Touch and Listen
The Newsletter of the Florida Braille and Talking Book Library

Winter 2024

Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. Announces February Books of the Month
Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. announced February’s chosen books for the Commissioner’s Book of the Month, a monthly reading challenge to promote literacy and reading engagement in preK-12 schools. Each month, Commissioner Diaz highlights five recommended books– one per selected grade range.

“Black History Month is a time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of African American heroes who have played an important role in shaping our nation’s history,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “Let’s inspire the next generation by reading books that showcase the important stories of African American leaders, artists and innovators.”

This month’s list included: 
•	PreK - I Am Me by Tristan Towns and Lacey Howard
•	K-2 - An Apple for Harriet Tubman by Glennette Tilley Turner
•	3-5 - Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Shetterly
o	BR 21798;  DB 86824
•	6-8 - Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
o	DB 39555;  BR 09951
•	9-12 - Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe 
o	BR 22611;  DB 09480
o	
DBS is pleased to announce that the Commissioner’s Book of the Month recommendations for grades 3-12 are currently available from our Braille and Talking Book Library. Look for the DB and BR codes beneath each book title above to request your copy.

What’s Happening in Florida

Braille EReader Update
Division of Blind Services braille eReader distribution has begun! You can choose to enjoy the next level of service by having your braille books sent to you electronically on a cartridge instead of the multivolume hardcover items. Even better, you can download them directly from BARD and read them on a small device you hold in your hands.

This is an exciting time and we are working to ensure that the braille eReaders are ready for use when you receive them. Our team is applying the latest software updates to each braille eReader making sure they are charged for your immediate use. We are processing requests for braille eReaders in the order in which they were received. We appreciate your patience as we move through the list. 

The service listed on your braille subscription profile will remain the same as it is now; for example, if you receive two books a week, you will receive those titles on a cartridge you can download immediately to the machine and mail back the cartridge. You can change this at any time and choose to download your books directly to the machine from BARD.

Reader Advisors will contact you about your preferences when your name comes up on the list. Instructions will also be included with the machine.

We welcome your questions and appreciate your patience as we are all learning this new method together!

Call us at 1-800-226-6075, or email OPAC_librarian@dbs.fldoe.org.

Is Your Library Account Active? 
Keep your braille and talking book library account active! An active reader checks out at least one book or magazine per year. Consider having your reader advisor change your account from request list only to one of our many autoselect options, selecting books based on your favorite subjects and authors.
•	If you use BARD, download one title (book or magazine) every six months. This will also keep your BARD account active. 
•	If you have any questions, please contact the Braille and Talking Book Library (or the subregional library that services your account). 
Subregional Library List
We want to make sure you are getting the best personalized service. We are always happy to take all calls and emails here at the regional library, however some of you may be part of our subregional network of Florida libraries based on the county you live in.

Subregionals: County Library Links
•	Duval County
Jacksonville Public Library, Talking Books/Special Needs
https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/services/talking-books-library
•	Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties
https://mdpls.org/talking-books
•	Orange County
https://ocls.info/
•	Palm Beach County
https://www.pbclibrary.org/talking-books/
•	Broward County
https://www.broward.org/Library/
•	Lee County
https://www.leegov.com/
•	Brevard County
https://www.brevardfl.gov/PublicLibraries/ServicesForTheDisabled
•	Escambia County
West Florida Public Library, Talking Books Library
https://mywfpl.com/borrow/talkingbooks
•	Pinellas and Sarasota Counties       
Pinellas Public Library Cooperative
https://pplc.us/tbl/

For all other counties, contact the regional library at 1-800-226-6075, or email OPAC_librarian@dbs.fldoe.org.

National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress (NLS) Corner

The Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) service offered by NLS has announced a new cap on downloads. Beginning February 6, 2024, NLS patrons will be allowed to download a total of 250 books and magazines from BARD in any rolling thirty-day period. 
The cap is per unique title and applies to both audio and braille downloads of all books, magazines and other titles. NLS has also indicated that the cap will be enforced across platforms. Clients will not be able to download more than 250 books and magazines in any rolling thirty-day period regardless of the format or the BARD interface used. 

The good news is that the authorization limit is only applied to each “unique title” downloaded. This means patrons are authorized to download the same title on multiple devices in the same thirty-day period. Therefore, patrons can have the freedom to use the same title on both braille and audio devices without exceeding their 250 title cap. 

Keep up with all the latest news from NLS by visiting the Announcements and Notices page on our website https://dbs.fldoe.org/library .

The Reading Room
New Subject Headings: 
We have added more subject headings to our catalog, as a way for you to have even better control over your book selections! Contact your library and ask to have these subjects added to your account. If you have auto selection, the system will be better able to match you with more of the titles you want! 

•	Animals: Guide Dogs, Service Animals.
•	Sports fiction: Car/Racing stories
•	Sports fiction: Equestrian stories
•	Sports fiction: Football stories
•	Philosophical fiction
•	Diary fiction

The Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services are part of the
Florida Department of Education, Division of Blind Services.
Visit our websites at www.dbs.fldoe.org or www.fldoe.org 

Contact us at 1-800-226-6075 or via email at OPAC_librarian@dbs.fldoe.org