Talking Times, Summer 2019 - Section 3

Reader's Digest Now Available through NLS

The National Library Service (NLS) is pleased to announce the addition of Reader's Digest to its selection of audio magazines. Issues of the magazine will be available to patrons through BARD and via subscription, on cartridge. If you previously had a subscription to the Reader's Digest and would like to continue to receive this magazine, please email the Talking Books Library at talking.books@olis.ri.gov or call (401)574-9310.

Rhode Island Collection

The Talking Books Library is working to create a RI Collection. If you know of a RI author or title about a popular Rhode Islander, or know of a story that was written in or about RI, email that information to Talking Books Library at talking.books@olis.ri.gov so that we may add it to our list of local title recommendations to be recorded and produced in digital audiobook format.

No Need to Use Bookshelf Mode

NLS has updated the firmware for the Digital Talking-Book Machine (DTBM). Members may now download this firmware which allows users to sequentially play multiple talking-book titles on a single cartridge without the need to enter Bookshelf mode-a capability that has long been requested by NLS patrons and network libraries. For cartridges containing more than one book or magazine, the new Sequential Play feature enables users to press the play/stop button to go to the next title when the player announces, "End of book." Standard Bookshelf mode will still work as before, allowing users to play multiple books or magazines in any order they wish, but for those who want a simpler method, the new functionality makes it possible to move from one title to the next without having to use the bookshelf. The updated firmware and instructions for installing are available for download on the NLS public website and the BARD Help page. NLS has also added the firmware to the Magazines on Cartridge system for use by multiple magazine subscribers.

Warwick Public Library Homebound Program

In our last issue of the Talking Times Newsletter, we missed mentioning that Warwick Public library also has a program to provide books to homebound residents in their community. If you are a homebound Warwick resident, you can receive books through the Warwick Public Library's homebound reading program. Just send an email to reference@warwicklibrary.org or you may call Mary Anne Quinn at (401)739-5440 ext. 4 to sign up for the program. If you live in another city or town, there may be a homebound program in your area. Here is the list of cities and towns that have the homebound program. Barrington, Bristol, Charlestown, Coventry, Cranston, Cumberland, East Greenwich, Foster, Glocester, Greenville, Jamestown, Narragansett, Newport, North Scituate, North Smithfield, Rochambeau Library in Providence, South Kingstown, Tiverton, West Warwick and Westerly. Just call your local library in your city or town today to sign up for the program. All you will need is an Ocean State Libraries card which you can obtain for free from your local public library.