BITS OF GOLD    

 

Montana Talking Book Library

Regional Library of the National Library Service

For the Blind and Physically Handicapped

(NLS/BPH)

 

Volume 106, Number 1                                                    April           2006

 

NEW ANNUAL CATALOG AVAILABLE

The 2004 NLS Cassette Book Catalog in large print is now available.  It is a catalog of talking books produced on cassette during 2004 for adult and young adult readers.  The nonfiction and fiction sections list books by subject categories.  Separate listings identify teen selections, Spanish language books and bestsellers.  If you have not received a copy of this catalog, call the library and we will send you one. 

 

TALKING MAGAZINES

Choice Magazine Listening (CML) is a free bimonthly 4-track audiotape anthology of the very best in contemporary magazine writing.  Since 1962, CML has been bringing our special audience great unabridged articles, essays, fiction, and poetry from over 100 outstanding publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian, The New Yorker, Sports Illustrated, The Atlantic Monthly, Paris Review, and more.  Other periodicals offering readers a one-time sample of various magazines are Magazine of the Month and Young Adult Magazine of the Month.  Subscribers may expect to receive some of the following:  Creative Knitting, Dog World, etc.

Contact Janet at The Montana Talking Book Library.

 

MONTANA AUTHOR DIES

Montana author Roberta Carkeek Cheney died December 1 at the age of 93 in the same Cameron home where she was born.  She wrote, edited, or co-authored thirteen books and more than 100 magazine and newspaper articles.  We have recorded Names on the Face of Montana (MCB 428) and are making an effort to obtain her other books for recording.

 

 

PATRON PICKS

RC 54393        The Twilighters by Noel M. Loomis (western)

RC 23138        An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser (classic)

RC 59133        A Garden in the Rain by Lynn Kurland (fantasy)

RC 58437        The Eve of Destruction:  The Untold Story of the Yom Kippur War by Howard Blum

RC 58120        The Hidden Power of Animals:  Uncovering the Secrets of Nature by Karl Shuker

RC 60163        Shane by Jack Schaefer (classic western)

 

LIBRARIAN’S LOG: from the desk of Christie Briggs, Regional Librarian

New Website Design

As of February 1, 2006, the Montana State Library and Talking Book Library are in compliance with the Governor’s new design and layout for all Montana state agencies.  Visit us at: <http://msl.mt.gov/talking_book_library/>

 

2006-2010 Strategic Plan

The Montana State Library departments have developed a combined strategic plan. Email me at: cbriggs@mt.gov <mailto:cbriggs@mt.gov> with your feedback. The Strategic Plan is on the Montana State Library’s website:  <http://montanalibraries.org/BusinessPlan/BPInvite.asp>

The department objectives are integrated together. Talking Book Library objectives will have key words such as “eligible patron” or “disabled” or “National Library Service” or other words related to the needs of citizens with low vision, blindness, physical and/or reading handicaps. 

 

WebOpac

I want to thank every patron who orders through WebOpac for your patience during the past months while we have been redesigning our website. Within our new website there is a menu list on the left margin of our main page.  Below this find the Catalog heading. Click on the “Montana Talking Book Library (MTBL)” link and you will go directly to WebOpac.  You will need your ID and password.  You can also save the WebOpac address by saving it in your favorites: <http://klasweb.msl.mt.gov>

 

 

Montana Braille Twin Vision and Tactile Book Collection (MBT)

We now have a small collection of Montana Braille Twin Vision (MBT) books for patron loan. Braille Twin Vision books are regular print books with illustrations that have a clear plastic Braille overlay placed over the text so that both blind, low vision and sighted individuals can share a book together. This collection is mainly for grades K-12 with a few adult books. It is a combination of Braille Twin Vision and Tactile books with the majority of Twin Vision books brailled by volunteers at the Montana Talking Book Library. These books can be checked out through WebOpac as well as by calling the library. The loan period for MBT’s is two months (or 60 days) which is the same for cassette books and magazines in our collection.

 

Center for the Book

The Montana Committee for the Humanities is sponsoring the “Center for the Book” program. “Letters from Yellowstone” by Diane Smith (MCB 552) is this year’s pick.

 

Reader Advisor Changes

We were sad to see Cheryl Christopher retire at the end of November, 2005. She spent six years in the Montana Talking Book Library as a Reader Advisor. Cheryl served a third of our patron population with excellent service. We wish her well in her new ventures.

 

We are happy to announce the arrival of Sandy Stanton, our new Reader Advisor. Sandy joined us on January 23, 2006.  She is enjoying getting to know the patrons assigned to her and their reading needs (patrons with last names H-O). Please give Sandy a call and welcome her to “Big Sky” country!

 

Summer Reading Program Theme

The state theme for this year’s Summer Reading program is “Paws, Claws, and Scales”. Patrons of the Montana Talking Book Library can get more information on this program by contacting Sandy Stanton at 1-800-332-3400.

 

SPRING CLEANING?  Spring has arrived and it’s time to return those overdue books.  Hop right over and rescue them from the dust bunnies under the couch, chair, bed, table, and nightstand!  If you’re not into hopping, enlist a friend to find them for you.  We would really appreciate getting them back so they can hop on out to other readers.

 

FROM THE RECORDING BOOTH by Diane Gunderson

Recently the Recording Program was honored to have Helena author Leonard Schonberg record another one of his newest books “Morgen’s War” (MCB 827).  Other titles recently recorded from the Montana Recording Program include:

 

MCB 812 “Good Night Chet” A Biography of Chet Huntley by Lyle Johnston;  Reader-Charles Hicks

A biography of NBC newsman Chet Huntley that covers his youth on a farm in Montana, his education and his graduation from the University of Washington, his development as a radio personality and news reporter, his retirement from the news business, his supervision of the Big Sky resort development in Montana, and his death from cancer in 1974 at the age of 62.

 

MCB 827 Morgen’s War by Leonard Schonberg; Reader-Leonard Schonberg

Robert Morgen, a New York physician, moves to Vermont in search of a less stressful lifestyle.  Discontented with practicing medicine and the loss of his son to his wife's custody, Robert volunteers to work as a physician in the border town of Peshawar, Pakistan, during the Russian-Afghan war in 1986. Some strong language, descriptions of sex and violence.

 

MCB 831 From Poplar to Papua by Martin J. Kidston; Reader-Ruth Straley

This book tells the compelling stories of the Montana National Guard's 163rd Infantry Regiment in World War II. Kidston shares the stories of courage, triumph and personal sacrifices made by the young soldiers from Montana.

 

WAITING FOR A BOOK?  We have a record number of patrons on waiting lists for new books.  Please return your books as soon as you have finished reading them so that others may enjoy them too.

 

DONATIONS AND MEMORIALS FROM 2005

The Montana Talking Book Library staff appreciates the thoughtfulness of those who contributed to our library in 2005.  Acknowledgements are sent to all donors.  Their generosity enables us to purchase equipment and provide programs that our budget does not cover.  Our patrons will enjoy many years of pleasure from these gifts.  When making a donation in memory of a loved one or in honor of someone, please include the name of the person for whom the tribute is made and the name and address of those to be notified. All gifts are tax-deductible.  Many thanks and blessings to the following contributors:

 

DONATIONS:

Audrey & Donna Anders                           Penny Herbert

Audrey & Orris Anderson                          Lucille Hickman

Avis & F. Raymond Anderson                   Bev Hill

Betty Anderson                                                Inez Hohn

Bonnie Anderson                                      Dick & Patti Howse

Tom & Cookie Basinger                           Forrest & Liz Jackson

Richard & Betty Lou Berg                        Marian D. Kannegaard

Mr. and Mrs. Don Heath Berg                   Keystone Systems, Inc.

Mr. and Mrs. Don Steiner Berg                 Vernie Kralicek

Birdie Blanton                                          Judith A. and Jerold C. Krause

Herb & Lea Blunn                                     Elaine Lacroix

Charles & Karen Brackett                        Robert O. and Eleanor Lee     

Dorothy Carpenter                                   Ralph Leonard

Hazel Chamberlain Trust                          Darlene Lloyd

Cheryl Christopher                                   Bettye Madison

Ann M. Cole                                             Virginia R. & AJ Marchello

Betty J. Collins                                         Artie Lu & Keith C. Markegard

Gloria Craig                                             Joann Mayala

Mary Davis                                              Colleen Mockler

Hertha & R.O. DeBeaumont                     Montana Assoc. for the Blind, Inc.

DJ “Don” & Doug Dundas                         Montana Historical Society Press

Miriam L. Eldredge                                   Kathleen D. Nickel

Genevieve M. & Edward W. Emery          Ruth O’Connell                

LaVonne  E. Eva                                      Adele Paulson

Myrtle Faught                                           Noel Phillips

Frank Flynn                                              Gloria Purcell

Kathy Frandsen                                       Glen Rasmussen

Barbara A. Fuller                                      Lillian & Dwain Rennaker

Bonnie Gebhardt                                      David Rotar

Gil Gilbertson                                           Edna Smith

John Gordon                                            Jean Smith

Joyce I. Haley                                          Marjorie Smith

Lloyd E. & Shirley W. Hanson                  Mary Ann Stohr

Rose Sylling                                             Jane & Perry Weidler

Edith Tanna                                              Gwen Williams

Antonia Therriault                                     Cylene Wood

Bob Tubbs                                                Donna Wynn

Barbara C. Van Cleave                            Chris Wulf

Aileen & James S. Veltkamp                     Marie Cassidy

                                               

MEMORIALS IN HONOR OF:

Ilene Baertsch-Loyal & Dorothy  Baertsch

Jon & Richard Beck-Jack & Nancy Glaser

Col. Richard L. Belt-Mildred Emerson

Helen Bundt-Audrey & Orris Anderson

Dora L. “Dode” Conner-Ralph Conner, Kenneth and Glenna Cook, Janet Cramer, Emily Greenup, William & Jeanette Hawkins, Rocky Mountain Credit Union, Valley Bank of Helena, Theodore and Karen Verner, Robert & Christie Kane

Gerald Ferguson-Betty Ferguson

Russell Fleharty-John & Lavina Lubinus

Gerald Graham-Mary Graham

Virginia Grube-Helen Buker

Christian A. Hansen-Marjorie Hansen

Marian Harwood-Jeanette Hetu, E. Lorraine Steiner, Georgene Harwood, Elaine Zipperian, Stuart & Carol Ellison, Joann Leu

Bonnie “Pi” Hove-Orris & Audrey Anderson

Fred Kaul-Orris & Audrey Anderson

Mary Leone Killham-John & Lavina Lubinus

John McCrea-Janet Oelschlager, Shirley Williamson

Lois McMeekin-Anna Corporation, Edith Brekke, Helena Bunkowske, Russell & Susan Cravens, Frances & John Darfler, Alice Daugherty, Janmarie Delaney, Janice Dietz, Roland & Jacqueline Fisher, Gil Gilbertson, Karen Grivette, Sister Elizabeth Henry, Shirley Hautzinger, Velma Klusmeyer, Minnie Koenig, Debbie Maas, Jeanne Manzer, Phyllis Marshall, Deanna & Dwight Morris, Gwynn & John Mundinger, Carol & Al Onsager, Catherine Ortwein, Frances Parr, Nancy & Paul Phillips, Erma Polich, M.C. Reimer, Lynn & Larry Rounds, Lynn & Steven Santala, Nancy Schultz, Carlene & Everett Starman, Verna Stoneberg, William & Barbara Trewhella, Susan Wicklund

JoAnn Mayala-Lea and Herb Blunn, Janet Cervelli, Gil Gilbertson, Lewis & Clark County-RMCH Golden Girls, Minnie Koenig, Elaine LaCroix, Noel Phillips, Shirley Thomas

Estate of Vernia Regina Mikesell-Elizabeth Scanlin, Attorney

Thelma Rader-Kevin & Wendy Wetherell

Wilbur Rinehart-DeLane Newgard

Nancy Robinson-Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth

Dorothy Rosseland-Maureen & Russell Curtiss

Mary Margaret Seamans-Stella Koskie

Antonia “Tony” Therriault-Elizabeth & Jack Fleming, Frank & Marjorie McElwain, Agnes & John Nelson, Nina Nielsen, Lewis Richlie, Marjorie Sterrett, Mary Ann Sullivan, Helen Beller Ekeland

 

 

THE LIBRARY WILL BE CLOSED ON THESE HOLIDAYS

 

Monday, May 29, 2006       Memorial Day

Tuesday, July 4, 2006       Independence Day

 

 

 

 

Montana Talking Book Library                                                 Free Matter

1515 East Sixth Avenue                                                              for the Blind

PO Box 201800

Helena, MT  59620-1800

 

Address Service Requested

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This newsletter is available on cassette, e-mail and large print upon request or visit our website: <http://msl.mt.gov/tbl>

 

LIBRARY HOURS: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

PHONE HOURS: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

PHONE NUMBERS: 1-800-332-3400

(in Helena) 406-444-2064

WEBOPAC: <http://klasweb.msl.mt.gov>

WEBBRAILLE: <http://loc.gov/nls/braille>

 

 

REGIONAL LIBRARIAN:

Christie Briggs, cbriggs@mt.gov <mailto:cbriggs@mt.gov>

COORD. VOL /DIR RECORDING SVC:

Diane Gunderson, dgunderson@mt.gov <mailto:dgunderson@mt.gov>

COLLECTION MANAGER:

Carolyn Meier, cameier@mt.gov <mailto:cameier@mt.gov>

MACHINE LENDING AGENT:

Lee Madison

READERS’ ADVISORS:

 

Patrons with last names A-G contact:

Janet Hunter, jahunter@mt.gov <mailto:jahunter@mt.gov>

Patrons with last names H-O contact:

Sandra Stanton, sstanton@mt.gov

Patrons with last names P-Z contact:

Lee Madison, lmadison@mt.gov <mailto:lmadison@mt.gov>

BITS OF GOLD EDITOR:

Janet Hunter

For patron requests or contact information, e-mail us at: mtbl@mt.gov <mailto:mtbl@mt.gov>

 

DISCLAIMER: The products and services mentioned in this newsletter are for your information only and do not imply endorsement by MTBL.  Thank you

for your comments and suggestions.