Focus on New Described Video

One of our library users summed up best the experience of watching a described video when she said, "For the first time in 18 years, I didn't have to ask someone what was happening. What a thrill!" Your response to the addition of described videos to our collection has been terrific. We've added more than 20 new videos; included in the new releases are: "The African Queen," "Driving Miss Daisy," "The English Patient," "Singin' in the Rain," and "Killer Quake (NOVA)." Please call your reader advisor at 1-800-992-9012 for a new releases order form.

Focus on Subject Requests

In the last issue of Focus 23, we talked about how our computer system stores your requests. However, your request list is just one way you can select materials. If you are interested in specific subjects or authors, please let us know. In addition to searching for materials available from our collection, we'll check on materials available from 56 other regional libraries around the United States. Our library collection is similar to that of a medium-sized public library, so you have a wide range of materials for all age levels, interests and points of view available to you. Don't hesitate to ask us!

Focus on Spring Cleaning

Spring is in the air! It's time to think about daylight savings time, gardening and home cleaning. Please keep in mind, as you tackle your spring cleaning, to return any Braille, disc or cassette books that you have read or are not interested in reading. Returning your books will allow them to be circulated to other readers who are waiting patiently for them.

Focus on Catalogs

We have an abundance of subject catalogs that may assist you in fine tuning your reading interests. Here are a few: "Recorded Cassette 1998" catalog, "For Younger Readers" is a listing of Braille and RC books for kindergarten to eighth grade. How about a catalog on "Careers-Job Searching for Success?" We also have a catalog called "Discoveries" that is packed with fun fictional stories suitable for preschool to third grade children! The "Coping Skills" catalog is a selected list of books that deal with real issues: self development, child abuse, families, addictions, aging, disabilities and more. Contact your reader advisor for a complete listing of catalogs.

Library of Michigan, Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

Call: 517-373-5614

Toll-Free: 1-800-992-9012

Internet: http://michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160-17449_18641---,00.html

Eligibility: Anyone unable to hold or read regular printed materials may receive this free service.

Services:

• Recorded books: records, and cassettes
• Books in Braille
• Described videotapes

Materials:

• Fiction and nonfiction
• Adult and children's books
• General interest magazines

Gifts and Bequests:

• May be sent to the Library of Michigan Foundation