Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library

05/29/2026

📚 Beyond Books 🎬

Did you know that BTBL has a collection of described videos (DVDs) available for patrons to check out?

A described video is a movie or television program that includes audio narration to describe key visual elements of the story. This includes character actions, gestures, facial expressions, costumes, scene changes, and onscreen text. The narration is carefully placed during natural pauses in the dialogue so viewers can fully enjoy the experience.

Our described videos are available in standard DVD format. To access the described track, you may need to adjust the language or audio settings on your DVD player.

Please note: BTBL does not loan DVD players.

05/22/2026

💛 Messages That Matter: Library Spotlight 💛
Recently, we received a heartfelt note from a patron’s family:

“I want you to know that we appreciate the wonderful job that you are doing to support the people you serve. Being so visually impaired, Vince can no longer read anything, watch television, or even use our computer. The books that you collect and include on the cassettes that you send are what makes his day so much better. You do such a great job of finding the authors that he wants to listen to. Thank you again for all your work." -Mary Ann

We are honored to have been a meaningful part of this patron’s story, and we are grateful to every community member who allows us to be part of theirs.

05/21/2026

Memorial Day weekend is almost here — a time to remember and honor the courage, sacrifice, and service of so many American heroes. 🇺🇸

If you’re looking for some meaningful holiday-inspired reading this weekend, here are a few powerful books to add to your list:

📚 Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor by Clinton Romesha, NLS Book Number: DB 84620

📚 Facing the Mountain: A True Story of Japanese American Heroes in World War II by Daniel James Brown, NLS Book Number: DB 103646 / BRC11026

📚 Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley with Ron Powers, NLS Book Number: DB 50264

Have something else on your list? Comment below with what you are reading this Memorial Day weekend.

05/19/2026

Looking for a creative way to unwind and connect with others? Join us for Craft & Chat, a virtual program where you can craft, chat, and relax with fellow library enthusiasts! Whether you’re working on knitting, scrapbooking, painting, or any other craft, Craft & Chat is the perfect space to share your creativity, meet new friends, and enjoy some relaxing conversation.

Join us virtually tomorrow Wednesday, May 20th from 12 - 1 p.m. to enjoy an atmosphere of community and camaraderie with other BTBL patrons.

Contact the library at 800-992-9012 or [email protected] to receive log-in information and to be added to our email list regarding future events.

05/15/2026

Keep up-to-date on the latest BTBL news by subscribing to our InFocus newsletter. You can find our latest issue here:
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MILEO/bulletins/41771eb

05/14/2026

The topic for the Thursday, May 14, 2026, NLS Many Faces of BARD program will be Typing Text Using the DA2.

The program will begin at 7 p.m. eastern time and last for one hour. NLS will record this program. The session can be joined by going to: https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1606945179?pwd=EH2KEjihYhALNg5ttf816aKuPGgndc.1

05/12/2026

Did you know that our audio and braille book service is available across the entire state of Michigan?

We mail out equipment and books from Ironwood in the far western Upper Peninsula all the way to Monroe at the southern border — and everywhere in between!

Whether someone lives in a large city, a small town, or a rural community, eligible Michigan residents can receive our FREE library service delivered right to their door (or downloaded from BARD).

Check us out at www.michigan.gov/BTBL for a library service helping make reading accessible for everyone. 📚

05/11/2026

A full line-up of events this month, from NLS! See below for details.

NLS has a full slate of patron-focused online events this month.
On Thursday, May 14, the monthly Many Faces of BARD program will explore Typing Text Using the DA2. After a presentation and demonstration, NLS staff members will take your questions about all things BARD (our Braille and Audio Reading Download service) for the remainder of the hour. The program will begin at 7 p.m. eastern time and last for one hour. Get more information at www.loc.gov/nls/news-and-updates/many-faces-of-bard.
The topic for the Thursday, May 21, Smart Speaking to the Smart Speaker online program at 7 p.m. eastern time will be Creating the Personalized Experience: Effectively Setting Volume, Speed and Tone in the My Talking Books Skill on Alexa. More information: www.loc.gov/nls/news-and-updates/smart-speaking-to-the-smart-speaker.
Finally, That All May eRead resumes its regular schedule on Tuesday, May 26, at 7 p.m. eastern time. Navigating DAISY Files on Your eReader is the subject of this month’s program. NLS staff members will answer questions about the Braille eReader for the remainder of the hour. More information: www.loc.gov/nls/news-and-updates/that-all-may-eread.
[Image: Close-up photo of a person holding an NLS DA2 audiobook player.]

05/08/2026

💛 Messages That Matter: Library Spotlight 💛

Every so often, we receive a message that reminds us why our library matters so deeply to the communities we serve.

Recently, we received a heartfelt note from a patron’s family that included the words:

“Thank you for making his final years so meaningful.”

Those few words touched our entire staff.

We are honored to have been a meaningful part of this patron’s story, and we are grateful to every community member who allows us to be part of theirs.

Know someone who would benefit from receiving audio books? Get them in touch with the library or learn more at: www.michigan.gov/BTBL

05/07/2026

Join us this Saturday, May 9, for a great day of learning and discussion in the BTBL Zoom Room!

🖥️ Technology Club | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
This month’s presenter, Kellie Blackwell, will share and demonstrate how she cooks with low vision using adaptive technology. From simple kitchen tools to high-tech solutions, Kellie will discuss practical techniques and devices that make cooking easier, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone.

📚 Book Club | 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
This month’s discussion book is A Place Called Freedom by Ken Follett (DB40692). Set in 1766, the story follows Mack McAsh as he escapes the Scottish coal mines and begins a journey that leads him into the labor movement and eventually to America.

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