Tag Archives: Summer Reading

Summer Reading Program Presents: Mountain Climbing

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Adventure is the theme for this year’s Summer Reading Program. This week we’re featuring books about mountaineering.

Adult Nonfiction

ALONE AT THE TOP: CLIMBING DENALI IN THE DEAD OF WINTER by Lonnie Dupre (DBC 16029)
CALLING: A LIFE ROCKED BY MOUNTAINS by Barry Blanchard (DBC 02626)
DEAD LUCKY: LIFE AFTER DEATH ON MOUNT EVEREST by Lincoln Hall (DBG 08121)
EIGER DREAMS: VENTURES AMONG MEN AND MOUNTAINS by Jon Krakauer (DB 55906)
FOREVER ON THE MOUNTAIN: THE TRUTH BEHIND ONE OF MOUNTAINEERING’S MOST CONTROVERSIAL AND MYSTERIOUS DISASTERS by James M. Tabor (DB 67223)
GHOSTS OF K2: THE EPIC SAGA OF THE FIRST ASCENT by Mick Conefrey (DB 82748)
HIGH CRIMES: THE FATE OF EVEREST IN AN AGE OF GREED by Michael Kodas (DB 67804)
KILLING DRAGONS: THE CONQUEST OF THE ALPS by Fergus Fleming (DB 53702)
LEFT FOR DEAD: MY JOURNEY HOME FROM EVEREST by Beck Weathers (DB 92591)
MOUNTAIN: MY TIME ON EVEREST by Ed Viesturs (DB 78694)
NANDA DEVI: THE TRAGIC EXPEDITION by John Roskelley (BR 07444)
TOUCH THE TOP OF THE WORLD: A BLIND MAN’S JOURNEY TO CLIMB FARTHER THAN THE EYE CAN SEE by Erik Weihenmayer (DB 51505, BR 14512)
TWO SHADOWS: THE INSPIRATIONAL STORY OF ONE MAN’S TRIUMPH OVER ADVERSITY by Charlie Winger (DBC 03296)

Adult Fiction

ABOMINABLE by Dan Simmons (DB 77604)
ABOVE ALL THINGS by Tanis Rideout (DB 76263)
EDGE OF JUSTICE by Clinton McKinzie (DBC 02926)
MOUNTAIN OF THE DEAD by Jeremy Bates (DB 111004)
PATHS OF GLORY by Jeffrey Archer (DB 68935)
SEVENTEEN by Hideo Yokoyama (DB 92989)
STORMS OF DENALI by Nicholas O’Connell (DBC 00221)
THIS COURAGEOUS JOURNEY by Misty M. Beller (DB 109156)
THIS WRETCHED VALLEY by Jenny Kiefer (DB 118975) IN PROCESS
VIEW MOST GLORIOUS by Regina Scott (DB 106556)
WAY OF THE BRAVE by Susan May Warren (DB 98178)

Young Adult Fiction

EVEN THE DARKEST STARS by Heather Fawcett (DB 89269)

Juvenile Nonfiction

BODIES FROM THE ICE: MELTING GLACIERS AND THE RECOVERY OF THE PAST by James M. Deem Grades 5-8
EVEREST: THE REMARKABLE STORY OF EDMUND HILLARY AND TENZING NORGAY by Alexandra Stewart (DB 106544) IN PROCESS
Grades 3-6
RESCUES! by Sandra Markle (DB 62920)
Grades 4-7
TO THE TOP! CLIMBING THE WORLD’S HIGHEST MOUNTAIN by S. A. Kramer (DB 40184, BR 10059)
TOP OF THE WORLD: CLIMBING MOUNT EVEREST by Steve Jenkins (BR 13015)
Grades 2-4

Juvenile Fiction

BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH by Eric Walters (BRG 03241)
Grades 6-12
CLIMB OR DIE by Edward Myers (DB 47312, BR 10476)
Grades 6-9
PEAK by Roland Smith (DB 64746, BR 17994)
Grades 6-9

Summer Reading Program Presents: Olympic Odyssey

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Adventure is the theme for this year’s Summer Reading Program. This week we’re featuring books about athleticism and the Olympics. Find out how the modern Olympics began. Or read about what it’s like to compete at the highest level on a global stage by reading a memoir written by an Olympian. No matter how you choose to participate, remember: adventure begins at your library!

Adult Nonfiction

BRACE ENOUGH by Jessie Diggins (DBC 17761)
BUTTERFLY: FROM REFUGEE TO OLYMPIAN– MY STORY OF RESCUE, HOPE, AND TRIUMPH by Yusra Mardini (DB 91238)
COWBOY STUNTMAN: FROM OLYMPIC GOLD TO THE SILVER SCREEN by Dean Smith (DB 96572)
DON’T GIVE UP, DON’T GIVE IN: LESSONS FROM AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE by Louis Zamperini (DB 81537)
DREAM TEAM: HOW MICHAEL, MAGIC, LARRY, CHARLES, AND THE GREATEST TEAM OF ALL TIME CONQUERED THE WORLD AND CHANGED THE GAME OF BASKETBALL FOREVER by Jack McCallum (DB 75291)
FINISH STRONG: A FATHER’S CODE AND A SON’S PATH by Nate Ebner (DB 103430)
GAMES: A GLOBAL HISTORY OF THE OLYMPICS by David Goldblatt (DB 91775, BR 22356)
GOING FOR WISCONSIN GOLD: STORIES OF OUR STATE OLYMPIANS by Jessie Garcia (DBC 08262)
IT’S TRUE! IT’S TRUE! by Kurt Angle (DB 53200)
LETTERS TO A YOUNG GYMNAST by Nadia Comaneci (DB 91675)
MAKING OF A MIRACLE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE CAPTAIN OF THE 1980 GOLD MEDAL-WINNING U.S. OLYMPIC HOCKEY TEAM by Mike Eruzione (DB 98705)
NAKED OLYMPICS: THE TRUE STORY OF THE ANCIENT GAMES by Tony Perrottet (DB 58757)
OLYMPIC PRIDE, AMERICAN PREJUDICE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF 18 AFRICAN AMERICANS WHO DEFIED JIM CROW AND ADOLF HITLER TO COMPETE IN THE 1936 BERLIN OLYMPICS by Deborah Riley Draper (DB 98792)
SIXTH MAN: A MEMOIR by Andre Igodala (DB 95635)
SPEED KINGS: THE 1932 WINTER OLYMPICS AND THE FASTEST MEN IN THE WORLD by Andy Bull (DB 82853)
THREE-YEAR SWIM CLUB: THE UNTOLD STORY OF MAUI’S SUGAR DITCH KIDS AND THEIR QUEST FOR OLYMPIC GLORY by Julie Checkoway (DB 83154)
TIGERBELLE: THE WYOMIA TYUS STORY by Wyomia Tyus (DB 93189)
TOUGH GIRL: LESSONS IN COURAGE AND HEART FROM OLYMPIC GOLD TO THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO by Carolyn Wood (DBC 15867)
WATERMEN: THE BIRTH OF AMERICAN SWIMMING AND ONE YOUNG MAN’S FIGHT TO CAPTURE OLYMPIC GOLD by (DB 118959 IN PROCESS)

Adult Fiction

Español

TRANSBORDO EN MOSCÚ by Eduardo Mendoza (DB 112229)

English

BEAR PIT by Jon Cleary (DB 99168)
BONE CAGE by Angie Abdou (DBG 08478, BRG 02738)
GAMES by James Patterson (DB 85110)
GOLD by Chris Cleave (DB 75265)
HORSEWOMAN by James Patterson (DB 106198, LB 13608)
LONG JOURNEY HOME by Don Coldsmith (BR 14492)
PRIVATE GAMES by James Patterson (DB 74689)
RAT CATCHERS’ OLYMPICS by Colin Cotterill (DB 96083)
TYPHOON by Charles Cumming (DBC 26527)

Young Adult Nonfiction

GOLD IN THE WATER: THE TRUE STORY OF ORDINARY MEN AND THEIR EXTRAORDINARY DREAM OF OLYMPIC GLORY by P. H. Mullen (DB 56039)
GRACE, GOLD AND GLORY: MY LEAP OF FAITH by Gabrielle Douglas (DB 76347)
INAUGURAL BALLERS: THE TRUE STORY OF THE FIRST US WOMEN’S OLYMPIC BASKETBALL TEAM by Andrew Maraniss (DB 110512, LB 14383)
WORK WITH WHAT YOU GOT: A MEMOIR by Zion Clark (DB 117752 IN PROCESS)

Young Adult Fiction

EVERY REASON WE SHOULDN’T by Sara Fujimura (DB 99186)

Juvenile Nonfiction

AS FAST AS HER: DREAM BIG, BREAK BARRIERS, ACHIEVE SUCCESS by Kendall Coyne (DBC 26533) Grades 6-9
BOBBIE ROSENFELD: THE OLYMPIAN WHO COULD DO EVERYTHING by Anne Dublin (BRG 00872) Grades 3-6
COURAGE TO SOAR: A BODY IN MOTION, A LIFE IN BALANCE by Simone Biles (DB 103602)
FIERCE: HOW COMPETING FOR MYSELF CHANGED EVERYTHING by Aly Raisman (DB 89796)
STORY OF THE OLYMPICS by Dave Anderson (DB 50298) Grades 5-8
WOMEN OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS by Nathan Aaseng (DB 54640) Grades 5-8

Juvenile Fiction

GOLD MEDAL MESS: MVP BOOK 1 by David A. Kelly (DB 87575) Grades 2-4
HOUR OF THE OLYMPICS: MAGIC TREE HOUSE, BOOK 16 by Mary Pope Osborne (DB 54426, BR 23037, en español DB 110933) Grades 2-4
MYSTERY OF THE MASKED MEDALIST: KUDO KIDS by Maia Shibutani (DB 100823)

Summer Reading Program Presents: That All May Travel!

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Adventure is the theme for this year’s Summer Reading Program. This week we’re featuring books in our collection about travel. But we don’t want you just to read about adventure. Consequently, we’ve included links to resources with accessibility information for disabled travelers. We want everyone to be able to travel as easily and comfortably as possible. So, if you’ve been putting off that bucket list trip due to the travails of traveling with a disability, put it off no longer. And for those who prefer to experience travel through a good book, we have an armchair traveler section at the end.

Remember: Adventure begins at your library!

Know your Rights

U.S. Department of Transportation: Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights

  • The Right to Be Treated with Dignity and Respect.
  • The Right to Receive Information About Services and Aircraft Capabilities and Limitations.
  • he Right to Receive Information in an Accessible Format.
  • The Right to Accessible Airport Facilities.
  • The Right to Assistance at Airports.
  • The Right to Assistance on the Aircraft.
  • The Right to Travel with an Assistive Device or Service Animal.
  • The Right to Receive Seating Accommodations.
  • The Right to Accessible Aircraft Features.
  • The Right to Resolution of a Disability-Related Issue.

Know your Resources

Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality: is a non-profit organization that advocates and creates resources and opportunities for disabled travelers. Among their resources includes tips for travelers of all disabilities, a compilation of rights that disabled travelers should know, and lists of accessible activities in many cities. Some of their most valuable articles include:

  • How to travel with a speech impairment
  • How to travel with a sight impairment or blindness
  • How to travel with a hearing impairment or deafness
  • Autism and airport travel safety tips
  • How to travel with an older adult
  • Avis Rent A Car Launches “Avis Access” for Travelers with Disabilities
  • Toll-Free Hotline for Air Travelers with Disabilities

CDC: Traveling with a disability

ETIAS: Step by Step Traveling with a Disability in Europe

European Network for Accessible Tourism

International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers

Mobility International U. S. A.

National Council on Aging: Mobility Friendly Travel Guide

U.S. Department of State: International Travelers with Special Considerations and Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

U.S. Department of Transportation: General Travel Tips for Persons with Disabilities Toll free hotline: 800-778-4838

Accessible Travel DIY

Accessibility apps

Aira: Visual Interpreter Service app for iOS and Android. Uses trained professionals.
Be My Eyes:  Visual Interpreter Service free app for iOS and Android. Uses volunteers.
iAccess Life: Navigate accessible routes and locations.
Google Maps: Includes an “Accessible Places” feature, which labels accessible entrances, seating, restrooms, and parking.

Specialized Car Rental Agencies

MobilityWorks
Wheelers Accessible Van Rentals

Specialty Travel Agencies

Easy Access Travel: https://easyaccesstravel.com/
Tapooz Travel: https://www.tapooztravel.com/
Travel for All: https://travel-for-all.com/
Wheel the World: https://wheeltheworld.com

Traveling by Bus, Train, or Airplane

Amtrak: Accessible Travel Services
Greyhound: Customers with Disabilities Travel Assistance
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program: This program assists individuals with hidden disabilities navigate in airports.
TSA: TSA Cares-Disabilities and Medical Conditions
U. S. Airport Sensory Rooms: Sensory rooms enhance the airport experience for travelers with autism and special needs by providing soft lighting and other features to reduce anxiety before a flight.  

Travel How to Books

ACCESS ANYTHING: I CAN DO THAT! ADVENTURING WITH DISABILITIES by Andrea Jehn Kennedy (DB 69444)
AIR TRAVEL FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS by Cory Lee (DB 115733)
TWENTY-TWO ACCESSIBLE ROAD TRIPS: DRIVING VACATIONS FOR WHEELERS AND SLOW WALKERS by Candy Harrington (DB 75991)

Armchair Travel Books

I DIDN’T HEAR THE DRAGON ROAR by Frances M. Parsons (DB 28448, BR 07658)
I’LL PUSH YOU: A JOURNEY OF 500 MILES, TWO BEST FRIENDS, AND ONE WHEELCHAIR by Patrick Gray (DB 89784)
MILO’S EYES: HOW A BLIND EQUESTRIAN AND HER “SEEING EYE HORSE” RESCUED EACH OTHER by Lissa Bachner (DB 110604, BR 24622)
SENSE OF THE WORLD: HOW A BLIND MAN BECAME HISTORY’S GREATEST TRAVELER by Jason Roberts (DB 62703, BR 16660)
SEVEN-TENTHS: LOVE, PIRACY, AND SCIENCE AT SEA by David Fisichella (DB 71749, BR 19090)
SITES UNSEEN: TRAVELING THE WORLD WITHOUT SIGHT by Wendy S. David (DB 73854)
TRAVELS IN A BLUE CHAIR: ALASKA TO ZAMBIA, USHUAIA TO ULURU; A SERIES OF SHORT STORIES by Walt Balenovich (DB 67926)
UNHEARD: A MEMOIR OF DEAFNESS AND AFRICA by Josh Swiller (DB 67060)
UNSEEN TRAIL: THE STORY OF A BLIND HIKER’S JOURNEY ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL by Michael O. Hanson (DBC 02612)
YEAR OF SUNDAYS: TAKING THE PLUNGE (AND OUR CAT) TO EXPLORE EUROPE by Edward D. Webster (DB 64156, BR 15594)

July 2024 TBP Book Club Title Announced!

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Please join us on Thursday, July 25 at 7:00 p.m. (Central) for our Book Club discussion of MY SISTER, THE SERIAL KILLER by Oyinkan Braithwaite.

We host our Book Club discussions via Zoom. However, all you need to participate is a telephone!

If you have a land line, we will provide a telephone number for accessing the Book Club. If you have a smart phone, we will email 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.

Patrons who register for the discussion will receive this information a week before the book club meeting.

To RSVP call us at 1-800-252-9605 or email tbp.ral@tsl.texas.gov

MY SISTER, THE SERIAL KILLER is available by mail as a digital cartridge and is also available to download on BARD.

MY SISTER, THE SERIAL KILLER by Oyinkan Braithwaite (DB 93043)
Though it wears on her, Korede has grown very good at cleaning up her sister’s messes—namely, those left after she murders her boyfriends. The bright spot in Korede’s life is a kind doctor at the hospital where she works–until the day he meets Korede’s sister and asks for her number. Some violence. Bestseller. Commercial audiobook. 2018.

We’re looking forward to having you join us on Thursday, July 25!

2024 Summer Reading Sign Up is Open!

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Graphic for summer reading featuring a child and a ghost sharing a book by a fire and the slogan "adventure begins at your library"

Our ALL AGES summer reading program is returning on June 3, 2024! This year’s theme is Adventure Begins at Your Library and focuses on exploring, and all kinds of adventures.

Sign up is open now!

You can sign up using the above link, or by calling us at 1-800-252-9605.


From June 3 to August 9, you’ll get themed book lists and matching activities, and you can win a prize at the end of summer by reviewing books. Materials will be available electronically, in large print, in braille, and in Spanish.

This year the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) is also providing several virtual events, including a kickoff party, live author talks, and online games!

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