Save the Dates September 13-20, 2003
Talking Book Week will be
held September 13-20,2003. Last year, 55 cities participated in
Talking Book Week by holding local events to publicize the Talking
Book Program (TBP). During the week, twenty seven articles about
TBP appeared in publications around the state. If you are interested
in helping organize an event in your hometown, email us at tbpinfo@tsl.state.tx.us
or call 800-252-9605. Help us to spread the news about the Talking
Book Program. Mark your calendars now for September 13-20, 2003.
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Did you know?
- Ava M. Smith is
the director of the Talking Book Program of Texas. After years
of experience with the Waco-McClennan County Library sytem, she
looks forward to making TBP a leader in its field.
- Applications (in English and Spanish) can be downloaded
here. Tell an eligible
friend today!
- TBP's studio has been selected to test a new digital
recording equipment for the National Library Service for the Blind
and Physically Handicapped.
- 52 Texans over the age of 100 and 1545 children (14 and
younger) are currently served by TBP.
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DIRC Can Help You
Our Disability Information and Referral Center (DIRC) houses information
and materials on disabilities and health conditions, related organizations,
publications, products, and adaptive technology. The DIRC provides
free reference services for anyone with a disability-related question.
You do not have to be a registered patron of the Talking Book Program
to use the services of the DIRC. Call us with your questions on
disability issues at 800-252-9605. We can help!
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Interested in Doing Media Interviews for TBP?
TBP's public awareness coordinator
is looking for TBP patrons who are willing to speak with reporters.
Over the last year, a number of patrons have shared their stories
with local newspapers. One of the best ways for us to publicize
TBP is to have patrons share how the program has enriched their
lives. No experience is necessary--just a willingness to tell others
how the Talking Book Program has been beneficial to you and your
family. To find out more, contact Roxanne Elder, Public Awareness
Coordinator at 800-252-9605 or email tbpinfo@tsl.state.tx.us.
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New Year's Resolution:
Fewer Overdue Books at TBP
You know how it feels when
you are waiting for a book that you ordered from the Talking Book
Program? If everyone would make a New Year's resolution return their
books on time, imagine how much faster our books could reach all
of our patrons. The normal loan period for braille, large print
or cassette books is 45 days. You can always call or write if you
need to keep the book longer. Let’s all work together in 2003 to
return our books on time. If we don't, next time it could be you
waiting weeks to get that special book.
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Radio Reading Services
San Antonio now has a local
Radio Reading Service, call 210-344-1479 to sign up. These services
broadcast readings of the news and informational programs. Call
TBP to find out if your city has a Radio Reading Service.
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Tips
and Reminders for Better Service
Equipment. Talking Book cassette players are just like any
mechanical device—they break down from time to time. You'll get
the best service from your equipment if you:
- always use the battery to play your tapes and allow the battery
run down completely before recharging it;
- keep food and beverages away from the player;
- clean the heads from time to time using a head-cleaning tape
(available at stores that carry stereo equipment);
- don't try to fix a broken player—just return it.
Before returning a piece of equipment, please call or write to
let us know you are returning it and to request a replacement. It's
a good idea to keep the box your player comes in so you can use
it to return equipment if it breaks down.
Loan Period. The normal loan period for braille, large print,
or cassette books is 45 days. Please call or write if you need to
keep the book longer. Returning books promptly and keeping a list
of book requests on file with us will keep a steady flow of reading
material in your mailbox.
Broken Books. To let us know you have had a problem with
a book, please mark a large "X" on the return label on the left
side of our address.
New Manager in Reader Services. Stacey Hathaway-Bell
now leads our Reader Services' section. All of our staff is dedicated
to making the Talking Book Service work for you. Please let us know
how we can help by contacting us at:
Talking Book Program
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
PO Box 12927
Austin TX 78711-2927
1-800-252-9605 (in Texas)
512-463-5458 (in Austin)
512-936-0685 (fax)
tbp.services@tsl.state.tx.us
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