Focus on New Products for Loan

We currently have available for loan—on a walk-in basis—a Rainbow Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Reader. The CCTV magnifies standard print from 4x to 50x and provides users with four background colors with contrasting print. Library patrons are eligible to use these machines, on loan, for a period of two weeks at a time. Patrons or family members must come to the Library of Michigan to borrow this equipment. For more information, please contact your reader advisor at 1-800-992-9012.

Focus on the Consumer Involvement Committee

The Library of Michigan Consumer Involvement Committee members meet quarterly to discuss developments in library services, to provide input regarding new services or projects, and to assist the library in promoting its services throughout Michigan. The committee is particularly interested in finding individuals representing library users with reading disabilities and physical disabilities. If you are a regular library user interested in volunteering your time on this committee, please call 517-373-5353, or toll-free 1-800-992-9012.

Focus on New Staff

Many of you have already talked with our newest staff member, Julie Shaffer. We aren't sure why we have waited so long to introduce you to Julie, but we've definitely saved the best for last. Julie has been with the Library of Michigan for 13 years, but started working with SBPH last November. She coordinates the Materials Handling area in SBPH, which includes supervising students, helping with collection maintenance, and handling the 800 items that come in everyday! She is the reader advisor for patrons whose last names begin with “G” and “O.” Just like our other reader advisors, Julie is available to assist you with your requests or to answer any service questions you may have.

Focus on Authors

Did you know that Barbara Michaels, who writes romantic suspense novels, and Elizabeth Peters, whose light mysteries contain a historical slant related to archeology, are the pen names of Barbara Mertz? Mertz also authored a non-fiction book about Egyptian archaeological discoveries that relate to the political and social history of ancient Egypt from its beginning to its decline.

Dana Fuller Ross, known for the Wagons West series, and Donald Clayton Porter, known for the White Indian series, are the same person—Noel B. Gerson! Gerson was a prolific author of both fiction and non-fiction books related to historical events.

So, if you've read all of Barbara Michaels, why not try something by Elizabeth Peters? Try a Donald Clayton Porter book if you've finished the volumes by Dana Fuller Ross. If you haven't read any of these authors, call your reader advisor and we'll add them to your request list.

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