Summer 2001

Focus on World Book Encyclopedia Articles

Seedlings Braille Books for Children provides encyclopedia articles upon request from World Book. This service is free of charge for blind students in the first through twelfth grades. To order an article, contact Seedlings at P.O. Box 51924, Livonia, MI, 48151-5924. The toll free number is 1-800-777-8552 or fax 734-427-8552. Seedlings website is http://www.seedlings.org and their email address is seedlink@aol.com.

Focus on Internet Voice Portals

Welcome to the 21st century! Internet Voice Portals via your telephone is the latest technology you can use to retrieve information off the Internet. Types of information include local and national news, stock market reports, flight and trip directions, restaurants, sports, horoscopes, movies, soap operas, and the weather. To activate, dial the toll-free numbers below and speak your request into the phone to hear the menu.

HeyAnita 1-800-442-6482
Tellme 1-800-555-8355 http://www.myaudiopoint.com/index.html
Audiopoint 1-888-382-8346 http://www.myaudiopoint.com/index.html

Focus on Genealogy

Genealogy, or family history, is the study of your ancestors and the lives they led. It is one of the most popular activities in the world today. Genealogy can help you find ancestors who served in the Civil War, whether you have any noble blood, or if you have a horse thief in your family tree! Each person's family history is different, but there are basic principles and guidelines that can help you start out on the right foot! The Library of Michigan maintains one of the premiere genealogical collections in the country. The following books are available from SBPH to help you get started researching your family tree:

Focus on Magazines

We just published, in large print and Braille, a new list of magazines available in special format from the National Library Service and the Library of Michigan. Included are the following changes made to the magazine program by the National Library Service:

• ESPN magazine has replaced Sport magazine as the Braille sport magazine
• Teen Sport is replacing the audio version of Seventeen
• Civilization magazine will no longer be offered on cassette

Please notify your reader advisor if you wish to add or cancel any magazines.

Also, please check your closets, car seats, and other nooks and crannies for stray magazine cassette containers. We need them back! If you need mailing cards to return containers, call your reader advisor at 1-800-992-9012.

Library of Michigan, Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

Call: 517-373-5614

Toll-Free: 1-800-992-9012 

Internet: http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,1607,7-154-28077_54234---,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