Friends of MD State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

11/03/2026

LBPD Outreach Librarian Ashley Biggs made this short video of the Friends' Annual Meeting on October 24. Thank you so much!

Shared with Dropbox

11/03/2026

General Meeting, Saturday October 24, 2026

The sun was surely shining down on the Friends and patrons as they gathered at LBPD to celebrate each other and enjoy a fun morning filled with information, entertainment, raffles, and food.

All the meeting room tables were festooned with colorful fall tablecloths, with red rubber Braille bracelets in assorted sizes, candy corn, bottled water, and popcorn for all. Thanks to Executive Secretary Cynthia York for setting all this up.

Everyone took their seats as Vice President of Friends of LBPD Janet Sanford welcomed everyone and introduced Friends present and virtual. She stated the mission of the Friends for those newcomers who might not be sure of our purpose, and proceeded to conduct a short business meeting.

Ellen Ringlein, Secretary of Friends and Chairperson of the Nominating Committee attended by Zoom from Georgia. She presented the slate of Friends to be reelected for their upcoming three-year term. They are: Mike Davis, Treasurer; Melissa Riccobono, President; and Jonathan Lazar. A motion from the floor was accepted to elect all, and everyone approved. There are two seats open and Ellen and Janet appealed to those present to consider volunteering or passing the word along to others who may be interested in joining the Friends Board for a three year term. Representation is needed from these areas: Prince Georges County, Montgomery County, the Eastern Shore, and Western Maryland. Jonathan Lazar has contacts, and will also spread the word.

Janet thanked Ellen for her work on the Nominating Committee and described the upcoming November programs in celebration of National Family Caregivers month. Thanks to Youth Librarian LaShawn Myles for this information. Patrons can receive notification of events through their email and on Newsline. Anyone not receiving these notices can contact John Owen, LBPD Library Director to get added to the list. Information is also available on the Friends Website and the Friends page. The Friends will support these programs by providing supplies, food, and transport.

Cynthia York graciously supplied several door prizes which were distributed throughout the morning, and small tactile cloths were passed around as examples of the beautiful quilt to be raffled off later in the program.

Janet then introduced the State Librarian Morgan Lehr, who spoke about the budget situation in Annapolis and what she and her staff are doing to make sure that all public libraries in Maryland receive their fair share.

The Library for the Blind benefits from the activities of the many volunteers who work in the Circulation Department and the Recording Studio, providing many hours of service to the blind and print disabled community. Director John Owen recognized these volunteers and presented each with a gift bag containing little goodies: gourmet tea bags, candy, honey straws, fancy body lotion, and several gift cards to the Charmery ice cream store and Target. Many thanks to Melissa Riccobono and Cynthia York for putting these together.

While all these activities were being presented, volunteers in the room passed out raffle tickets and collected money for the quilt.

Janet then introduced the guest speaker for the morning, Dan Rodricks. He spoke about his time as a reporter for the Baltimore Sun, and how research for articles was conducted by means of paper clippings pasted together in the newspaper library and sorted by subject, then placed in trays which were winched up and down by a pulley system, a far cry from our information retrieval systems today! An avid trout fisherman, he told the group how the runoff from the decaying mines in Western Maryland contributed to the production of rivers full of trout, and related a hilarious story about his Massachusetts high school paper and the controversy over a slightly “blue” story he ran in it. Throughout his presentation his love for libraries was evident, and it was clear that he enjoyed talking to the group. He could not stay for lunch, but Janet presented him with a culinary gift basket to take home to enhance his love of cooking.

Friend Gina Fugate won the quilt raffle, and the Friends made $200.

All those in the room then feasted on appetizers, croissant sandwiches with egg salad, tuna, and chicken salad filling, leaf salad, potato chips, cupcakes with orange and purple icing for the Orioles and Ravens, and chocolate chip cookies.

Outreach Librarian Ashley Biggs was on hand to take numerous photos of the audience and the activity at the podium. Thanks to everyone who made this event possible!

(photos of Gina Fugate and quilt, Dan Rodricks with Morgan Lehr and John Owen, Janet and Morgan, Janet and John, Dan at podium, Dan with Janet’s gift)

11/03/2026

Maryland LBPD Newsletter:
November 2026

A newsletter from the Maryland State
Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

Contact the library: 410-230-2424 | lbpd.maryland.gov | [email protected]

John Owen at an outreach table

Director's Corner

November is National Family Caregivers Month, and it's a great opportunity to recognize the commitment and compassion of those who care for family and loved ones. Caregivers use a lot of emotional and physical energy, and they need time to recharge and enjoy love given to them. This month we are celebrating caregivers with a range of accessible programs which will provide opportunities for learning, connection and relaxation.

Whether you enjoy audiobooks by mail, hardcopy braille or downloading books from BARD, LBPD has a huge range of material to help you find your next great read. Our staff can make recommendations, answer questions, and help you make the most of what we offer. We encourage caregivers, patrons, and their families to check out our November programs and use the various resources LBPD has to provide. It's important to take time for yourself, and the library is always there to help you find a little bit of pleasure, a little bit of relaxation and a little bit of connection.

LBPD will be undergoing renovations to our circulation and equipment workspaces beginning in early November and lasting through January. The workspaces will get new flooring, shelving and furniture that will improve staff workflow. Throughout the renovation we will continue to send out materials daily and we do not anticipate disruption to our service to you. We ask your patience as we move through these changes to make our service run even more smoothly.

LBPD Closures:
November 11 for Veterans Day
November 26 for Thanksgiving Day
November 27 for Native American Heritage Day

November Technology User Group Meeting
On Saturday, November 14th, at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) is pleased to present our annual look at assistive technology gifts for the holidays! Gadgets, gizmos, and exciting products for the home, office, and play will be featured. Most items profiled will cost less than $100. Many vendors will also be showcasing their wares.
Joining info:

https://marylandlibraries.zoom.us/j/6562037293?omn=94648805523
Meeting ID: 656 203 7293
The presentation will be recorded and will be made available on our podcast channel as well as our website in the coming weeks.
Listen to Past TUG Recordings
You can listen to past Technology User Group meetings via the library's website. The meetings are listed in alphabetical order.

You can also listen to the Technology User Group meetings on our parent agency's podcast channel. Not only will you find the TUG meetings, you will also find LBPD Guest Hour, where LPBD interviews a new guest organization each month.

A woman using a smartphone

BARD is on Alexa!

My Talking Books is an Amazon Alexa skill that NLS patrons can use to access and stream English language audiobooks from BARD. Using the skill’s voice-only interface, you can search the BARD catalog, manage your wish lists, book lists, bookshelves, bookmarks, preference settings, sleep timer, reading speed, jumping in time, and book-specific volume setting, as well as find book descriptions and review your streaming history.

Youth Events and Programs
Book buddies at a table with a talking book player

The Book Buddies Adventures Continue
November introduces our newest Book Buddy… Snow Drop the Bunny!
Snow Drop the Bunny

Snow Drop is a shy bunny, who is as soft and magical as she looks. She loves cozy winter nights and hot chocolate with marshmallows just as sweet and fluffy as she is.

Snow Drop first discovered books when she accidentally hitched a ride to the library in her owner’s hat. She fell in love with the magic of reading, and now that very hat is her favorite place to read.

Recommended Reading List:
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo DB62599 | BRC00647
The Velveteen Rabbit (How Toys Become Real)/ El Conejo de Terciopelo by Margery Williams DB024614 | BR011596 | DB132883 (Spanish)
The Magic Trap: Lemonade War, Book 5 by Jacqueline Davies DB079381
Keep up with Sludge, Barnaby, Sammy, and Snow Drop’s library adventures by following our LBPD REMIND updates. Borrow all braille and audiobook titles from Snow Drop’s recommended reading lists. You can request one book, or request them all. Be sure to visit the whole gang on display in the library—you can drop by to say hello or sit down and share a story with them. Curious about where their next journey will lead?

Expanded Library Resources
Your LBPD account offers more than just textbooks! If you need to update your contact information or would like to request specific titles for the upcoming semester, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

All Ages Events and Programs
This November, in celebration of National Family Caregivers Month, the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) is proud to honor the dedication and resilience of family caregivers across our community. To connect caregivers with community resources, support networks, and restorative opportunities, LBPD is offering a diverse lineup of accessible programs and activities throughout the month. We invite caregivers, care recipients, and family members of all ages to join us in honoring and supporting those who give so much to others.

All in-person programming will take place at the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled at 415 Park Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21201.

Family Caregiver Program and Support Services:
An Overview of the National Family Caregiver Program and the Johns Hopkins Memory Care Family Checklist (Virtual)

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 10:00–11:00 AM
Presenters Mark Tesoro, Cognitive and Behavioral Health Specialist, and Molly Wisniewski, Family Caregiver Program Manager, will discuss the Family Caregiver Program, along with support services and resources from the Maryland Department of Aging. Join the discussion during this one-hour virtual presentation. This is an online event. The event URL will be included in the registration email.
Family Caregiver Program Registration Link: https://forms.gle/76AB6p3y7emXg5cu7

Man running; man has a prostatic arm

SPIRIT CLUB FITNESS
In Person at LBPD
Monday, November 2, 9, & 23rd | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM

A 60-minute inclusive group fitness session focused on movement, strength, endurance, flexibility, body awareness, and having fun while being active. Registration is required!

SPIRIT Club Fitness Registration Link: https://forms.gle/hfsowUBs9vX3fCYv9

Two chess pieces
Accessible Chess
In Person at LBPD
Thursday, November 5 & 19th | 11:30 AM–12:30 PM

Chess players of all levels are invited to play! Meet a new friend, chat about a strategy, and enjoy the game. This is an open chess session for participants to play and learn together. Refreshments will be served. No registration required.

Loom Knitting
In Person at LBPD
Monday, November 9th | 1:00 PM–2:30 PM
Do you enjoy crafting and making new things? Join Terri Nettles, an expert blind crafter, as she teaches the loom knit technique. Loom knitting is a craft that uses a loom instead of needles to weave yarn into fabric. Materials will be provided to those who register. Registration is required!

Loom Knitting Registration Link: https://forms.gle/oZLHhFYnthgvNcLn6

Mud to Music: Rattle-Making Workshop
In Person at LBPD

Saturday, November 21st | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM

Join the fun with live demonstrations and recreations of Pre-Columbian musical instruments, including a selection of rattles. The rattle-making workshop will unfold through a step-by-step process with clay, using simple hand-building techniques and pottery tools. Registration is required!

Mud to Music Registration Link: https://forms.gle/7VKCCf1jZkg1y7LQ6

Book Cover Christmas with marco
Marylandia Recommendation
Christmas with Marco: A Chesapeake Bay Adventure, by Cindy Freland
DBC 12636

The Ellises discover a strange creature in the Chesapeake Bay after viewing Christmas lights at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, Maryland. Their amazement grows when they learn Marco the Manatee swam 900 miles from Florida to visit friends. The special holiday meal Marco shares with Sienna the Sturgeon, Solomon the Shark, and Emberlyn the Eel, is cut short by falling water temperatures that threaten Marco's survival and force him to swim to warmer waters. Based on the true adventures of a manatee that swam fromFlorida to Maryland four times between 1994 and 2011.

Attn: Braille and Large Print Patrons

Please remember to return your Large Print and Braille bags when you are finished with your reading materials. These bags help us send books and materials to library patrons across Maryland. When bags are not returned, we have fewer available to ship materials to others who are waiting for their next books. We also ask that you do not write on the bags. If you need to send a note to the library, please include it inside the bag itself.

Thank you for helping us keep our library services running smoothly!

Living Life as a VIP Group Meetings
The new "Living Life as a VIP: Not Just Surviving" support group, led by Lydia Richardson, will meet on the third Friday of each month to provide a welcoming space for the blind and low vision community to share experiences and enjoy spending time together. Whether people are newly blind or have been blind their entire lives, this space encourages everyone to live fully, not just survive. The group gives an opportunity to meet new people, make connections and have a little fun.

"Living Life as a VIP: Not Just Surviving" meets on the third Friday of each month in the meeting room of the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. EST.

This meeting is free and open to the public. To give the organizers a headcount, please register below.

Registration Link
https://5sf5u8hbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QYtWi_BN83XcH6lhjBut_bQOAyH8VVc2GIpLYXZsou9VvyfIyFt5eStZY2s2vtRVqReII0XDf0_Zmk8cvKlwhXCaNa_ElKCBI88xstXhTxPKXoM7Ns1x7ZE8_8cPsWnxbHcEw6WBRAjBDWWn33MieG2CHYUdQLk1XSm2IwumZzXWpOAOvefYPL1Fsjz9bwGbrrlxM6vxH1wH_LvdOoJZDFTlf80D0XPB&c=2ClQhd8IL-CcxC2nibfdgeYZ4_--QXMn2KDZYAMWg_clXAUxDfAL3Q==&ch=U1nrJY-CBabC1Z7q4eZyvzzzcbuNwcWKsdO_cu1RYzI9FpDbYMVNrg==

10/21/2026

Celebrate National Family Caregivers Month!

Upcoming Events
Contact the Library:
410-230-2443 | lbpd.maryland.gov

[email protected]
Celebrate National Family Caregivers Month!

This November, in celebration of National Family Caregivers Month, the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) is proud to honor the dedication and resilience of family caregivers across our community. Caregivers play a vital role in supporting loved ones with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and age-related needs, yet they often face high stress and isolation. To connect caregivers with community resources, support networks, and restorative opportunities, LBPD is offering a diverse lineup of accessible programs and activities throughout the month.

November highlights include interactive group fitness with The SPIRIT Club, hands-on creative arts like the "Mud to Music" rattle-making workshop and loom knitting, open accessible chess play, and a special presentation with the Maryland Department of Aging Family Caregiver Support Program.

All in-person programming will take place at the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled at 415 Park Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21201.

We invite caregivers, care recipients, and family members of all ages to join us in honoring and supporting those who give so much to others.

Family Caregiver Program and Support Services:
An Overview of the National Family Caregiver Program and the Johns Hopkins Memory Care Family Checklist (Virtual)

Presenters Mark Tesoro, Cognitive and Behavioral Health Specialist, and Molly Wisniewski, Family Caregiver Program Manager, will discuss the Family Caregiver Program, along with support services and resources from the Maryland Department of Aging. Join the discussion during this one-hour virtual presentation. This is an online event. The event URL will be sent via the registration email.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 10:00–11:00 AM

Family Caregiver Program Registration Link

https://5sf5u8hbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001AUKPFrUA_p34kHz629gs2xreoCG95Aqwx1geSZxKzirIz7KBBsVUPCPMgjsaGrQxwvmq5ZWo0ezfiTfg27QshBXM8Mb4TGrqD38OtZNVd43gQxoeh8ZApJQhV6_oGozQqGiPz6JZbTM8biMolJg-tmAH7Sh2ODaG_nR3Dg1gqUE=&c=CKretf9HOoXHibuH-XmXxd4fwqO1vXA5dJIZUVC-yZuV13FyOp4HLQ==&ch=7LIbZcy3979-dsfpod5oUxtByBhpaAWaShlgeL3J1qOp_ItPEtltUw==

SPIRIT Club Fitness (In Person)
A 60-minute inclusive group fitness session focused on movement, strength, endurance, flexibility, body awareness, and having fun while being active. Registration is required!

Monday, November 2, 2026 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM

Monday, November 9, 2026 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM

Monday, November 23, 2026 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
SPIRIT Club Fitness Registration Link
https://5sf5u8hbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001AUKPFrUA_p34kHz629gs2xreoCG95Aqwx1geSZxKzirIz7KBBsVUPCPMgjsaGrQxHOSC4cWoPgy2Z8PsUcjxWtkKake-rrgDljCJlVKKFLmxZrB0Eai3dkoYZT2v7XW8LM2WoVNXk212bqhaao6RlrNG5xOUQkaRrKhxpd09css=&c=CKretf9HOoXHibuH-XmXxd4fwqO1vXA5dJIZUVC-yZuV13FyOp4HLQ==&ch=7LIbZcy3979-dsfpod5oUxtByBhpaAWaShlgeL3J1qOp_ItPEtltUw==

Accessible Chess (In Person)

Chess players of all levels are invited to play! Meet a new friend, chat about strategy, and enjoy the game. This is an open chess session for participants to play and learn together. Refreshments will be served. No registration required.
Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 11:30 AM–12:30 PM

Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 11:30 AM–12:30 PM

Loom Knitting (In Person)
Do you enjoy crafting and making new things? Join Terri Nettles, an expert blind crafter, as she teaches the loom knit technique. Loom knitting is a craft that uses a loom instead of needles to weave yarn into fabric. Materials will be provided to those who register. Registration is required!
Monday, November 9, 2026 | 1:00 PM–2:30 PM
Loom Knitting Registration Link

https://mail.yahoo.com/n/folders/00_1/messages/00_7364?.src=ym&reason=myc #:~:text=Loom%20Knitting%20Registration%20Link

Mud to Music
Rattle-Making Workshop (In Person)

Join the fun with live demonstrations and recreations of Pre-Columbian musical instruments, including a selection of rattles. The rattle-making workshop will unfold through a step-by-step process with clay, using simple hand-building techniques and pottery tools. Registration is required!
Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Mud to Music Registration Link

https://5sf5u8hbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001AUKPFrUA_p34kHz629gs2xreoCG95Aqwx1geSZxKzirIz7KBBsVUPCPMgjsaGrQx7iL45-OUTaqTA8YnxhDEqOxFfMS2D6Nei-me9kbD2AaB8_aR4VmucuoW6dEvZ9R_-MK54ARbwA6JhlsKIxE-AQDQHFT2rWl-5p2jPXdhS8g=&c=CKretf9HOoXHibuH-XmXxd4fwqO1vXA5dJIZUVC-yZuV13FyOp4HLQ==&ch=7LIbZcy3979-dsfpod5oUxtByBhpaAWaShlgeL3J1qOp_ItPEtltUw==

10/10/2026

Important Updates
Important NLS BARD Updates

NLS continues to update its infrastructure to make improvements to BARD. To take advantage of these improvements, patrons’ devices must be running one of the more recent versions of the BARD software.

Listed for each of the platforms or products below is the minimum required version. If your preferred platform or product is not running the minimum software required version, it will not be able to connect to BARD after December 31:

BARD Mobile for iOS: v. 2.2.5
BARD Mobile for Android: v. 2.1.1
BARD Mobile for Fire OS: v. 2.5.6
To check your software version on iOS, Android, and Fire devices, simply open the BARD Mobile app and choose Settings. Swipe through the Settings options until you reach BARD. The software version will be displayed here.

BARD Express: Current software, v. 4.0
Once you have opened the BARD Express application and logged in, you can find your version by pressing Alt H for Help. Once Help is launched, select About, and the software version will be displayed.

NLS eReaders: Current software, v. 3.0
From the Main Menu of the NLS eReader, arrow down to Settings, and press Enter. Arrow down to About, press Enter again, and your version will be displayed.

DA2 Player: v. 1.2.1
Turn the player on and hold down the Info button until you hear “Entering Menu.” Info is an orange square button in the center of the device with the letter I in braille on the button itself. From the Menu, use the Next button (right arrow with the letter R in braille) and the Prev button (left arrow with the letter L in braille) to navigate through the options, and use the Info button to select options. Select Settings from the menu and navigate to About from the Settings submenu. Press the Info button to select About, and the software version will be spoken.

Note: There are no minimum software requirements for accessing the BARD website or using the My Talking Books skill.

We strongly encourage everyone to keep their devices running the latest version of the BARD software to take advantage of security updates and performance improvements. If you require additional assistance discovering which software version you are currently using, please contact the Reference Desk at [email protected] or at 410-230-2443.

10/07/2026

LBPD Logo
Maryland LBPD Newsletter:
October 2026

A newsletter from the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

Contact the library: 410-230-2424 | lbpd.maryland.gov | [email protected]

John Owen at an outreach table

Director's Corner

October brings change - leaves turning red and yellow and orange, a crisp coolness in the air, and every food imaginable now has pumpkin spice in it. And coinciding with World Braille Awareness and Dyslexia Awareness, LBPD is recognizing October as Print Disabilities Awareness Month.

We have a wonderful slate of programs planned for the month including viewing and discussing the film BRAILLED IT! and a series of webinars on dyslexia. You can register using links in this newsletter.

LBPD will recognize our volunteers at the Friends of the MDLBPD Annual Meeting on October 24. Our volunteers help us with circulating and maintaining books and equipment, teaching assistive technology classes, and narrating books in our recording studio. Their work helps make LBPD a success. In addition to recognizing volunteers, the Friends have prepared an exciting program with a keynote speaker, door prizes, and awards.

We will be undergoing refurbishments in our Technical Services workspace over the next few months. New flooring, furniture, and spaces will create a better workflow for our staff to get materials out to you. While these enhancements are being made, staff and equipment will be relocated to other parts of the building, so service to you will continue uninterrupted. We will keep you posted on our progress.

You will also want to try out the new BARD Web Player, which will allow you to listen to books on BARD directly on your computer on the BARD website.



Enjoy these changes in October and know that one thing doesn’t change: our commitment to providing excellent customer service to you, our patrons and partners!



October is Officially
Print Disabilities Month in Maryland

The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD), a division of the Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA), is proud to announce that Governor Wes Moore has officially declared October 2026 as Print Disabilities Month in Maryland.



This statewide acknowledgment honors Marylanders who have print disabilities and emphasizes the need for equitable access to reading and information. It also acknowledges the LBPD's role in offering accessible books, providing training in assistive technology, conducting educational programs, organizing community engagement events, and providing other services that help Marylanders participate in reading, learning, working, going to school, and engaging with the community.

Throughout October, join us in the celebration, learn about the various ways people experience print disabilities, and help us promote the idea that reading should be accessible to everyone.

October Technology User Group Meeting

On Saturday, October 3, at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) was pleased to welcome Elizabeth Whitaker from Freedom Scientific, who detailed the latest changes in JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion. She reviewed what’s new, what’s helpful, and what’s on the horizon with these products. She also took a

quick look at “Sharky,” the virtual assistant built into Freedom Scientific products.

The presentation was recorded and will be made available on our podcast channel as well as our website in the coming weeks.

Listen to Past TUG Recordings

You can listen to past Technology User Group meetings via the library's website. The meetings are listed in alphabetical order.

You can also listen to the Technology User Group meetings on our parent agency's podcast channel. Not only will you find the TUG meetings, you will also find LBPD Guest Hour, where LPBD interviews a new guest organization each month.

A woman using a smartphone

A New BARD
Tool Is Here


Beginning September 1, NLS launched a beta test of the new NLS BARD Web Reader. This upcoming feature will let patrons listen to their BARD books directly from a PC and, if they use the BARD Alexa skill, seamlessly switch playback to an Alexa device without losing their place. The final version was scheduled for release to all patrons on September 30, bringing a smoother, more flexible reading experience to anyone who relies on BARD.

Youth Events and Programs
Book buddy Adventures

Book Buddy Adventures
Welcome to our first installment of the Book Buddy Program! Our special animal companions are here to spark your imagination. You can keep up with their library adventures by following our LBPD REMIND updates. Each month through December, we will feature new Book Buddies. While our Book Buddies stay comfortable inside the library, all braille and audiobook titles from their recommended reading lists are available for you to borrow. You can request one book, or request all of them. Be sure to visit them on display in the library — you can drop by to say hello or sit down and share a story with them!

Sludge the Detective Dog

Sludge is a very observant pup who used to help a famous detective solve mysteries. While he may look like he is napping, Sludge is actually listening intently to every word you say, looking for clues to the next great secret.

Sludge’s love for reading began when he realized that books are like puzzles — every page brings you one step closer to the truth. He isn't a fan of "mushy" things, but he will make an exception for a good story read by a friend.

Recommended Reading List:
Nate the Great and the Tardy Tortoise by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat DB044115
Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds by David A. Adler BR006988
The Falcon’s Feathers: A to Z Mysteries, Book 6 by Ron Roy BR017960

Barnaby the Brave Bear

Barnaby is a soft, deep chocolate brown bear who believes that every hour should be an Enchanted Hour. He spent many years in a library in the woods, where he learned that the sound of a human voice reading aloud is the most magical sound in the world.

Barnaby loves reading because it helps him learn about the changing seasons. He is particularly fond of stories that describe the beauty of nature and the magic of friendship. He is the perfect buddy for a quiet, cozy afternoon.

Recommended Reading List:
Looking at Bears by Dorothy Hinshaw Paten BR010479
Father Bear Comes Home by Else Holmelund Minarik DB044774
Wisdom of the Woods: 40 Nature Poems Passed Down from Bear to Bear by Rachel Piercey DB137992

Sammy the Squirrel

Sammy is a quick and curious squirrel who lives in the cozy canopy of a tall oak tree. He spends his days collecting acorns and listening from high branches as visitors read stories in the park.

Sammy loves reading because it takes his imagination to new heights, jumping from one exciting plot twist to another just like leaping from branch to branch. He is an energetic listener who loves fast-paced adventures and silly tales.

Recommended Reading List:
Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt DB119193
Squirrel Meets World: Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Book 1 by Shannon Hale BR021919
Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo BR020592

Expanded Library Resources
Your LBPD account offers more than just textbooks! If you need to update your contact information or would like to request specific titles for the upcoming semester, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

Adult Events and Programs
Movie Poster

BRAILLED IT Movie Viewing Party and Discussion

Experience BRAILLED IT, a powerful documentary that puts cameras in the hands of young blind and low-vision competitors as they take on the Braille Challenge and celebrate skill, ambition, and the power of literacy. Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD), Friends of Maryland LBPD, the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), and Artifact Studios invite audiences nationwide to watch the film and join a special virtual discussion. Register below to receive access to the film and sign up for the nationwide discussion.

Learn More and Register Here
https://5sf5u8hbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001GHabdBagYCuLYwuj8zgjvLQ4L_GtRvTq4mAtCLaCKNAV71Pof5uAKx4NBdsx28I0OD6i21O0l2i17iLBz6__EIDbmKoEjo4UwP2-eu14uxEAS3QjZUMGZJRTosNCUJuTJ7NyfthH03J0N9EsMD1iCJoCHUd07WnbbOpFOYUaPXqT9VoOl0qSZamwdiCC245h&c=HaJ-9UZu-mpWkmW-DE-UI66rybr1ckzzFEixNBFneix-Mz3oCauqVQ==&ch=cE_yctZcZ51W09Z0-gzNpRzW8RQO6zKdAK3NTuwZGSLezCTbGGtaNg==

IEPS and Print Disabilities
Print Disability Events this October

This October, Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) recognizes Print Disabilities Month, highlighting the many ways visual, physical, and reading disabilities can affect a person’s ability to read standard print. Throughout the month, LBPD will offer a series of free online programs exploring braille literacy, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), the neuroscience of dyslexia, and stroke-acquired dyslexia. Educators, families, disability organizations, library professionals, and members of the public are invited to attend, learn more about print disabilities, and discover resources that support accessible reading.

Events Include:

IEPs and Print Disabilities: October 20, live on Zoom.
The Neuroscience of Dyslexia: October 22, live on Zoom.
Stroke and Dyslexia: October 27, live on Zoom
Learn more and Register Here

https://5sf5u8hbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001GHabdBagYCuLYwuj8zgjvLQ4L_GtRvTq4mAtCLaCKNAV71Pof5uAKx4NBdsx28I0oUOyzKLv7YiecNkhf254RNUTyyihTUJ-6y52lmThbjAFWwJXlNbyv8VWzRks6fgfc0vhT2ZKznseuyNDlSgL1Mct_F2sHiGqVD5jlG6tFBotnUZ0gS2sWS-MA7VerphxGwDDoQvWVOM=&c=HaJ-9UZu-mpWkmW-DE-UI66rybr1ckzzFEixNBFneix-Mz3oCauqVQ==&ch=cE_yctZcZ51W09Z0-gzNpRzW8RQO6zKdAK3NTuwZGSLezCTbGGtaNg==

Book Cover
Marylandia Recommendation

Maryland Legends: Folklore from the Old Line State, by Trevor J. Blank, narrated by Barbara Anderson

DBC 12456

The demon car of Seven Hills Road, the ominous Hell House above the Patapsco River, the mythical Snallygaster of western Maryland – these are the extraordinary tales and bizarre creatures that color Maryland's folklore. The Blue Dog of Port To***co faithfully guards his master's gold even in death, and in Cambridge, the headless ghost of Big Liz watches over the treasure of Greenbriar Swamp. The woods of Prince George's County are home to stories of the menacing Goatman, while on stormy nights at the nearby University of Maryland, the strains of a ghostly piano float from Marie Mount Hall. The authors unravel legends of Maryland from the storied heroics of the First Maryland Regiment in the Revolutionary War to the mystery of the Edgar Allen Poe Toaster.

Attn: Braille and Large Print Patrons

Please remember to return your Large Print and Braille bags when you are finished with your reading materials. These bags help us send books and materials to library patrons across Maryland. When bags are not returned, we have fewer available to ship materials to others who are waiting for their next books. We also ask that you do not write on the bags. If you need to send a note to the library, please include it inside the bag itself.

Thank you for helping us keep our library services running smoothly!

Living Life as a VIP Group Meetings

The new "Living Life as a VIP: Not Just Surviving" support group, led by Lydia Richardson, will meet on the third Friday of each month to provide a welcoming space for the blind and low vision community to share experiences and enjoy spending time together. Whether people are newly blind or have been blind their entire lives, this space encourages everyone to live fully, not just survive. The group gives an opportunity to meet new people, make connections and have a little fun.

"Living Life as a VIP: Not Just Surviving" meets on the third Friday of each month in the meeting room of the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. EST.

This meeting is free and open to the public. To give the organizers a headcount, please register below.

Registration Link
https://5sf5u8hbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001GHabdBagYCuLYwuj8zgjvLQ4L_GtRvTq4mAtCLaCKNAV71Pof5uAKx4NBdsx28I01cOjCm5cJekgqkKBSkc7QuHXGJqx9Tm1dpk0wdJZvYdcWtEGpi2X553CcpAZ7MXEywkqnEIcJvOFeCvhxyy7t7yy5zTLvZd3oqex-KV7s_Cank8RBKBWEWh4H-evBwxvpcmi4ripYUdufjUu390vouC2NJX-F9aN&c=HaJ-9UZu-mpWkmW-DE-UI66rybr1ckzzFEixNBFneix-Mz3oCauqVQ==&ch=cE_yctZcZ51W09Z0-gzNpRzW8RQO6zKdAK3NTuwZGSLezCTbGGtaNg==

Living Life as a VIP Meeting Notice