Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Youth Winter Reading Challenge!

 

Youth Winter Reading Challenge!

Teens jumping; youth services; book, events, and more...


Contributed by LaShawn Myles, Youth Services Librarian

From January 1st to January 31st, The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled will participate in Beanstack’s Fourth Annual Winter Reading Challenge, “Books Like Us,” sponsored by Simon and Schuster (S&S). We challenge you, our patrons, to help us reach our *community goal* of at least *100,000* *minutes* during the month and keep track of your reading on our Beanstack site at https://marylandlbph.beanstack.org. Thousands of libraries and schools across the nation will encourage their communities to read a target number of minutes and books.


The “Books Like Us” collection encourages readers to share the moment when
they were able to connect with a character that reflected their own personal narrative. Seeing themselves reflected in a book had a powerful impact on their sense of self. Throughout the month of January, we encourage you to tell us about a book or character in a book that reflected your own personal narrative.

You can share and post your favorite books, or drop-in and read about how literature has connected with others. Share your experience by posting on our LBPD Padlet <https://padlet.com/kidsdesklbpd/mdkktfjld3d4menw> or tag us on your social

media channels @MDLBPD using the following hashtags: #WinterRead2021 and
#BooksLikeUs. We can do this! <https://youtu.be/yk0o-FzaPfY>

Monday, December 28, 2020

FREE teleconference events at LBPD!

 FREE teleconference events at LBPD!

man holding a smart phone, speaking

Contributed by Ashley Biggs, Marketing and Outreach Librarian


LBPD is super excited to announce that UME and LBPD have again partnered to produce a year-long teleconference series! Here are some upcoming teleconferences! Register here: https://bit.ly/UMEeventbrite

January 12 - Saving for When 'Life Happens'

We all know 'life happens' and presents challenges along the way. Join Patricia Maynard and Crystal Terhune for a discussion about ways to prepare financially for the unexpected!

 February 9 - Health Insurance Smart Actions

I have health insurance, but am I getting the best value out of it? Health insurance is designed to protect both health and financial wellbeing. Join Dorothy Nuckols and Carrie Sorenson for 8 smart actions to get the most out of your health insurance.

 March 9 - Clarifying the Confusion about Different Cooking Oils

Coconut, olive, vegetable, sunflower oil--oh my! Confused about which type of oil to buy? Join Lisa McCoy to learn about the different types of cooking oils and how to select one that is healthy.

 April 13 - Freezing Foods for Freshness

Freezing is the easiest and quickest method to preserve fresh produce from your garden or local farmer’s market so you ‘savor their flavors’ year-round. Learn some quick tips with Jeanette Jeffrey to freeze fruits, vegetables, and proteins without the (freezer) burn!​

 May 11 - Know-How's of Anxiety

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Join Dhruti Patel and dive deeper into the physiology of anxiety. Discover why and how anxiety behavior is cultivated, and learn small steps you can take to manage your everyday anxiety. Remember, anxiety is not something your mind makes up. It happens in our physiological bodies too.​

June 8 - Food Recalls: What's Going on in the Food System?

Have you heard about the latest food recall in the news? If you have, do not panic. Join Dr. Shauna Henley to breakdown WHY a food is recalled and WHAT you can do if you have the food in your home. Not all food recalls are the same. Learn how to be safe, and get a refund for your product.​

 July 13 - OMG, GMOs!

GMOs or Genetically Modified Foods can quickly bring up many emotions for a person. Join the discussion with Dr. Shauna Henley about GMOs and their safety, how they are regulated, and what foods are GMOs or bioengineered foods. Come learn more about GMOs to help you make informed food decisions for you and your household.​

 August 10 - Sleep: the Third Pillar of Health

Not enough sleep has been linked to a number of chronic diseases and conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression. Learn some tips with Beverly Jackey that will help you 'count those sheep' and get some sleep!​

 September 14th  - That Takes Guts!

Did you know you have trillions of live bacteria in your gut? Join Dr. Mona Habibi and discover how to stand up against the bad bacteria by feeding the good bacteria with what you eat. Now that takes guts!​

 October 12 - Get Hooked on How Seafood Helps Your Heart

October is National Seafood Month. Take the plunge with Erin Jewell as she dives into how seafood plays a role in a healthy diet, particularly for your heart!​

 November 9 - "Un-Sugarcoating" the Truth about Diabetes

November is American Diabetes Awareness month, which reminds everyone to get their blood sugar and blood pressure tested, make an appointment for diabetes-related tests such as a dilated eye exam, dental check-up, and more! Join Cheryl Bush to discuss the best ways of preventing and managing diabetes for you or your loved ones.

 ​December 14 - An Apple a Day Keeps the Worries Away 

Diet changes cannot cure anxiety or stress; however, they may make a difference in your general mood which may help you handle stress and anxiety better. Join Beverly Jackey to learn what healthy strategies to follow and foods to watch to help relieve the symptoms of anxiety and stress.​


University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

If you need reasonable accommodations, please contact either of the following educators at least two weeks prior to the event. 

Erin Jewell: erinj@umd.edu, 301-475-4485

​Beverly Jackey: bjackey@umd.edu, 410-996-8133​

It's going to be a great year! And a huge thank you to Erin and Beverly at the Office of Family and Consumer Sciences! 

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Books on Demand Update

 

Books on Demand Update


Contributed by Mary Ramos, Assistant Director

Digital Cartridge Cases with text overlay: Books on Deman


CUSTOMIZED CARTRIDGES ARE COMING SOON!


So what are customized cartridges? A customized cartridge is a digital book cartridge containing multiple books made especially for a specific patron. Imagine not having to wait until a copy of a book you wish to read becomes available at the Library. And wouldn’t it be lovely to read a series of books … in order! Each customized cartridge is downloaded based on a patron’s individual book requests and preferences.

Over the next year and a half, the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) will gradually be moving all patrons to a new circulation system called Books on Demand (BOD). With Books on Demand, all of our patrons will receive customized, multi-book cartridges. We are very excited about this upcoming change as it means that we will be better able to serve our patrons with the books they want to read.

As the National Library Service (NLS) continues to look for new and improved ways of providing library service, all network libraries across the country will be converting to this new circulation system. The Maryland LBPD is currently conducting a patron pilot with close to 50 patrons to test and fine-tune our processes for downloading and circulating books through Books on Demand. The good news is that our patrons seem to be delighted with their customized cartridges. We think you will be, too!

If you wish to be among the first of our patrons to change to Books on Demand after our pilot project has concluded, please send an email to reference.desk@maryland.gov


Friday, December 4, 2020

Marylandia Update

 

Marylandia Collection: Update


Contributed by Jordan Farinelli, Collection Development Librarian

Marylandia Blog Post blog header

Friendship Fiction


DBC 05355 – The Journey Back, by Priscilla Cummings

Narrated by Janet Sanford


After breaking out of juvenile detention, fourteen-year-old Digger stops his trek across Maryland at a campground where he recovers from injuries, cares for little Luke, works with smart and pretty Nora, and begins to understand how his behavior and choices shape his life.


Tuesday, December 1, 2020

The Great Cookie Challenge is Now Open!

The Great Cookie Challenge is Now Open!


Text: The Great Cookie Challenge is Now Open. Vote Now. Image: Chocolate Chip cookie


Contributed by LaShawn Myles, Youth Services Librarian



Cookies are made and enjoyed all around the world.   Chunky, sweet, gooey, or just plain jane, there is a cookie for everyone.  

Join The Maryland Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)  throughout the month of December to vote on the 2020 top cookie. 

Who can participate?  All ages are invited to participate in all challenges.

Ways to Participate  There will be several ways to participate.

Cookie Bracket Challenge

Starting today a cookie bracket will be released to vote for your favorite cookie.  

We are starting with 8 strong contenders that will battle it out until one is crowned the "Favorite". 

Simply cast your vote and follow The Great Cookie Challenge Bracket.   

Voting begins on December 1st.  Each week be sure to cast your vote within each oven to move your cookie to the #1 slot.  

The voting will take place as follows:
  • Round 1:    December 1- 7th
  • Semi-Finals:   December 8th -  14th
  • Finals:  December 15th - 21st 

"The Great Cookie" winner will be crowned on December 22nd. 

Social Media Challenge
Post and share your favorite cookie recipes, videos of you being "Martha Stewart" in the kitchen, or just fantastic pics of your favorite indulgence.  Then challenge your friends, family, coworkers, businesses, or even your worst enemy to post their favorite cookies too.    Be sure to tag us using the following social media handles. Use the following hashtag:  #LBPD2020Cookie

Instagram:  @MDLBPD

Twitter: @MDLBPD

Facebook: @MDLBPD


Check Out Books       
Throughout the month, check out some great reads all about... Cookies!   All age levels are included.