In addition to participating in their local public library programs, these special kids can “Catch the Reading Bug” through a program offered by Kansas Talking Books, a Division of the State Library of Kansas. Students who are unable to use standard print materials can participate and become eligible for free prizes, special awards and enjoy a summer of reading their favorite books!

By utilizing the Kansas Talking Book Program, students can select from thousands of age-appropriate books to expand their horizons. Enrolling in the program is as simple as completing an application that is available at most libraries, by calling 1-800-362-0699, or on-line at www.kslib.info/talking. The application needs to be signed by a certifying authority, which in many cases can be the physician or the classroom teacher.

Specialized equipment and books on tape are delivered directly to students at their home through the U.S. Postal Service. In addition to books, magazines, newspapers, and descriptive videos are available for students to enjoy over the summer months.

For additional information on the Talking Books summer reading program, “Catch the Reading Bug,” contact Lenita Givens, 800-362-0699 x 6281; or 620-341-6281.

I started the blog several months ago, to help make people more aware of resources available for older adults and those with disabilities, as well as to promote the free Talking Books program by the Library of Congress! The blog also includes everything from library “stuff,” to books, to general public resources I come across.

Happy Talking Books week to all of you!!!

By Toni Harrell, Director for the SLK Talking Book Division

The State Library of Kansas Talking Book Division invites the Kansas library community to join us in the celebration of the 1st ever (in Kansas) Talking Book Week, March 3-8, 2008.

Talking Books, originally called Library Services to the Blind, began in 1931 with the signing of the Pratt-Smoot Act. Over the years the program has expanded to include anyone unable to use standard print. The program continues as a free service that provides unabridged books and magazines in audio format and in Braille to the doorsteps of individuals of all ages.

In recognition of the week of celebration in Kansas, local servicecenter libraries in Emporia, Topeka, Wichita, Manhattan, Norton, and Great Bend will display banners, posters, a Governor’s proclamation, along with a variety of resource materials. We will be joined throughout the week by state officials reading from some of their favorite materials (watch for more postings about this next week).

Your library is encouraged to participate during the designated week and throughout the month of March. To assist in local events, bookmarks,draft proclamations for local use, editorials, press releases, and a list of suggested activities have been prepared and are available in print and electronic form for any library or board to use to highlight library services your community. Links to these items will be posted through the State Library website within the next couple of days. Participation is easy and fun.

If you have questions, would like to order materials or need information about how your library can be involved, contact Janie Rutherford at the State Library in Topeka (785-291-3230) or Toni Harrell
at the Talking Book office in Emporia.

Here’s to an exciting week,
Toni