Brainfuse

The scope of Brainfuse Tutoring available to AADL users has grown since we began subscribing to this service. Brainfuse has on-line learning options that are sure to enhance your study experience. The HelpNow 3.0 upgrade Study Suite offers study tools for an array of Standardized Tests. The interactive Flashbulb will give students access to an extensive library of online flashcard sets in hundreds of subjects. Check out the Test Center for students to practice test themselves in core subjects. Plus there's still the Expert Help you can get from a live tutor from 2:00-11:00 EVERY day except posted holidays. Tutors are available for students from grade school to college. Please take a look at Brainfuse on our website, scroll down & get acquainted with these awesome features!

Meet the Mac Monday | November 5 | 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm | Downtown Library | Third Floor Training Center

Do you have a Mac and want to learn more about how to use it? Are you curious about Macs? Come to our class and we'll teach you how to use the Dock, Spotlight, Finder, Dashboard, and Widgets. You'll also learn how to launch applications and quit them. You'll leave the class equipped with new words like Alias, Spotlight, Spaces, Expose, and more. Registration is not required and the classroom will open 15 minutes before the class begins. View the complete class schedule at aadl.org/classes.

Unable to attend the class? Check out these great video tutorials.

Recommended books at the library:
Teach yourself visually OS X Mountain Lion
Switching to the Mac: the missing manual
The little Mac book

See you in class!

Join the online community of Books and Beyond at 8:00 pm tonight, Wednesday October 10, to listen and learn about Jon Grayson, the host of Overnight America, based in St. Louis and heard on a number of stations throughout the U.S. How did this multifaceted program get its start? To whom does it appeal? Why is St. Louis the home base? Is it necessary that a show come from New York or Los Angeles? To what does Grayson attribute his success? Approximately 15 minutes prior to the event start time go to The Books and Beyond Room or, alternatively, select The Books and Beyond Room at: www.accessibleworld.org and enter your first and last name on the sign-in screen. If you are a first-time user of the Talking Communities online conferencing software, there is a small, safe software program that you need to download and then run. A link to the software is available on the Books and Beyond entry page.

The next Michigan Commission for the Blind Braille and Talking Book Library Book Club meeting will be held on October 13 at 1:30 p.m. in Lansing at the Library of Michigan in the BTBL public service area located on the first floor across from the elevators. This month's book is DB60225, Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. The meeting can be attended in person or via the OPAL online meeting room. The meeting site is accessible. Individuals attending the meeting are requested to refrain from using heavily scented personal care products in order to enhance accessibility for everyone. People with disabilities requiring additional accommodations (such as materials in alternative format) in order to participate in the meeting, or those seeking more information, should call Scott Norris at (517) 373-5516 at least five business days prior to the meeting.

What do you do when you don't know the solutions to your teens' math homework? We can help! Join us on Wednesday, September 26 from 6 to 8 pm at the Malletts Creek branch for Homework Resources for Teens, Parents and Caregivers. AADL staff will demonstrate how to take advantage of online skill-building tools, homework help, and other resources, including those available on aadl.org.

The library has a new children's language learning database called Muzzy. Currently there are 8 different languages to choose from: English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, and Russian. You can use it at home or at the library. The Muzzy animated story and games are a captivating way for kids to learn another language. It was originally a BBC program so those from Europe may recognize it. Learn more about this database here. We also offer the Muzzy multilingual series (it includes a choice of learning English, French, German, Italian, or Spanish) and the separate traditional Chinese language learning version for checkout.

If you're thinking about starting a small business, there are plenty of legal aspects to consider! Join Ann Arbor SCORE on September 20th from 6 to 8 pm at Cleary University Washtenaw Campus for the workshop Business Structure and Legal Issues. This workshop will provide information about legal entities, tax and liability issues, elements of a contract, leasing and insurance. The workshop is free to attend, but registration is required. If you have questions, contact Ann Arbor SCORE here.

On view on the third floor of the Downtown Library is the current exhibition of new art prints just added to the circulating collection.

While we continue to add new images of perennial favorites like Ansel Adams, Richard Diebenkorn, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Mark Rothko to the collection, we are always looking to introduce new talents and new artists into the mix.

Rhett Lynch of New Mexico, is a mufti-talented artist whose whimsical depiction of family pets are delightful (Art Print 614, image at left). Fiona Hoop, is actually the collaborative work of two Toronto (Canada) artists - Michele Woodey and Mary Kennedy. We hope you will enjoy their contemplative abstract landscape Blue Sky.

And at long last, we were able to add to the collection British-born photographer (now based in Seattle) Michael Kenna's work, this one capturing an atmospheric and moody view of Marly-le-Rio, France.

These and other prints will be available for circulation on October 11th, 2012 when the exhibition closes.

Don't take it from us, take it from the people using the service: 97% of respondents of a recent patron satisfaction survey indicated they would recommend Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled services to friends and family members. This free service loans books, magazines, and videos in alternative formats (digital cartridge, recorded cassette, large print, Braille, and descriptive video) to individuals of all ages who are certified as unable to read or use standard printed materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or physical limitations.

The survey report is available here PDF Version Audio Version Text-Only Version

and you can read more about WLBPD services, including Large Print Books-by-Mail, at wlbpd.aadl.org.

Want to learn more? Call 734-327-4224 or email wlbpd@aadl.org!

If you're looking for a job and interested in networking, join Ann Arbor SPARK on August 28 from 5pm to 7pm at Arbor Brewing Company. Hot Shots is a free event for talent seeking opportunities for themselves. Attendees should bring their resume, and come and mingle with growing, innovative companies in a fun and relaxed environment! Click here to register.