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Summer 2012  

 

"You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.”

– Ray Bradbury (1920-2012)

 

Summer Programs at the Library

Music Programs:

• The Tall Pines - Saturday, July 28 at 1:00 p.m. This shack-shaking Folk, Country, and Soul band will shake things up at the library with a live performance.

• Naomi and Keiko - Saturday, August 25 at 1:00 p.m. The duo will entertain with opera vocals and piano accompaniment.  

 

Art Beyond Sight Painting Workshop

Wednesday, July 11 at 2:30 p.m. in the library’s first floor Community Room. Join us for a painting workshop geared toward adults who are blind or have low vision, offered in partnership with Art Beyond Sight. Led by Tove Langridge, a visual artist whose work has been shown in New York City, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Australia, you will leave the program with an original painting that you complete during the workshop. Registration required. Limited to 8 participants.

 

Book Discussion Group

Our book discussion group meets every other month on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. Register by phone (212-206-5400), email (ahlbph@nypl.org), or in person.

Schedule:

• August 18: Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay – DB/RC 67934

• October 20: The Moviegoer by Percy Walker – BR 18216, DB/RC 68008

 

NLS Digital Book Player and BARD Workshops

Take listening to digital books to the next level by learning how to use the advanced features of both the Standard and Advanced model players. The workshop includes a demonstration of downloading books from the BARD website and a discussion of commercial book players as well as the library-issued players. Registered patrons who do not yet have a player will be able to take one home after the workshop.

The workshops will be held in the library's second floor computer lab on Wednesdays 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. July 23, August 15, and September 12. Attendance is limited, so please register in advance by phone (212-206-5400), email (ahlbph@nypl.org), or in person.

 

Upcoming Programs for Kids and Teens

Summer Reading Kick-off Party

Thursday, June 28, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Celebrate the beginning of Summer Reading with a library circus-themed slumber party.  Come dressed in your pajamas to participate in our costume contest, play games, and enjoy our fabulous main tent attraction: Dale Gordon will use percussion instruments from all over the world to show how percussion tells stories, create moods, and enhances movement. For kids and teens of all ages and abilities.

 

Family Circus Story Time for Babies and Toddlers

Wednesdays, July 11 and August 1 at 10:30 a.m. Children and their parents/caregivers can enjoy interactive and tactile stories, action songs, and fingerplays, while spending time with other babies and toddlers.

 

Baby Mine

Wednesdays, July 18, August 15 at 10:00 a.m. Share simple stories and some rockin’ songs and rhymes with your baby while getting to know other caregivers. Program is thirty minutes long followed by a short, playtime. For babies 6-18 months and their caregivers.

 

Death Defyingly Thrilling Thursdays

• Thursdays, July 12 and August 9 at 4:00 p.m. Read Aloud - join our children’s librarian as she shares some of her favorite picture books, songs, and games. For ages 2-11.

• Thursdays, July 26 and August 16, at 4:00 p.m. Kids and Crafts - our children’s librarian will help you create a special, fun something to take home or display proudly in the library. For ages 2-9. Register in advance, by phone (212-206-5400), or in person.

 

Natural History of Owls

Tuesday, July 31 at 3:00 p.m. Learn about these amazing birds by meeting live owls and investigating owl artifacts such as feathers and pellets. Presented by the New Canaan Nature Center. Ages 4 and older.

 

Go, Slow, Whoa

Tuesday, August 14 at 3:00 p.m. Children will discover how to make smart eating choices. Explore whether foods are “Go” foods, “Slow” foods, or “Whoa” foods. Includes a demonstration and a hands-on project. Presented by the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. For ages 5 and older. Limited to 25 participants.  

 

Butterfly Boogie: An End of Summer Reading 2012 Celebration! 

Thursday, August 30 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Bugs aren’t gross - they’re great! Our giant cockroach puppet explains why insects are the coolest creatures around. A musical performance, The Tale of the Flutterby and Piggle, will demonstrate how plants and animals depend on each other. Presented by the Central Park Zoo Wildlife Theatre. For ages 5 and older. In addition, participants will be able to pick up their Summer Reading certificates and surprises! 

 

Update on the Audio Book Studio Digital Book Conversion Project

This year we are converting a selection of the most popular books recorded in the library’s Audio Book Studio to the new digital format because we know you prefer digital books to cassettes. We also want to make sure the titles are available for years and years to come. The conversion project has not been completed yet, but when it is we’ll announce all of the titles available on DB in NewsLion. Stay tuned, and be sure to request some of our best locally-recorded books in the digital format when they’re available. If they go like hot cakes, who knows – we may just have to convert more of them to DB!

 

Welcome, Ned Richards!

We’re pleased to announce that Ned Richards joined us in late May as our new Managing Librarian. He manages the Reader Services team, oversees our outreach and programming efforts, and coordinates public service improvements.

Ned has held a variety of exciting positions at public libraries and government agencies around the country, including past positions at NYPL. Some of you may even remember Ned from his stint at the Andrew Heiskell Library in 1999. Most recently Ned worked as the State Aid Specialist for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Previously he managed the Collections and Technical Services team for San Mateo County Library, a 12-branch system in California. 

 

Questions of the Season

We'd love to hear from you! And to help you provide us with feedback, we've included a tear-out sheet with just a few questions to help us see how we’re doing and what you might want or need. We may ask the same question from time to time, or over the course of several issues, to help us gauge our improvements. You can send in your answers by mail, fax, phone, or email. Do you follow us on Facebook or Twitter? You can send in your answers there, too. Naturally, we hope we’re giving you service that makes you happy, but we want honest feedback that can help us shape our focus and show us where resources are needed. So don’t pull any punches! We’ll share the results of each issue’s questionnaire in the following issue. 

 

Results from NewsLion Survey about Programs at the Library from the Spring 2012 Issue

Thank you, those of you who took part in our last survey! Fifty-one people responded. 

 

Question 1: What types of programs would you attend? 

Health/Disabilities – 11

Arts – 19

Technology – 21

Programs for Children/Teens - 0

None, unable to attend events at the library - 21

Other – 5: Food and drink tastings; author talks; lectures; walking tours

 

Question 2: When can you attend programs?

Weekday mornings - 6

Weekday afternoons - 15

Tuesday and Thursday evenings - 3

Saturday mornings - 10

Saturday afternoons - 17

 

Thank you all for your feedback!

 

Summer 2012 Questionnaire

This survey is about the transition from audiocassette books to digital books. The National Library Service produced its last cassette book in 2010 and audio magazines will be distributed on digital cartridge by the end of 2012. If you’re still using your big, yellow cassette machine, please tell us why!

 

1. Do you still have a cassette machine? (Select one)

a. Yes. I’m still using it.

b. Yes, but I’m no longer using it.

c. No, I returned it to the library.

 

2. If you are still using your cassette machine, why? (Select all that apply)

a. Some of my favorite books are only available on cassette and I don’t download from BARD.

b. I subscribe to magazines on cassette.

c. You keep sending me cassette books, so I keep reading them.

d. I prefer the cassette machine to the digital machine.

e. I do not use my cassette machine anymore.

 

If you would like to stop receiving cassette books, return your cassette machine to the library, or both, please give us a call at 212-206-5400 or 855-697-6975. We’ll update your preferences and make sure you only get the types of materials you want from now on.

 

New York City and Long Island: Reading Together

Recently, the Andrew Heiskell Library began serving residents of both New York City and Long Island for talking books. This year’s summer booklist is dedicated to all of our patrons in the Big Apple and out “on the island”. Take a look here for books set in or about the communities of New York City and Long Island. 

• This Common Ground by Scott Chaskey - RC 61755. Chaskey describes one year at a community farm on Long Island and the daily toils of planting and harvesting while reflecting on land stewardship, challenges facing small farms, and the connection between land and people. 2005.

• Almost Paradise: The East Hampton Murder of Ted Ammon by Kieran Crowley - RC 60537. Details the controversial October 2001 murder of a multimillionaire by his wife’s blue collar lover. 2005.

• Helluva Town: The Story of New York City During World War II by Richard Goldstein – DB 72628. This social history of New York City during World War II provides accounts from civilians, celebrities, and politicians who lived in the city that hosted more than three million servicemen on their way to combat. 2010.

• Head Wounds by Chris Knopf – DB/RC 70534. Southampton, Long Island. Sam Acquillo, a burnout, finds his elderly neighbor Regina Broadhurst drowned in her bathtub. Sam volunteers to be administrator of her estate and soon uncovers evidence of foul play. 2005. First in a series. 

• The Tender Bar by J. R. Moehringer – DB/RC 61119. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist recalls finding role models at the local bar in Manhasset, Long Island, where his uncle worked. Describes the education he received from tavern patrons as he struggled to cope with his dysfunctional family. Bestseller. 2005.

• The Girl Next Door by Elizabeth Noble - RC 5647. Noble weaves stories of friendship and love among the inhabitants of a Manhattan apartment building. 2009. From the library’s Audio Book Studio. 

• Beach Road by James Patterson – DB/RC 62327. Attorney Tom Dunleavy defends African American high school basketball player Dante Halleyville against murder charges in the wealthy beach community of East Hampton. 2006.

• New York by Edward Rutherfurd – DB 70568. Fictional saga of Native Americans, immigrants, and families living in New York City over four centuries. 2009.

• Sima’s Undergarments for Women by Iliana Stanger-Ross - RC 5654. Stanger-Ross writes about the relationships among women whose lives are defined by their Orthodox Jewish Community.  2009. From the library’s Audio Book Studio.

• Dark Harbor: The War for the New York Waterfront by Nathan Ward – RC 5653. Ward takes the reader back to the corrupt and violent world of the New York waterfront of the 1940’s. 2010. From the library’s Audio Book Studio. 

• Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead – RC/DB 69066, BR 18616. Upper-middle-class African American teenager Benji spends another summer at the beach, where he finds relief from school and a part-time job, and learns lessons on growing up. 2009.

 

News from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

At the NLS National Conference, held May 20-24 in Newport, Rhode Island, the following exciting service upgrades were announced:

 

Digital Magazines

By the end of 2012 all NLS magazines currently distributed on cassette will be distributed on digital cartridge. If you subscribe to more than one magazine, all of your magazines will arrive pre-loaded onto a single DB cartridge. Unlike the disposable cassette magazines that arrive in paper envelopes, you will be expected to return digital magazine cartridges in order to receive future issues. Digital magazine cartridges will be light blue in color and arrive in a dark red container. When inserted into the digital player, the cartridge will explain how to navigate to multiple magazines and remind you that the cartridge must be returned. Future issues of Talking Book Topics will have more information about this transition.

If you subscribe to audio magazines and don’t yet have a digital talking book machine, make sure you request one from us soon. Once magazines are available on cartridge they will no longer be available on cassette.  

 

Web-Braille

Within the next several months, NLS will merge the Web-Braille service into the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) system. The BARD system uses a different log-in process, which means that you will need to obtain a BARD username and password if you do not already have one. Current BARD users will be able to access Web-Braille materials along with audio materials after the merger without taking any further action. Those who have not registered for the BARD service will need to do so by going to https://nlsbard.loc.gov and completing the online application.

Web-Braille materials will continue to be accessible through links in the NLS catalog as well as through the web version of Braille Book Review. However, after the merger you will be prompted to enter your BARD username and password when you access Web-Braille materials from these locations.

Web-Braille is braille in an electronic form that can be read using a refreshable braille display or can be downloaded for embossing.

 

Citizens Advisory Council

Show your support for your library, learn more about library services and programs, meet members of the staff, and provide your ideas and insights on ways to improve the library's programs and services. The Council meetings are an opportunity for patrons to give their feedback on library service. All library patrons are welcome to attend. The next meeting will be on Thursday, September 6 at 6:00 p.m.

 

Focus Group on Access to the Arts in NYC

Tuesday, July 24, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Art Beyond Sight has partnered with the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities to make New York City arts and cultural events accessible to people with disabilities. This project gives people with disabilities the opportunity to convey the changes they would like to see made to ensure access for all to NYC cultural venues, including museums, performing arts centers, zoos and aquariums, botanical gardens, and even sporting events. 

During this open discussion for people who are blind or have low vision, Art Beyond Sight staff will listen to how you get information on cultural activities, what activities you currently enjoy attending, what you think you would enjoy but can’t attend because of accessibility issues, and how activities and venues could be made more accessible to you. There is no compensation for participation and all participants will be asked to sign a release form allowing audio recording of the session. Interested volunteers should RSVP by email to coordinator@artbeyondsight.org or by calling 212-334-8720. 

 

Computer Support Clinic 

Volunteer tutors are available to assist new computer users and experienced users seeking to brush up on skills. You'll be able to get help with email, blogging, downloading audio books, learning accessible computer games, using the web for research, configuring and using accessibility software, and more. 

The tutors read with braille and print, use text-to-speech technology, and speak a variety of languages.  

The clinic takes place in the second floor Computer Training Room on Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., except during holiday weekends and library closings.  

To ensure someone will be available to help with a specific question, please make an appointment by calling volunteer Chancey Fleet at 347-632-8383.

 

Tech Talk

Using the PAWS Catalog to Request Books and Manage Your Library Account

Do you have access to a computer with internet and want to search our catalog, request books, and see what’s been sent to you? You may not be aware that you can do all of this with our online PAWS Catalog at http://lblpac.nypl.org/klasweb. 

To set up your account, call the library at 212-206-5400 or 855-697-6975. We’ll give you a username and set you up with a password that you can use to log in via the “Patron Information” link on the left sidebar of the website. From there, search for books, see if we have copies available or the books are checked out, and place your requests by clicking “Add to Book Basket”. When you’ve finished selecting books, “Proceed to Checkout” and check back in the next few days to verify which books have been sent. Don’t hesitate to call us with any questions about using the PAWS Catalog.

 

Holiday Closings

The library will be closed Wednesday, July 4, for Independence Day and Saturday, September 1 through Monday, September 3 in observance of Labor Day. You will still be able to leave a telephone message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible after the holidays.

 

Reminders

• Please do not put notes in the book containers or write on the mailing cards. If you have any questions, wish to make changes to your service, or need to tell us of an address change, please contact the library by phone (212-206-5400), email (ahlbph@nypl.org), or in person. That way, we'll be sure to get your message and be able to act on it promptly.

• This newsletter is available in large print, braille, audiocassette, online on our website, and via email. Please contact the library if you'd like to make a change in how you receive it.

• Find us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/nyplheiskell) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/nyplheiskell).

• Planning a move? Let us know as much in advance as possible. If you are moving out of New York City or Long Island, you may still continue your library service. Contact us and we'll arrange to transfer your service to the closest Regional Library to your new home. 

• In order to keep the Talking Book players and keep your service active, you must borrow at least one talking book or magazine per year. Downloading a book from BARD counts toward this quota.

• When returning books, be sure to turn over the mailing card in the slot on the container, so the library's address is facing out. The way to tell which side is which: when the small hole in the card is on the upper right, your address is facing forward. When the hole is on the upper left, the library's address is facing forward.