Posted on March 19, 2018 at 10:43 AM by Michael Lang
Kansas Talking Book New Update – Spring 2018
From the Director’s Desk
Spring greetings! I hope many of you had a chance to enjoy the online activities for Kansas Talking Books Week, March 5-9. We used our Facebook, Twitter, and our new Talking Books Talk blog, https://kslib.info/talkingbooks, to celebrate and help spread the word about the services that many of you enjoy on a daily basis. One of the highlights of the week was our Volunteer Appreciation Reception. Six narrators and two machine repair volunteers were recognized for their service to Kansas Talking Books and a small token of appreciation was provided by the Kansas Advisory Council for Talking Books Services. You can watch the short reception video at http://bit.ly/2tJRY6v
We’ve received our supply of Digital Talking Book Machine Remote Controls and they are ready to check-out. If you’d like to order one or have questions about them please contact our office.
Continue reading for 2018 Summer Reading information and an exciting new program announcement! As always I am here to help you. Call or email me if you have any questions or concerns. Phone: 620-341-6287 Email: Michael.lang@ks.gov . Keep healthy, keep safe, and keep reading!
–Michael Lang, Director
News from NLS
MOCA Device: Next phase of wireless delivery pilot begins
Patron volunteers from almost 40 network libraries around the country began the next phase of testing of wireless delivery using the prototype device called the MOCA (an acronym for MObile CArtridge device).
The MOCA—designed largely by NLS engineers—allows the volunteers to access books and magazines from BARD that have been “pushed” to the device by network library reader advisors. The selections are transferred to a cartridge that can be played on an NLS digital talking-book machine or compatible third-party player—and used again and again to receive more books and magazines. The MOCA relies on public cellular networks, not Wi-Fi.
The first MOCAs were shipped to patrons in February and more will go out in the coming weeks. When the pilot ends this summer, NLS will evaluate the results and decide next steps.
“This pilot is intended to study the feasibility and cost of wireless download for our patrons,” Director Karen Keninger said. “It’s one small step of many that we’re taking toward planning the future of NLS.”
NLS Ad Campaign
The next phase of the NLS outreach campaign began February 26th with the launch of commercials on cable TV networks such as the Hallmark Channel and TV Land and national radio programs such as The Osgood File. Commercials will run in three-week “flights” through late 2019.
Click on one of the following links to watch the commercial or listen to the radio ad:
NLS TV commercial
NLS Radio ad
New Phone-In Book Club
Let’s talk about books! Kansas Talking Books is introducing our all new Phone-In Book Club. The first ever phone-in call book discussions will be held during the Libraries Rock! Summer Reading Program on Wednesday, June 13th, at 10:00 am and 12:00 pm. Join us for an hour and meet other patrons from around the state as we engage in lively discussion about the selected book. You don’t have to leave the comfort of your home or even get out of your pajamas to participate (we won’t know!).
Book Selection: DB 74698 The Wrecking Crew: The Inside Story of Rock and Roll’s Best-Kept Secret by Kent Hartman.
Annotation: Music-industry insider profiles the Los Angeles-area studio musicians known as the Wrecking Crew, who in the 1960s and '70s secretly played instruments on such hits as "California Dreamin'" and "Bridge over Troubled Water." Discusses group members Glen Campbell, Leon Russell, and others who forged their own successful careers. Contains some strong language. 2012.
Summer Reading Program
Patrons of all ages are invited to join us for the 2018 Libraries Rock! Summer Reading Program between June 1st and August 1st.
Just by signing up, your name will be placed in a weekly prize drawing. There will also be one grand prize winner from each age group at the end of the summer. To be entered in the grand prize drawing, simply send in your reading log where you kept track of the titles you read! A name will be randomly selected from those patrons who submit a reading log.
We’ll have fun summer reading activities and book recommendations posted to our Facebook page and blog throughout the summer.
Sign up for summer reading by calling our office at 1-800-362-0699, dropping us an email at KTB@ks.gov, or Click Here to sign up online.
Readers’ Advisor Recommends: Gentle Reads
Looking for something mild to read with little to no strong language, sex, or violence? Kansas Talking Books has a collection of books called our Clean Reads Collection. The collection includes the following books:
DB 71348 – The Walk: The Walk series, Book 1 by Richard Paul Evans
Seattle advertising executive Alan Christoffersen has everything--until his beloved wife dies, his business partner steals their clients, and his house is repossessed. Alan decides to walk across America to Key West, Florida, in search of new meaning while keeping a journal and befriending people along the way. 2010.
DB 22382 – When Calls the Heart: Canadian West series, Book 1 by Janette Oke
A lovely eastern schoolteacher from a well-to-do family heads for the Canadian frontier convinced that she will never fall for any of the rough and rowdy adventurers of the West. But she forgets her conviction after meeting Wynn Delaney, a handsome Royal Canadian Mountie. 1983.
DB 69216 – Gardenias for Breakfast by Robin Jones Gunn
Abby and her twelve-year-old daughter Hannah travel from Hawaii across country to visit their relatives, including Abby's estranged mother and beloved grandmother. Abby is surprised that Hannah has a preference for Abby's once-difficult mother and vows, with God's help, to make amends. 2005.
DB 75616 – The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom
Dor, the creator of the first clock, angered God and was punished by being forced to hear endless petitions for more time. But if Dor--who is now Father Time--can help teenager Sarah Lemon and businessman Victor Delamonte, his curse may be lifted. Bestseller. 2012.
DB 33752 – Riders of the Silver Rim by Brock Thoene
When "Pickax" Springer comes upon Joshua Roberts in the desert, Roberts is near death. As the man rallies and becomes aware of his surroundings, he wonders how much he said while he was delirious. But Pickax tells him that out West, a man has no past. Now recovered, Roberts has three plans: to find a job, to find the woman who gave him water, and to find the man who left him to die. 1990.
These books are just a few of the books in our Clean Reads Collection. If you’re looking for more, try some of these popular authors:
- Debbie Macomber
- Richard Paul Evans
- Deeanne Gist
- Janette Oke
- Tim LaHaye
- David and Beverly Lewis
- Lynn Austin
- Lori Wick
Recent Locally Produced Books
Want books about Kansas or to find a Kansas author? Want Kansas magazines or a daily devotional? Ask our readers’ advisors. We record and produce books and magazines about Kansas or by Kansans in our recording studio at Kansas Talking Books. We also record and produce children’s books. Some of our recent locally produced books include:
Children’s Corner
DBC08760 XO Ox: A Love Story by Adam Rex
The hilarious tale of an ox who is in love with a gazelle, told in correspondence.
DBC08767 Bob, Not Bob! by Liz Garton Scanlon
When a young boy gets a cold, he just wants his mommy. But his stuffy nose makes it difficult for him to call out to his mom- not Bob, who happens to be the family dog. For grades K-3.
DBC08766 Big Cat, Little Cat by Elisha Cooper
A moving tale about friendship, new beginnings, and cats. For grades K-3.
DBC08761 On a Magical Do-Nothing Day by Beatrice Alemagna
Sent outside by their mother on a rainy day, a child is dismayed when their handheld game falls into the pond before they encounter giant snails, wet mushrooms, and other elements that awaken them to the sensory aspects of nature. For grades K-3.
Daily Devotional
As a reminder, we also record the daily devotional The Secret Place from Judson Press.The Secret Place re news your faith, invigorates your spirit, and strengthens your relationship with God.
Each daily devotion in this monthly magazine includes a Scripture passage, an original meditation, and a brief prayer. Written by Christian writers from across the nation, these meditations share comfort and inspiration found in life’s everyday details. This combination of scriptural and personal insight provides both a timeless and timely perspective for contemplative meditation that draws you closer to God in your daily walk as a Christian.
Upcoming State and Postal Holidays Reminder
Monday, May 29th – Talking Books Office Closed (Memorial Day)
Wednesday, July 4th – Talking Books Office Closed (Independence Day)