Wolfner News Winter 2006 

Notes from the Director

In this issue of Wolfner News, I’d like to share some of the projects we’ve been working on in recent months. Below, you’ll read about the upcoming digital talking book player from the National Library Service. You’ll also note that we’ve added more descriptive videos to our collection and new magazines and newspapers to our NFB-NEWSLINE® offerings, updated reading lists and conducted a summer reading program for children. These are just a few of the items featured in this newsletter. I hope these new materials and services will help Wolfner Library better serve its patrons, and I thank all of you for your continued support.

Richard J. Smith, Director

Digital Talking Book Player

In its Strategic Business Plan 2006, the National Library Service (NLS) released pictures and descriptions of the upcoming Digital Talking Book Player, which I would like to pass along to you.

The player pictured here is the basic model. It is about 6 by 9 by 2 inches and weighs just over two pounds, compared to the cassette book machine (CBM), which is 9 by 11 by 3 inches and weighs seven pounds. The body of the player is dark charcoal gray to create maximum visual contrast between the background of the case and the colors of the buttons.

The rewind, play and fast forward controls are centered close to the front edge of the player, and just behind them are the power, sleep and volume buttons. Toward the back of the player, on either side of the round speaker, are the tone and speed controls. The control buttons will announce each press of the button.

The white band along the front edge of the player is a pull-out handle, above which is the opening for the digital talking book cartridge. On the back side of the machine is a compartment for storing the power cord. The cartridge shipping container is slightly longer and wider than a green cassette box, but is only half the thickness.

The cartridge itself is the size of a cassette, but with a more complex shape. The end of the cartridge with the round finger hole is slightly thicker than a cassette, with square sides. It is also beveled, so that when that end of the cartridge is pressed down on a flat surface in front of the player, the end of the cartridge with the USB connector tilts up and can slide smoothly into the player. The end of the cartridge with the USB connector has bevels that slant toward the center of the cartridge, so that there is only one way it will fit into the player.

Children’s News

2006 Summer Reading at Wolfner Library

With the theme “Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales,” 37 children registered for the 2006 summer reading program at Wolfner Library. The program offered a choice of three reading groups: Read-to-Me for the youngest readers, Beginning Readers for the children in primary grades and Independent Readers for the children in middle grades. A special program for teens, “Creature Feature,” attracted 27 readers. Of the children and teens participating in both programs, 38 achieved the reading goal they chose at the beginning of the summer.

In celebration of Children’s Book Week, November 13–17, State Librarian Margaret Conroy drew the names of the grand prize winners. Readers who completed the program received gift books and were eligible for the grand prizes. The Friends of Wolfner Library donated the prizes and books. Thank you, Friends!

Looking Ahead to Next Summer

“Get a Clue @ Your Library” is the exciting summer 2007 program for children. “YNK [You Never Know] @ Your Library” is the theme for the teen program. Both programs promise mystery and adventure through books and activities. Be looking for your invitation this spring!

The Value of Summer Reading

Parents, did you know summer reading is one of the best ways to help your child become a better student? The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Missouri State Library contracted with an independent third party to study how library services in schools affect student achievement. The study found that participation in a summer reading program had a statistically significant impact on student achievement. In some communities, school libraries and public libraries are forming partnerships to develop programs and encourage reading during the summer months. View the study at www.dese.mo.gov/divimprove/curriculum/library study/plainenglish.pdf.

Wolfner Library is the public library for Missouri residents who cannot use standard print materials. We have always believed that participating in our summer reading program is an excellent way to help your child or teen retain what he or she has learned and be better prepared for the upcoming school year. We plan to partner with schools around the state in 2007 to promote summer reading to our young patrons.

We hope you will encourage your child or teen to participate in Wolfner Library’s summer reading program. You may also wish to find out more about the summer reading program offered at your local public library. Many libraries are trying to make their programs more inclusive. It is possible to participate in both programs!

Nancy Doering, Youth Services Librarian

Magazine Rack

The audio magazines listed below are now available. Call us at 1-800-392-2614 if you would like a subscription to any of them.

Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine: Suspense, mystery and intrigue by well-known authors; reprints of classic tales; story contests, puzzles and book reviews.

Arthritis Today: Information about arthritis research, treatments and medications.

Audubon: Wildlife news from around the world and articles on contemporary issues related to biodiversity and endangered ecosystems.

Better Homes and Gardens: Practical advice on home and money management, with recipes, how-to-do-it home plans and decorating ideas.

Black Enterprise: Focus on African, Caribbean, and African-American business enterprises; regular columns on personal finance, reviews of new business technologies, fashion and style.

Cowboys and Indians: Focus on the west, western lore and Native Americans; includes events listings of rodeos and other events across the United States.

Current Biography: Articles about newsworthy individuals in politics, sciences, arts, labor and industry; brief obituaries.

Diabetes Self-Management: Current information about diabetes research and patient care.

Discipleship Journal: Guidance for spiritual growth; includes Bible studies.

Kiplinger’s Retirement Report: Advice and trends of interest to retired persons or to those planning for retirement.

Martha Stewart Living: Recipes, gardening, crafts, collectibles, housekeeping and entertaining.

Popular Science: New Product, trends and practical applications of science and technology.

Your Dog: Canine behavior, health medicine, dentistry and new products for dogs. A newsletter published by Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine.

Verhonda Winters, Duplication Technician

News Rack: Extra, Extra! Read All about It!

For the past 30 years, the Missouri State Library has compiled and distributed articles about Missouri government to elected officials and government employees via a service called Keeping Up, which is now available to Wolfner patrons through NFB-NEWSLINE®. For Wolfner patrons who want to stay informed about happenings in Missouri state government, this is a welcome addition to the NFB-NEWSLINE® offerings.

Keeping Up contains articles clipped from the following papers:

• Columbia Daily Tribune
• Columbia Missourian
• Daily Dunklin Democrat
• Hannibal Courier-Post
• Jefferson City Post-Tribune
• Joplin Globe
• Kansas City Star
• Kirksville Daily Express & News
• Moberly Monitor-Index and Democrat
• St. Joseph News-Press Gazette
• St. Louis Post-Dispatch
• Sikeston Standard-Democrat
• Southeast Missourian
• Springfield News-Leader
• Warrensburg Daily Star

NFB-NEWSLINE® uses the latest technology and a computer synthesized voice to bring blind and visually impaired readers an easy-to-use telephone service that “reads” the text from local and national newspapers and magazines across the country. The newspaper service is available from any touch-tone telephone and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Call your reader advisor at 1-800-392-2614 to sign up for NFB-NEWSLINE® service.

Volunteer News

“Isn’t it a wonderful thing that we’re all different?
Each of us has strengths and skills to share.
You are an ‘Essential Piece’ in the Wolfner Library’s goal to provide print-impaired Missourians with a world of reading pleasure.”

So read the certificates presented to Wolfner volunteers at a dinner in their honor on Friday, October 27th. The theme this year was “You’re an Essential Piece.” This was symbolized by a Wolfner logo that had been made into a giant jigsaw puzzle and was pieced together by representatives from the Wolfner staff, the Friends of Wolfner and volunteers.

The jigsaw puzzle theme could be seen in everything, including the invitations, the certificates, the decorations and the programs. Volunteers were given jigsaw puzzle piece lapel pins, and the theme was carried out throughout the banquet hall. The tables were decorated with balloons that had puzzle pieces, and the words “an essential piece” printed on them. These were attached to cups or mugs that had the same theme.

The guest speaker and entertainer was Wolfner patron Michael McIntire from Eminence, Missouri. Michael is the author of the book Blind Man Running, which was recorded in the Wolfner studio this summer. Michael is also a musician, and he regaled the audience with funny banter and wonderful music.

Wolfner staff acted as wait staff, serving the delicious catered meal. A highlight of the evening was the honoring of three volunteers for five years of service. Greg Thurston, a volunteer who has autism, was presented with a lanyard holding a medal that reads “essential piece.” Greg has worked three mornings a week in the Tapes Duplication department since 2001, logging over 3,000 hours. His mother, Neva Thurston, has also volunteered for five years. Rita Lynch has been a volunteer braillist for five years, producing close to 200 print/Braille books. Neva and Rita were given special “essential piece” lapel pins in recognition of their work.

Friends of Wolfner President Stan Rock thanks the volunteers.

Deborah Stroup, Coordinator of Volunteers

Descriptive Videos

Descriptive videos are movies and documentaries with narration of the on-screen action. They play on a VCR, may be borrowed two at a time and can be kept for one week from the date received. Listed below are descriptive videos recently added to our collection. To order, call us at 1-800-392-2614.

The video listings include the video number, title, rating, release date and genre.

DV 566 Brokeback Mountain, R, 2005, Drama
DV 567 Cheaper by the Dozen 2, PG, 2005, Comedy
DV 583 Daniel Boone, Not Rated, 1936, Action/Adventure
DV 570 Date Movie, PG-13, 2006, Comedy
DV 572 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, PG-13, 2005, Family and Children
DV 573 Jarhead, R, 2005, Drama/War
DV 574 King Kong, PG-13, 2005, Action/Adventure
DV 585 Love Laughs at Andy Hardy, Not rated, 1937, Comedy
DV 575 Pot O’ Gold, Not Rated, 1941, Comedy
DV 576 The Producers, PG-13, 2005, Musical
DV 577 The Proud Rebel, Not Rated, 1958, Western
DV 578 Rainbow Valley & Beneath the Arizona Skies, Not Rated, 1934 & 1935, Westerns
DV 584 Ransom of Red Chief, Not Rated, 1996, Comedy
DV 579 Ride to Glory, Not Rated, 1971, Western
DV 580 Second Chorus, Not Rated, 1940, Musical
DV 581 Stage Door Canteen, Not Rated, 1943, Musical
DV 582 Wedding Date, PG-13, 2005, Romantic Comedy

Recommended Reading Lists

Listed below are the newest bibliographies for adults compiled by Wolfner staff. To order, call us at 1-800-392-2614. You can also read them on our Web site at www.sos.mo.gov/wolfner/readings.asp.

2006 Book Sense Book of the Year Awards: Fiction books voted on by the owners and staff of American Booksellers Association member bookstores.

Breast Cancer: Books about breast cancer.

Exercise Your Mind: Books about games and puzzles that can keep your mind active.

Frontier History: Nonfiction books about the American frontier.

Grand Canyon: Nonfiction books about the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River.

Haunting Tales: Fiction books with séances, clairvoyants and apparitions.

Howling Good Reads: Werewolves lurk in the pages of these chilling fiction stories.

Medieval Fiction: Fiction books featuring the romance and chivalry, but also the brutality, of this fascinating period in history.

Notable African-American Women: Nonfiction books by and about African-American women.

Respect for the Aged Day: Fiction and nonfiction books in honor of Japan’s holiday, Respect for the Aged Day, which is celebrated each September to honor elderly citizens.

We also have the following new bibliography available for children:
Dribble, Shoot, Score! Action on the basketball court is heating up in these fiction books for children and teens.