NewsLion: Andrew Heiskell Braille & Talking Book Library Newsletter
NewsLion Summer 2024
The Newsletter of the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library for July - September 2024
News:
Save the Date! Our Accessible Community, Culture and Technology Fair will be held Friday October 18th and Saturday October 19th, 11 AM - 4 PM.
Yes, for the first time our popular Accessible Community Fair will take place over not just one but two days at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) on 5th Avenue and 40th Street. Saturday will have an extra focus on youth and families, though everyone is always welcome. Join us to enjoy tablers from educational, employment, advocacy, arts, recreation, technology demos, and support organizations, speakers on civic engagement and activism, family activities, music concerts, and more. Last year’s fair hosted 68 tablers and brought in 350 people.
High Line OffLine Summer Exhibit & Programs:
Thursdays July 18th and 25th, August 22nd and August 28th, 5:00 PM - 6:45 PM
The High Line, in collaboration with Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library, presents four opportunities to join hands-on workshops and interact closely with featured and celebrated artist Kaela Mei-Chee Chambers, to explore meaning and create tactile sculpture and other art. This collaboration will culminate in an installation and display of artworks inspired by her experience with a loved one’s aphasia, and an Art Opening Celebration in the Fall. Register for the first workshop here: https://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2024/07/18/high-line-offline-summer-arts-workshops
Events Calendar:
Community Advisory Council - VIRTUAL:
Tuesday September 24th, at 5:30 PM
The Community Advisory Council of the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library would love to hear from YOU - our patrons! This group meets to discuss issues, make suggestions on the library’s direction, get news first, hear guest speakers, and meet staff. All ideas and opinions are welcome. Joining us in September is the Library for the Performing Arts!
Disability Activist Panel and Lunch with Your Elected Officials!
On Saturday September 21st at 1:00 PM, Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library will be hosting a panel discussion with activists from the Disability Justice field, who will share their stories and advice for civic engagement. Later this Fall, we will be hosting opportunities to join your NYC Elected Officials for a free lunch where you, as our community members can meet and share your needs and wishes with elected representatives. Stay tuned for details!
Fall Tactile Crafts Series: Hand Weaving with Intertwine Arts
Thursdays, 5 - 6:45 PM: September 19th, 26th, October 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 31st, 2024
Intertwine Arts will show attendees how to weave on paper plates in a relaxed, low pressure environment. Participants will be encouraged to make their own unique aesthetic choices, choosing yarns that suit them and using varied intuitive weaving techniques. In these sessions there is no such thing as a mistake, and budding weavers will be encouraged to experiment and create in a way that works best for them. Participants will walk away from the program with finished woven pieces that can be transformed into wearables, decor and artwork.
This is a six-week workshop beginning Thursday, September 20th and runs through Thursday, October 31st.
City Services Resource Day
Thursday, August 15th, 2024 12 PM - 5 PM
The Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library proudly presents the fifth annual City Services Day. Learn about the work that the City of New York and our partner organizations are doing to serve the blind and low vision community. This five hour event will feature presentations from city agencies and partner organizations including the NYC Department of Transportation, The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, the MTA, NYC Division of Human Rights, and more!
Vinyl Record Club
Saturday, June 29th, July 27th, August 24th
Join staff for the new Vinyl Record Club!
Share your love of vinyl records with fellow collectors and enthusiasts! We will chat about our favorite albums, care and maintenance of our collections, our most treasured record stores, and the ones that got away. Bring in an album or two to spin a few tracks for the group. For our first meeting, bring an album that tells us about you as a person. No Registration Required
Ukulele Club
Saturdays, July 20, August 17, August 24, and September 14, 2 - 3:30 PM
Want to learn how to play the ukulele? Already play and want a group to jam with? Join library staff to learn chords, songs, and techniques, or teach others what you already know! Ukuleles and felt picks provided, or bring your own instrument. All ages and skill levels are welcome. No registration required.
Banned Books Club!
First Saturday of every month, 10:30 AM
Join our brand new book club, focused on showcasing and highlighting titles that have been contested, censored, or banned in the United States and abroad. Call or email ashleydalle@nypl.org to request a cartridge with these titles.
Upcoming Titles:
Saturday, July 6th - Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuinston DB095171
Saturday, September 7th - The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan DB007901
Google Meet Link:
meet.google.com/wrd-pqgc-jjd
Join by phone
(US) +1 262-671-8033 PIN: 688 338 321#
Online Book Discussion Group
Saturday August 10, 10:30 AM
Our book club hosts engaging and thought-provoking discussions about member-selected books. Meets virtually on the second Saturday of every other month at 10:30 AM. Please call or email in advance to receive a cartridge with upcoming books, a meeting link and/or a dial in number: johnfahs@nypl.org
Upcoming title:
- Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt; DB 107924
Open Book Hour
On the Third Tuesday of the Month From 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Reading something amazing you can’t wait to tell people about? Join us for our virtual Open Book Hour, where we talk about the books we’ve been reading and get recommendations from fellow book lovers!
Meeting ID: meet.google.com/irm-jfpt-uyw
Phone Numbers: (US)+1 402-534-0283 PIN: 623 161 972#
Crossword Club
Wednesdays, 10:00 AM
Are you a crossword puzzle enthusiast? Join staff from the Andrew Heiskell Library for our virtual Crossword Club and help solve a puzzle as a group! Please call or register in advance to receive a meeting link or dial in number. Meets virtually every Wednesday. Google Meet link: meet.google.com/oyb-faxb-xdd
Dial - in: 513-480-5181 PIN: 792 497 986#
Braille Study Group – Remote or In Person
Saturdays, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM on Zoom. (10:30 AM - 12:30 PM in person at the Library)
Tuesdays 7:00 PM- 8:30 PM on Zoom
We welcome learners at all levels! Bring your questions, get support for your learning
goals and find out how to learn Braille for free from home. To register, please email ChanceyFleet@nypl.org or call (212) 206-5400, extension 3.
News from The Tech Team:
Accessibility
Our team is committed to equity of access for everyone. For all group workshops, you may
join using Zoom via computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can dial in by phone. One-to-one coaching is available in person, by phone, Zoom or Google Meet: your choice. Our group workshops always feature auto-captions, but if you need an interpreter or captions to participate in coaching or workshops, please email chanceyfleet@nypl.org at least two weeks before the event and we will arrange access.
One-to-One Coaching
We are here to help you achieve your tech goal! Are you learning the iPhone, improving your
typing, or exploring the web with a screen reader? We will be happy to match you with a tech coach to work on achieving that goal.
Read Wherever You Are
Our BARD collection offers instant access to all of our Braille and talking books using a computer, smartphone, tablet or accessible device. Our members also have free access to Bookshare, a library of over a million titles which you can read on the web or your smartphone or tablet using magnification, text-to-speech or Braille. Need the daily paper? NFB-Newsline is also free and brings you access
to local and national publications from your computer, smartphone, tablet or even a land-line phone. To get started, just call or email our tech team.
Tech and Culture Workshops:
Join our vibrant community for free, interactive remote workshops covering tech topics for beginners and seasoned users, book discussions, a Braille study group and more. Below, you’ll find our offerings for the fall: just use the link within each listing to register. To receive a reminder about each upcoming
workshop or find out about additional pop-up offerings, email heiskelltech+subscribe@googlegroups.com or contact our tech team to join our announcement list. Email chanceyfleet@nypl.org if you need help or would like to suggest an additional workshop.
Nonvisual Drawing Workshops
In Person: Saturday August 10th. 2:00 -3:30 PM
Virtual: Saturdays July 13, September 14. 2:00 -3:30 PM
Learn how to draw using a sensational black board, which allows you to feel the drawings with your fingers. These workshops will focus on drawing different shapes, drawing with emotion and more.
Feel free to attend any or all of these workshops. For the in person workshop please RSVP to chanceyfleet@nypl.org
Saturday, July 13th, 2:00 to 3:30 PM
https://nypl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYuf-CorD4oHNeIBQBPT54k2kn0GRq0K9cl
Saturday September 14 2:00 to 3:30 PM
https://nypl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lc--qpzwqHtNImLoynHdqvPSJXUvEdNZT
Voiceover for Mac Discussion Group
Saturdays July 19, August 15, September 21, 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Come with any questions you may have about using Mac with voiceover. No matter how much experience you have with Voiceover, this workshop is designed to help you connect with peers to learn from one another and get your questions answered.
This workshop will take place online.
https://nypl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUoduyprTwrHNQ1_62v62e2gpnLXu5ujVyc
Intro to Gmail on the Web
Monday July 15, 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Learn how to use standard Gmail in your web browser, now that basic HTML is no longer available.
This workshop will take place online.
https://nypl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctd--rpzIsGdYtWjVYTHNw7uYTTF_kkmUi
Accessible Word Games — Wordle, Wordvoyance and more
Wednesday July 17, 5 to 6:30 pm
Learn how to play popular word games such as Wordle, Wordvoyance and more using different accessibility features such as voiceover, jaws and more.
This workshop will take place online.
https://nypl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpcempqDwvEt3Lx_E4A6G0iPu_YBXS8Idh
Understanding AI for Accessibility
Wednesday July 24, 7:00 to 8:30 PM
This workshop will focus on using different AI tools such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and more. We’ll explore how to use these programs with accessibility features such as voiceover, jaws, and NVDA. We’ll also check out accessibility apps that use these tools to describe images.
This workshop will take place online.
https://nypl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqcOGvpjsqG9BKU_0YqJViIIJmWcnDCB8q
What you Need to Know to explore Web Accessibility Testing
Wednesday August 14, 7:00 to 8:30 PM
This workshop will cover the basis of what a web accessibility tester does, and cover some of the common accessibility issues that testers look for and resolve. We’ll also go over resources for learning more and how to prepare to enter this field. This exploratory workshop is for anyone who is interested in learning how to audit websites for accessibility.
This workshop will take place online.
https://nypl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMuf-mhrDgoHtVsshXWs9kOcZ6z0TECeUSz
Intro to OpenScad
Saturday August 24, 1:30 to 4:30 PM
Learn how to create 3D designs using openscad, a free cross-platform program that lets you compose and move shapes using code.
This workshop will be hybrid. RSVP to ChanceyFleet@Nypl.org to attend in person, or register here to attend online:
https://nypl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpfuCupjgrG9BYwJeNnPWal3868U4YuPud
Intro to Google Sheets
Wednesday September 11, 1 pm — 2:30 PM
Learn how to create and edit spreadsheets using google sheets in this workshop.
This workshop will take place online.
https://nypl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrcOGtqDsrG93vJ_P0Aie6bWvEIbgCmXtt
Intro to Facebook with Accessibility in Mind
Thursday September 19, 3 to 4:30 pm
Learn how to use facebook on the web or using the mobile app, with accessibility in mind. This workshop will focus on how to create posts, read the feed, manage your profile, and much more.
This workshop will take place online.
https://nypl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqcu-vpzwoGNEx2QlNlSWmXFbkzY-BfUvX
Accessible Reading Options: Bookshare, BARD, NFB-Newsline and SimplyE
Thursday September 26, 3 to 4:30 pm
Learn about different accessible reading options that are free to use. This workshop will take place online.
https://nypl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwodOGvrzguH9TLy66DKXJItASTsbnrQh3b
Youth Calendar:
Family Storytime
Mondays at 3:00 PM
This event will take place in person at the Andrew Heiskell Library. A storytime for all ages to bring families together at the library. An afternoon program where the whole family or caregiver with multiple children at different developmental stages can attend. Children ages birth to 5 years old can develop early literacy skills with their parents/caregivers through action songs, reading of picture books, and related activities. Space is limited to 30 children. Storytime will begin early if capacity is reached before 3:00 PM.
Lapsit Storytime
Wednesdays at 10:15 AM
For children who are pre-walkers or crawlers. This event will take place in person at the Andrew Heiskell Library. Join us for a special time to bond with your little one and meet other caregivers. We will explore the joys of movement, books, and songs, in addition to building early learning skills you can practice at home. Come prepared to sit with your child on your lap. Space is limited to 10 babies. Storytime will begin early if capacity is reached before 10:15 AM.
Little Movers Storytime
Fridays at 10:15 AM
This event will take place in person at the Andrew Heiskell Library. This storytime is for children who can walk. Children and their parents/caregiver will learn interactive action songs, fingerplays, early literacy stories, and build relationships with other families in the neighborhood. Space is limited to 20 children. Storytime will begin early if capacity is reached before 10:15.
Little Playdate
Mondays, June 24, July 29, and August 19 at 10:15 AM
For children who can walk. This event will take place in person at the Andrew Heiskell Library. This is an informal playgroup for the little ones and their caregivers to meet other families. Building toys and art supplies will be brought out for toddlers to play with. Space is limited to 15 children. Tickets are distributed 15 minutes before the program. Program will begin early if capacity is reached before 10:15 AM.
Kids Summer Adventure
Tuesdays in July - August at 2:00 PM
This event is for ages 4 and up. Join staff from Andrew Heiskell Library for an exciting, hands-on Summer Adventure program. The activities included in Summer Adventure are meant to encourage kids this year to reflect on the journeys they’ve been on, and dream about the journeys they would like to take some day! Space is limited to 12 children. Program will begin early if capacity is reached before 2:00 PM.
Summer Kick Off
Monday, July 1 at 3:30 PM
This program will be in person at Andrew Heiskell Library.
Get your dancing feet ready and join Andrew Heiskell Library as we kick off summer reading with Urban Stages International Animals Dance Party! Join Facundo on a musical adventure with live music, colorful scarves for dancing, and a parachute too! Join the party!
Space is limited, first come first served
All Ages Welcome!
Presented by Urban Stages
Summer Celebration
Monday, August 26 at 3:30 PM
This program will be in person at Andrew Heiskell Library.
Celebrate the end of summer with the Andrew Heiskell Children's library staff and Lucky Ducks Puppets for balloon hats, swords, flowers, animals of all kinds! There’s something for everyone when our balloon twisters are at work at our end of summer celebration!
Space is limited, first come first served
All Ages Welcome!
Presented by Lucky Ducks Puppets
Teen Ukulele Club
Wednesdays, July 3 - September 18, 3 - 4:30 PM
Are you a teen who wants to learn how to play the ukulele? Do you already play and want a group to jam with? Join library staff to learn chords, songs, and techniques, or teach others what you already know! Ukuleles and felt picks provided, or bring your own instrument. For ages 13 to 19. All skill levels are welcome. No registration required.
Partner Spotlight:
Lighthouse Guild provides services that inspire people who are visually impaired to attain their goals, offering coordinated care for eye health, vision rehabilitation, technology, and behavioral health as well as related services. The Lighthouse Guild Technology Center provides people with vision loss access to the latest assistive devices and state-of-the-art technology. For more information about programs and services, visit lighthouseguild.org or contact (800) 284-4422.
New Titles from The Andrew Heiskell Library’s Recording Studio:
Black Girls Must Be Magic, by Jayne Allen, DBC 27140 (Fiction, Adult) Upon discovering she's pregnant Tabitha Walker throws herself headfirst into the world of “single mothers by choice,” when her ex and her job force her to make tough decisions about her future. Commercial Audiobook. 2022. Adult. Unrated.
Black Girls Must Have It All, by Jayne Allen, DBC 27141 (Fiction, Adult) Tabitha Walker loves her new bundle of joy, but when her entire life is in danger of being shifted, her job being threatened, her friends changing businesses, and Marc giving her an ultimatum, she must face her biggest challenge yet, choosing herself. Commercial Audiobook. 2023. Adult. Unrated.
The Dirty Truth, by Brenda Hampton, DBC 27142 (Fiction, Adult) Evelyn Thomas may have bitten off more than she can chew when it comes to her relationship with Brandon Fletcher. It seems he is trying to clone her into an exact replica of his beloved fiancée, Cassandra, who was brutally murdered. He's also still obsessed with finding Cassandra's killer. Commercial Audiobook. 2019. Adult. Unrated
The Doctor Is In, by Carl Weber DBC 27143 (Fiction, Adult) Dr. Kasen Phillips has the magic touch when it comes to helping his patients, but when the love of his life goes missing, his life takes a turn for the worse. Commercial Audiobook. 2020. Adult. Unrated
Black President: the World Will Never Be the Same, by Brenda Hampton, DBC 27144 (Fiction, Adult) Stephen C. Jefferson, born and raised in St. Louis where he learned to silence his enemies with knowledge, now holds the keys to the Oval Office, where he must now face off against his new foes, a do-nothing Congress, an untrustworthy administration, and a wife with many issues. Commercial Audiobook. 2020. Adult. Unrated
Trouble in the White House, by Brenda Hampton DBC 27145 (Fiction, Adult) President Stephen C. Jefferson has his mind on the job, passing gun control legislation and anti-terrorism bills, his only problems being his wife and mother-in-law's arguments, until he finds out about a son he never knew he had, who has been classified as a dangerous terrorist. Commercial Audiobook. 2018. Adult. Unrated
The Marriage Favor, by Shvonne Latrice, DBC 27146 (Fiction, Adult)
When Prime, a professional gangsta and heir to a financial institution, breaks into the home of Lisara Compton he is met with an attraction he can't shake, and after his life-threatening illness he feels he must leave his child's mother for her. Commercial Audiobook. 2023. Adult. Unrated.
Wait for U, by Shvonne Latrice, DBC 27149 (Fiction, Adult) Years after tragedy struck star-crossed lovers Couture Yates and Khari Compton, Khari still can't stop thinking about Couture, and will chase her down at any cost. Commercial Audiobook. 2024. Adult. Unrated
Butterfly Swords, by Jeannie Lin, DBC 27150 (Fiction, Adult) In Tang Dynasty China, Princess Ai Li, fleeing from an undesirable marriage, enlists the aid of warrior Ryam, and love soon begins to blossom. Commercial Audiobook. 2020. Adult. Unrated.
My Fair Concubine, by Jeannie Lin, DBC 27151 (Fiction, Adult) Yan Ling, an intelligent and strong-minded tea girl, must constantly defy her nature, until Fei Long realizes she can be trained into a princess to deliver to the Emperor. Commercial Audiobook. 2020. Adult. Unrated.
Holidays and Closings
The Library will be closed on:
- Thursday July 4th for Independence Day
- Saturday August 31st through Monday September 2nd for Labor Day