jbi

The JBI Library provides individuals who are blind, visually impaired, physically handicapped or reading disabled with books, magazines and special publications of Jewish and general interest in Audio, Large Print and Braille formats. The unique services provided by JBI, all of which are free of charge, enable over 35,000 children, adults and seniors to participate fully in the life of their communities. JBI Talking Books are available in English, Russian, Yiddish, Hebrew, Hungarian, Romanian, Polish and Spanish. To apply, call 1-800-433-1531. JBI's librarians are happy to describe JBI's services and to aid in the easy enrollment process.

sherlock holmes

For our WLBPD patrons, here's some interesting news:

Arthur Conan Doyle’s A Study In Scarlet (DB 71855), read by Alexander Scourby for the American Foundation for the Blind in 1939, has been added to the BARD collection. This recording was originally issued as 33-1/3 rpm long-playing phonograph records. It is the first NLS analog-to-digital conversion title to use a disc source. If you are eligible for BARD & have feedback about this recording, it may be directed to: qas@loc.gov. Let us know what you think about it, too!

Giant Trackball Mouse

A giant trackball mouse that requires less wrist and arm movement is available for use at all library locations. Other assistive technologies available on public computer stations are: JAWS - a text to speech software, a computer magnifier, and a text enlarger. Just ask at the reference desk and we'll be glad to help you get started. Click here to read more about assistive technology available at the Ann Arbor District Library and the Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled.

rideconnect logo
Now there's RideConnect, a new transportation coordination center serving Washtenaw County residents. Sponsored by Western Washtenaw Area Value Express or WAVE, the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study or WATS; People's Express, Washtenaw County, and Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, RideConnect also coordinates services among existing public, private, and non-profit transportation as well as county human service agencies.

Washtenaw County logo

On Saturday, August 14th, Washtenaw County residents will have the opportunity to connect with over 35 human service providers & non-profit agencies. Washtenaw County ETCS, together with local non-profits & other county departments to bring FREE services to county residents. Look for Michigan Works!; the Department of Human Services; Ann Arbor Spark; Washtenaw County Public Health; Habitat for Humanity; The Business Side of Youth (B-Side), and the WLBPD among others. There will be FREE food, games, live entertainment, and plenty of giveaways. The event is from 11:00 am-2:00 pm. on Ferris Street in the lot next to Key Bank in Ypsi.

We may already be a week into the month, but it's not too late to start celebrating! Recently established by Chase's Calendar of Events, 2010 is the first official year for this holiday. Congress created a talking books program in 1931, though audio books really didn't take off until the 1980's with the popularity of the cassette tape. Now, whether you're visually impaired, making a long commute, or simply want to hear your favorite book read out loud, you can enjoy this form of literacy! Books are available on CDs, as MP3s, streaming on the internet, and a few titles are even still offered on cassette.

Here at the AADL we have tons of resources for our audio book fans. Check out our most popular audio books here. Interested in downloading your favorite book on MP3? Take a look at our eBooks and eAudio page. Patrons of the Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled are also eligible to check out these items, so go ahead and browse the selection.

Want even more audio book information? Librarian Mary Burkey at Booklist has a wonderful blog with current news, reviews, and everything you need to know about audio books. Audiobook

aadl.org

Did you or a loved one miss the April 15th library event, Living Well with Low Vision, and the Science of Glaucoma? The event addressed current treatments for people with low vision and was made possible by the National Institute of Health and co-sponsored by the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research and the UM Health Sciences Libraries.

The event was filmed and recorded and is available online, see the video or listen to the audio. You may also request the audio recording from WLBPD. Just call 734-327-4224, email wlbpd@aadl.org, or drop by any library location.

bowling

How often do you get to go bowling when the Kids Bowl Free? You and your kids can take advantage of this offer throughout the summer! Lots of bowling lanes across the state are participating, including Ypsi-Arbor Bowling, Bel Mark Lanes and Colonial Lanes. Need more info? This link will explain it all. Before you go, brush up on your skills by watching this DVD! Personally, I like to use bumpers when I bowl...

grilling

Join the Ann Arbor CIL at Gallup Park as they kick off the summer with their Peddle, Paddle, and Picnic Event on June 10 from 3 to 7 pm. You can enjoy a cookout with the staff of the Ann Arbor CIL, ride bikes through the park on accessible bike paths, take a boat ride down river in a canoe, rowboat, or paddle boat, fish off the dock, and explore Gallup Park and all it has to offer. Check out the flier for the schedule of events. For more information, contact Mary at 734-971-0277 x22 or mstack@aacil.org.

interview

The Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living is holding a Stand Out Interviews workshop on Wednesday, May 19 from 10 am to 12 pm. Attend and learn the best ways to answer interview questions, develop your professional pitch, and present yourself as the best candidate for the job. Need more career advice? Attend a drop-in session on Tuesday, May 18 from 3 to 5 pm or May 25 from 10 am to 12 pm. Good luck in your job search!