Collection Highlight: Marylandia Collection

 

Collection Highlight: Marylandia Update

Contributed by Jordan Wohlfort, Collection Development Librarian

December 2022

Follow a mouse named Mia across the Mediterranean Sea to Africa, where she discovers adventure and new friends.

Adventure Stories

DBC 12567  – Mia: Ripples in the Water, by D. A. Jennings, narrated by Pat Higgins Adelhardt

Adventure may be found in distant lands and among exotic creatures, but risk-taking isn't limited to faraway places. It may be discovered when loneliness finds friendship or when fear

gives way to courage. Join Mia on her travels as she encounters Africa's wild animals and birds, and wrestles with the strained relationship between her and her two oldest brothers. Learn about the mysteries surrounding the disappearance of a sister she never knew, and find out what it means to follow the ripples in the water. For grades K-3.

Collection Highlights: December 2022

 

Collection Highlight: December 2022

Contributed by Jordan Wohlfort, Collection Development Librarian

December 2022

No matter how you spend December, it’s a great time of year to spend baking and taste testing some new cookie recipes. Check out the braille and talking books below to find your new favorite treat.

The Wooden Spoon Cookie Book: Favorite Home-Style Recipes from the Wooden Spoon Kitchen, by Marilyn M. Moore

BR 10292

Includes recipes for drop cookies, bar cookies, shaped cookies, refrigerator cookies, and cutout cookies. Discusses stocking a cookie kitchen, hosting a holiday cookie swap, and involving children in cookie making.

Rosie's Bakery Chocolate-Packed, Jam-Filled, Butter-Rich, No-Holds-Barred Cookie Book, by Judy Rosenberg

BR 10867

Approximately 150 cookie recipes that don't stint on the good stuff, like butter, nuts, and chocolate. Categories include chewy crunch, crispy chompy, bars, cakey, sandwiched together, and holiday cookies.

One Dough, Fifty Cookies: Baking Favorite and Festive Cookies in a Snap, by Leslie Glover Pendleton

BR 12161

Former food editor of Gourmet magazine provides a recipe and instructions for one large master batch of butter cookie dough. Each of the fifty recipes for distinctly flavored cookies that follows calls for one half of the master dough. Covers spritz, icebox, rolled or cutout, drop, and bar forms.

Alice Medrich's Cookies and Brownies, by Alice Medrich

BR 12574

The author of Chocolate and the Art of Low-fat Desserts (BR 10421) now provides recipes for shortbread, butter cookies, chocolate cookies, cookie classics, biscotti, brownies, and bars. She also instructs on techniques for decorating cookies and making sandwich cookies, and discusses ingredients and equipment.

Bake the Best-Ever Cookies!, by Sarah Williamson

BR 14410

More than twenty-five step-by-step cookie recipes for beginning bakers. Suggests "Secret Treat Thumbprints" for a first cookie-baking experience. Includes such favorites as lemon squares, brownies, and snickerdoodles. Provides practical advice on basic equipment, ingredients, and preparation. For grades 3-6 and older readers.

Maida Hatter's Brand-New Book of Great Cookies, by Maida Heatter

DB 42658

More than eighty cookie recipes and general tips on cookie making from an award-winning dessert-book author. Her selections include bar, drop, icebox, and rolling-pin cookies and biscotti.

Mrs. Fields Cookie Book: 100 Recipes from the Kitchen of Mrs. Fields, by Debbi Fields

DB 44172

The author, famous for her international cookie business, provides recipes to be made at home. Aimed at casual as well as avid bakers, the collection includes dropped, fancy, filled, and bar cookies. It also offers other special treats such as cheesecake and apple pie.

Martha Stewart's Cookies: The Very Best Treats to Bake and to Share, by Martha Stewart

DB 66148

Presents 175 cookie recipes with textures such as soft and chewy, crumbly and sandy, and chunky and nutty. Covers easy-to-make traditional drop cookies as well as fruit bars, meringues, icebox spirals, biscotti, and more. Includes ideas for packaging and information about tools and techniques.

American Girl Cookies

DB 92940

Forty-seven tempting recipes for sweet treats to bake and share. Includes instructions for whipping up sugary creations such as donut cookies, gingersnap snowflakes, milk-and-cookie cups, ooey-gooey layer bars, crispy rice and chocolate layer brownies, and millionaire's shortbread. For grades 3-6 and older readers.

 

 Collection Highlight: Marylandia Update

Contributed by Jordan Wohlfort, Collection Development Librarian

November 2022

This Thanksgiving, incorporate some Maryland recipes into the usual menu. Check out this title to discover some new, simple recipes to bring to the table.

Cooking

DBC 12432  – I Can Cook, You Can Cook! Simply Great Maryland Recipes, by Wayne O. Broke, narrated by Maxine A. Cohen

An award-winning Baltimore chef and restaurateur recounts his days as a casual proprietor at the popular Wayne's Bar-B-Que, sharing more than 150 recipes for simple and easy-to-prepare soups, salads, entrees, side dishes, desserts, breakfasts, and drinks.

 Collection Highlights: November 2022

Contributed by Jordan Wohlfort, Collection Development Librarian

November 2022

November is Native American Heritage Month. Here’s a few recent titles from Native voices.

The Sentence, by Louise Erdrich

BR 24020 ; DB 105798

After her release from prison, Tookie takes a job at a Minneapolis bookstore. The store is haunted by the ghost of Flora, a former customer who had a habit of claiming to have Native American heritage. Tookie must solve the mystery of this haunting while Minneapolis endures a year of upheaval.

The Seed Keeper, by Diane Wilson

DB 105284

Rosalie Iron Wing grew up in the woods with her father, Ray, who told her stories of the natural world and the origins of the Dakota people. When he disappeared, Rosalie went into foster care. Years later, she returns home to the family cabin and remembers her father's teachings.

A Snake Falls to Earth, by Darcie Little Badger

DB 106018

Nina, a Lipan Apache, lives in the real world and still believes in the old stories. Oli, a cottonmouth snake boy, lives in the Reflecting World. But a catastrophic event on Earth, and a strange sickness that befalls Oli's best friend, drive their worlds together in ways they haven't been in centuries.

Technology User Group Meeting: Google & Alexa

 

Technology User Group Meeting: 

Google & Alexa

Contributed by Jerry Price, Assistive Technology Training Coordinator 

On Saturday, November 5 th , the Technology User Group is pleased to present our 13 th annual look at assistive technology gifts for the holidays! Gadgets, gizmos and exciting products for the home, office and play. Most items profiled will cost less than $100. Many vendors will also be

profiling their wares in this special two-hour event.

Please note that in November, the Technology User Group will meet on the first Saturday of the month. The presentation will be virtual and may be joined by calling 319-527-4994. You do not have to RSVP for this event. The presentation will begin at 10 AM and last about 2 hours.

We look forward to meeting with you virtually on Saturday, November 5th, and hope that you will join us for other exciting events we have planned for 2022 and beyond.

If you would like to listen to previous TUG recordings, please

click here:

https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Technology%20User%2

0Group.aspx

Upcoming TUG Programs:

• December 10: 10 AM, Top Websites to Bookmark for 2023 and the Best New Apps of 2022
• January 7: 10 AM, The Maryland Technology Assistance Program, “Bringing Assistive Technology to Marylanders”

For more information about the Technology User Group, please contact Jerry Price at (410) 230-2446 or via email at assistive.technology@maryland.gov.

Collection Highlights: Marylandia Update

 

 Collection Highlight: Marylandia Update

Contributed by Jordan Wohlfort, Collection Development Librarian

October 2022

U.S. History

DBC 12466  – Hell Comes to Southern Maryland: The Story of the Point Lookout Prison and Hammond General Hospital, by Bradley M. Gottfried, narrated by Sabrina Dames

Called the “Andersonville of the North,” the Point Lookout Civil War Prisoner of War Camp for

Confederates was the largest facility in the North. This book takes a fresh look at all aspects of the prison, from its formation to its closing and lasting legacy. Loaded with first-person accounts of both Confederate prisoners and Union personnel, the book helps readers get a vivid picture of what it was like to be incarcerated in the camp.

 Collection Highlight: October 2022

Contributed by Jordan Wohlfort, Collection Development Librarian

October 2022

National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15th-October 15th. Check out this sampling of works from Hispanic authors.

Our America: A Hispanic History of the United States, by Felipe Fernández-Armesto.

DB 78528

History professor examines the Hispanic past of the United States, from Spain's colonization of Puerto Rico in 1505 to the twenty-first-century debate over immigration reform. Encourages the embrace of Hispanic culture and posits that doing so would be to the nation's advantage and enrichment.

Dominicana, by Angie Cruz

DB 96435 ; Spanish language DB 103848

1965. Fifteen-year-old Ana Canción has never dreamed of moving to America from the Dominican Republic, but marries Juan Ruiz to give her family the opportunity to do so. Stifled in New York City, she runs away. Juan's brother, César, persuades her to return and provides opportunities for her.

Violeta, by Isabel Allende,

DB 106459 ; Spanish language DB 107625

Violeta is born to a well-off family in 1920, and lives through the tumult of the twentieth century. She tells her story in letters to someone she loves above all others, recounting times of devastating heartbreak and passionate affairs, poverty and wealth, terrible loss and immense joy.

Everyone Knows You Go Home, by Natalia Sylvester

DB 91600 ; Spanish language DB 107109

Isabel meets her father-in-law, Omar, for the first time at her wedding--but he's a ghost. Her husband Martin confesses he didn't know Omar had died since they were estranged. Isabel tries to help Omar achieve redemption, but her husband and mother-in-law are reluctant.

Harsh Times, by Mario Vargas Llosa

DB 106145 ; Spanish language DB 100253

Guatemala, 1954. The military coup perpetrated by Carlos Castillo Armas and supported by the CIA topples the government of Jacobo Árbenz. Behind this violent act is a lie passed off as truth, which forever changes the development of Latin America: that Árbenz encouraged the spread of Soviet Communism in the Americas.

Collection Highlights: Marylandia Update

 

Collection Highlights: Marylandia Update

Contributed by Jordan Wohlfort, Collection Development Librarian

August 2022

Ridgley, MD, located in Caroline County, is brought to life in this 19th century romantic tale.

Historical Fiction

DBC 12461  – Where This Road Ends, by Rebekah Colburn, narrated by Roberta Jackson

Ella Mae Hutchins knows exactly what she wants from life. Getting it turns out to be much harder than she expects. She has only two dreams: to marry Daniel Evans and to become a successful novelist. When neither dream seems achievable, she sets out to build a life without either. After all her efforts fail, Ella Mae returns to her hometown broken. Determined to start again, the last thing she expects is to encounter the man she blames for ruining her life. Although age and suffering have changed them both, can she forgive Daniel for breaking her heart and is she brave enough to hope for a writing career in a time when female novelists are rare?

Collection Highlights: August 2022

 

Collection Highlights: August

Contributed by Jordan Wohlfort, Collection Development Librarian

August 2022

Get ready for the first day of school with these titles that tackle the nerves and excitement often felt before the big day.

Print/Braille

Butterflies on the First Day of School, by Annie Silverstro

BR 23020

The night before the big day, Rosie's excitement about starting school turns into a tummy

ache. Rosie's mom reassures her that it is just butterflies. Much to her surprise, one flies

right out of her mouth when she makes a new friend on the bus! PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2.

The Pigeon Has to Go to School!, by Mo Willems

BR 22718

The pigeon must go to school, but frets about math, learning the alphabet,

heavy backpacks, and what the teacher and other birds will think of him.

PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 

School's First Day of School, by Adam Rex

BR 22003

When Frederick Douglass Elementary opens, the school is nervous

that it may not like having the little kids inside. But after an exciting first day, the

school is ready to invite all of the children back. PRINT/BRAILLE.  For grades K-3.

Talking Books

Harry Versus the First 100 Days of School, by Emily Jenkins

DB 104246

Harry Bergen-Murphy does not feel ready when he starts first grade,

but by day 100 he has become an expert on several important things, i

ncluding being a first-grader. For grades K-3. 

Tomorrow I'll Be Kind, by Jessica Hische

DB 98930

Animals demonstrate how the smallest gestures can make the biggest

difference in the world. For preschool-grade 2. 

If I Built a School, by Chris Van Dusen

DBC 19458

Imaginative Jack describes the kind of school he would build--one full of animals, with tubes to transport students directly to their classrooms, and library

books that come alive. For grades K-3.

Multiple Formats Available

The King of Kindergarten, by Derrick Barnes

BR 22793 ; DB 104940

Instilled with confidence by his parents, a young boy has a great first day

of kindergarten. For preschool-grade 2.

The Cool Bean, by John Jory

BR 23175 ; DB 97910

Always on the sidelines, one bean unsuccessfully tries everything he can to

fit in with the crowd--until one day the cool beans show him how it's done. For grades K-3. 

The Day You Begin, by Jacqueline Woodson

BR 22673 ; DB 104931

Other students laugh when Rigoberto, an immigrant from Venezuela,

introduces himself. Later, however, he meets Angelina and discovers that

he is not the only one who feels like an outsider. For grades K-3.

 

Guest Post: Research Study

Contributed by Marina Bedny, Ph.D.

Research Study Announcement

The Neuroplasticity and Development Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Johns Hopkins University is seeking participants for psychology research studies. The purpose of these studies is to uncover similarities and differences in how people with varying lifetime experiences process information. The studies compare cognition in blind and sighted individuals in order to better understand how visual and non-visual experiences contribute to concepts and language.

Participating in our research studies involves listening to stories and sounds, reading Braille and answering questions. Some of our studies involve getting an MRI scan. Each study typically lasts between 2 to 3 hours and participants are compensated $20-$30 per hour for their time. The studies take place at Johns Hopkins, in Baltimore City and the cost of transportation is covered by the laboratory. 

To qualify for these studies you must be a healthy blind adult between 18 and 60 years-of-age. Prior to taking part in any studies participants are asked to complete a pre-screening interview over the phone to ensure that they qualify. The screening interview takes between 15 and 30 minutes and those who take part in the interview are compensated $15. Participants who qualify will be entered into a participant database and contacted to schedule a study appointment.

To learn more, please contact the lab either by calling (410) 870-9895 or emailing plasticity_lab@jhu.edu.

Thank you for taking the time to read this announcement.

Marina Bedny, Ph.D.
Director of Neuroplasticity & Development Lab
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences
Johns Hopkins University
https://bednylab.com/index-alltext.html

 

 

 

 

 

Tech Tips: The Echo Show

 

Tech Tips: News From Alexa

Contributed by Jerry Price, Assistive Technology Training Coordinator 

The Echo Show now offers call captioning in English, Spanish, French and

Portuguese.

Alexa Together offers customized alerts and urgent response services for individuals who need additional care, building a circle of support around your loved ones. The Alexa Together feature now allows up to ten caregivers for those in need of constant monitoring.

Shortly, Alexa will also offer Remote Assist, which will allow caregivers to set up routines and reminders.

Alexa now supports Best Buy’s Lively Urgent Response app. Now your loved ones can have 24/7 access to emergency and nonemergency services. If you build a personal profile, including medical conditions, medications and allergies, Lively Agents can offer an extra level of support.

New pharmacy features allow Echo devices to provide prescription reminders and ordering options.

Alexa has integrated Person and Package announcements for individuals with compatible security cameras and doorbells.

Finally, you can ask Alexa to follow your favorite baseball team to be proactively notified about scores, schedules and team news. Just say “Alexa, follow the Baltimore Orioles!”

Guest Post: How to Find Music Materials on BARD

 

Guest Post: Music 

Contributed by NLS Representative

How to find music materials on BARD:

 

On BARD, the NLS Music collection is located in a place different from the general NLS book collection.

 

To find braille music scores and instructional music audiobooks on BARD, navigate to the heading “Music Collection.” It is hyperlinked. Click on the link. It will bring you to a new page with access to the NLS Music Collection. There you can search the music collection or browse through recently added and popular materials.

 

Note: Our audio collection contains a learn-by-ear series and lectures about music. There is no music for listening pleasure/entertainment in the NLS Music Collection.

 

Tech Tips: Alexa Devices Make Braille Fun

Contributed by Jerry Price, Assistive Technology Training Coordinator 

Your Amazon Echo device offers two skills that can assist in learning braille. Braille Bot, the first skill, will tell you the dots for a particular letter. You can also describe the dots to Alexa, and it will respond with the correct corresponding letter. The second skill is called Braille Dot, which is an interactive, multiple-choice game that introduces uncontracted braille to new learners and reinforces uncontracted braille proficiency. Both skills are free to use and can be activated by asking your Alexa to open the skill. 

Technology User Group Meeting: August 13, 2022

 

Technology User Group Meeting: 

NaviLens and Apple

August 13, 2022

Contributed by Jerry Price, Assistive Technology Training Coordinator 

On Saturday, August 13th, the Technology User Group (TUG) will do a presentation concerning NaviLens and Apple AirTags.

NaviLens is a revolutionary labeling system that is simple to set up and use, allowing you to easily label and find identified products.  Imagine being able to spot a can of corn from nine feet away or even locate the entrance to a building!

Apple AirTags can help you find anything anywhere.  With an AirTag attached, your iPhone can help you locate items you’ve misplaced.  Are AirTags easy to set up if you are not confident with your iPhone?  Listen to this presentation to help you decide if they are worth the investment.

      

The presentation will be virtual and may be joined by calling 319-527-4994.  You do not have to RSVP for this event.  The presentation will begin at 10 AM and last about 60 minutes.

We look forward to meeting with you virtually on Saturday, August 13th, and hope that you will join us for other exciting events we have planned for 2022 and beyond.

If you would like to listen to previous TUG recordings, please click here:

https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Technology%20User%20Group.aspx

Upcoming TUG Programs:

September 10th, 10 AM, the Pixel Phone

October 1st, 10 AM, iOS 16 & Editing Voice Memos

Follow the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) on: 

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MDLBPD/

On Twitter at https://twitter.com/MDLBPD

On our blog at https://mdlbpd.blogspot.com/

And our website at www.lbph.maryland.gov

For more information about the Technology User Group, please contact Jerry Price at (410) 230-2446 or via email at assistive.technology@maryland.gov.