Talking Times, Winter 2021 - Section 1

Talking Books Staff Schedule

The Talking Books Library staff hope this newsletter finds everyone well and in good spirits. Our staff is presently working a hybrid schedule, working in the office three days a week and remotely two days a week. Each day of the week Monday - Friday there is a staff member on site. We will continue to work diligently to provide materials to our members and to reach out to those who may qualify for the program. We hope that all things will return to a more normal state in the coming months, and that all staff will be back in the office full time soon. Please continue to call us at (401)574-9310 or email us at talking.books@olis.ri.gov.

OSCIL CARES Technology Assistance Program

Are you feeling isolated or disconnected since the onset of the COVID19 Pandemic? Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL) may be able to provide you with the technology and training you need to connect to activities such as telehealth, online purchases, and delivery of groceries and health/medical supplies. Also, to connect to friends and family via email, texting and social media, and to be able to access information online that will help you in your daily life. Training is offered on Apple iPad, iPhone, Android Phone, laptop and desktop computers, Apps for smart phones and tablets, smart home technology such as Alexa, WIFI Hot Spots and data plans. Who is eligible? Rhode Island residents with a disability who have a financial hardship due to or made worse by COVID-19. To learn more, call 401-738-1013 or send email to info@oscil.org or by Video Phone to 401-244-7792 and mention that you are interested in OSCIL's Technology and Training program. This program is made possible by Federal funding from the CARES Act.

New NLS Director Jason Broughton

NLS is pleased to announce that Mr. Jason Broughton has been selected as the new Director of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) at the Library of Congress. Prior to joining the Library of Congress, Mr. Broughton was the Vermont State Librarian. In this role, he engaged in strategic planning for the Department of Libraries and established a long-term vision for the State Library. Previously, Mr. Broughton held numerous positions at libraries in South Carolina and Georgia. Mr. Broughton earned his Master of Science in Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Science in Public Administration from the University of South Florida, and a bachelor's degree in Biology from Florida A&M University. He began his directorship on Monday, September 13, and is the first African American to serve as Director of NLS. Please join us in welcoming Jason Broughton to NLS.

Book Discussion

Our Book Discussion has been underway this past year with sessions taking place quarterly. This coming year we will be offering book discussions every other month starting in January. Join us by calling or emailing us to register for a discussion. We will provide the link and phone numbers after registration. The schedule for the new year can be viewed at Talking Books Library Book Discussion website.