app on your smart device.

The download limit is calculated by adding up the number of “unique titles” downloaded. You can download the same title on additional devices in the same thirty-day period without that download counting against the limit.

Blind and Low Vision Book Characters in Honor of Louis Braille

Louis Braille, who was born on January 4, 1809, and died on January 6, 1852, was a blind French educator who developed the braille printing and writing system to make reading and writing accessible for individuals who are blind or experience low vision. Celebrate his memory this month with these books that feature characters who are blind or have low vision:

ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE by Anthony Doerr
DB 79182, LB 08913, BT 13561 (physical braille), BR 23326 (e-braille)

AOSAWA MURDERS by Riku Onda
DB 99103, BRG 04470 (e-braille)

ARRANGEMENT by Mary Balogh
DB 77497

DEAREST ROGUE by Elizabeth Hoyt
DB 81933

FORTUNE FAVORS THE WICKED by Theresa Romain
DB 85434

GREEK LESSONS: A NOVEL by Kang Han
DB 114737

IN THE COUNTRY OF THE BLIND: A NOVEL by Edward Hoagland
DB 87210, LB 09100, BR 21809

SIGN FOR HOME: A NOVEL by Blair Fell
DB 116605, BR 24152

SONG OF THE SHANK by Jeffery Renard Allen
DB 79514

SUMMER GUEST: A NOVEL by Alison Anderson
DB 85713

SURRENDER, NEW YORK: A NOVEL by Caleb Carr
DB 86567

WHAT IS VISIBLE? by Kimberly Elkins
DB 78666, BR 20466

January is Blood Donor Month

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)