News of the Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
The newsletter is published by the New Mexico Regional Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) and is distributed free to patrons and other interested parties. In addition to large print, the newsletter can be requested in braille, heard in audio on New Mexico Newsline for the Blind, or viewed at the State Library’s web site at www.nmstatelibrary.org. For information, call LBPD at 1-800-456-5515 or 505-476-9770, or email sl.lbph@dca.nm.gov.
Spring 2024
Updates and Information
Summer Reading
With summer approaching, we are preparing for the NLS summer reading program younger individuals. To be more inclusive, we are also inviting older library users interested in reading a book or two and sharing over Zoom their thoughts and insight with others, in a session hosted by Outreach Librarian, Jennifer McGill, at which titles will be determined. Please email Jennifer.McGill@dca.nm.gov or phone her at 505-476-9773 by June 15th, if interested.
The NLS has released BARD Mobile version 2.0.0 for Fire OS. Build 226 is for 32-bit tablets and build 227 is for 64-bit tablets.
The following enhancements are included in this release:
- The app supports Fire OS versions 7 and 8.
- WebView is replaced with a full in-app search, including search for music and titles in international languages.
- Improved Spanish language app version support.
- Refined deleting and moving selected titles.
- Improved VoiceView experience, e.g., announcements for selected tabs/sorting options.
- Improved issue tracking.
- Various bug fixes, including:
- Fixed skipping back by chapter.
- Only one tap now required to accept Terms of Service.
- Sleep timer no longer toggles off when user navigates away from tab.
- Moving books to a subfolder no longer causes other books to disappear from the Audiobooks folder.
The version is available in Amazon Appstore.
NLS Music Notes
In the January 2024 installment of what’s new on BARD we added a number of braille books for piano, including some more from the popular Alfred’s “Basic Piano Library” series. We also have a good number of new vocal works for you to enjoy. In the audio realm, we’ve added popular tunes in both our piano-by-ear and guitar-by-ear series. Click here for new items.
Music Appreciation
Have you ever wanted to learn to play an instrument? Maybe you played before but need a refresher? The NLS, our parent organization in the Library of Congress, has a wide selection of music instruction and appreciation materials available. The collection spans a variety of instruments and subjects, with many written specifically to help the visually impaired create music. If you’re interested, you can contact the Music Section directly at 800-424-8567 ext. 2 or email: sl.lbpd@dca.nm.gov
What is the LBPD Staff Reading?
Jennifer- “The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row (DB090904) A remarkable true story of one man’s fortitude in the face of adversity. Anthony Ray Hinton was unjustly convicted of a crime he didn’t commit and spent 28 years on death row. The first-person narration by Anthony, allows the reader to experience his journey through the justice system. While incarcerated he started a book club, befriended a white supremacist, lost friends, and family. Yet with the unwavering support of a childhood friend, he was not alone.”
Jeremy- “Equal parts sweeping western and unnerving monster movie Victor LaValle’s Lone Women (DBC114718) expertly weaves together disparate elements of genre and tone to create a unique and compelling story of what it takes to survive in the great expanse of the west.