Talking Times, Summer 2020 - Section 2

Summer Reading Program

Summer Reading programs across the state are happening virtually for the most part, due to COVID19. Below are 5 adult titles related to this year's summer reading theme, Imagine Your Story: Fantasy, Fairy Tales and Mythology.

You may check your local library's website to receive additional information about summer reading.

Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold by Stephen Fry (DB97936)

Comedian, novelist, and actor provides his own spin on the classic Greek myths for the modern age. Retells the stories of the titans and gods as a light account of ribaldry, revelry, warfare, worship, love affairs, slayings, suicides, triumphs, and tragedies. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2017.

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik (DB91647)

When her moneylender father can no longer collect his debts, Miryem takes over and earns a reputation of being able to turn silver into gold. This draws the attention of the icy Staryk people, whose king sets her an impossible task. Luckily she finds some unexpected allies. Commercial audiobook. 2018.

The Rise of Magicks by Nora Roberts (DB97567)

After a plague destroyed civilization, Fallon worked to train her magick. She has rescued countless shifters, elves, and humans, and now must help them heal while facing off against the Purity Warriors. Sequel to Of Blood and Bone (DB 93358). Violence, strong language, and some explicit descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2019.

The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates (DB96729)

Born into bondage, Hiram Walker is robbed of all memory of his mother when she is sold. But Hiram is blessed with a mysterious power. This power saves him when he almost drowns, and he knows he must escape the only life he has ever known. Violence. Historical Fiction. Commercial audiobook. 2019.

The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden (DB93503)

Vasya will uncover surprising truths about herself and her history as she desperately tries to save Russia, Morozko, and the magical world she treasures. But she may not be able to save them all. Sequel to The Girl in the Tower (DB 89951). Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2019.

Rhode Island Collection

The Talking Books Library has prepared a list of books for the RI Collection and will begin recording titles as soon as possible; the project has been temporarily delayed due to closures caused by the coronavirus. Using donations sent in by members, their family and friends, the RI Collection will feature books with stories that take place in RI, books about well-known RI residents and books by RI authors that will have enduring value. Your donations will allow us to continue building the collection of local interest. To make a donation, send check or money order payable to the RI Talking Books Library and mail to the RI Office of Library & Information Services, Talking Books Library, 1 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908. Your donations are greatly appreciated and are used solely for the purchase of materials for the Talking Books Library. Donations are accepted in memory of a loved one, family member or to honor an individual. If you wish to remain anonymous, please let us know in an accompanying note.

Duplication on Demand

In the near future, the Talking Books Program will serve patrons with a great new service called Duplication on Demand (DoD). It will allow you to get almost any book that is available on BARD right away. When you order books, or when automatic selection orders books for you, they are recorded on a cartridge and sent to you within a day or two (provided you don't already have a full quota.) Of course, if you have other requests on your list, you'll need to tell us if you want new requests first. Otherwise, our automated service may send older requests before the new ones. Using DoD, there's no waiting for other patrons to return a copy; all downloadable books are always available. DoD puts up to 10 books on one cartridge, but you don't need to be able to use Bookshelf, because new programming has simplified the way you move from book to book. You can also get a whole series put on one cartridge - in series order-just let us know if there's one you would like. We've heard from a number of patrons who love receiving multiple books on a single cartridge - try it today!

BARD Braille and Audio Reading Download

If you do not have a BARD account, you probably realize, since the COVID-19 crisis, how invaluable BARD is. When you cannot receive materials via the U.S. mail, BARD is there to fill the gap. All you need is an email account. You, a family member or caregiver can download books on a computer and then onto your cartridge, or you could have books downloaded to your mobile device (iPhone, iPad, iOS and Android devices or Kindle fire). Just contact the Talking Books Library staff via email or phone to let them know that you would like a BARD account.