Summer 2024 Look Again Newsletter OTBS Book Discussion Groups Are you looking for an opportunity to discuss great books and network with other Oakland Talking Book Service (OTBS) patrons? Consider joining one of our book discussion groups. If you have questions about our book discussion groups or want to receive one or more books, call 248-650-5681. OTBS Book Friends Mondays: May 6, June 3, July 8, 1 p.m. To join the call, dial 888-916-5522. No pin or password is needed. May 6: The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger (DB116354) June 3: The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters (DB117941) July 8: Book Recommendations — Come prepared to talk about a book that you loved or what you’re currently reading Phoney Friends Book Club Wednesdays: May 15, June 19, July 17, 1 p.m. To join the call, dial 888-916-5522. No pin or password is needed. May 15: Being Henry: The Fonz…and Beyond by Henry Winkler (DB117053) June 19: The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving by Jonathan Evison (DB75360) July 17: Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson (DB118020) Oakland Talking Book Service @ RHPL Dial-In Discussion Club Monday: May 20, 1 p.m. This group meets on the third Monday of the month to discuss topics of interest related to low vision and more. To join the call, dial 888-916-5522. No pin or password is needed. For updated information about monthly topics, call 248-650-7150. *Please note, this group will not meet in June, July, and August. May 20: Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired Echo Show OTBS has two Echo Show devices available for checkout. Echo Show is a smart speaker enabled with Alexa, a voice-activated assistant that can respond to commands for information about the weather, news, and much more. The Show also has a video screen and is equipped with many built-in accessibility features for the visually impaired. Use of the device requires a Wi-Fi connection. OTBS patrons need to check out and return the devices in person at RHPL. Call 248-650-5681 for more information. Computers for the Blind Computers for the Blind is an organization that provides low-cost, refurbished computers equipped with accessibility software for individuals with visual impairments. Desktop and laptop computers include a one year home license for JAWS screen reader or ZoomText. Limited basic instruction is also available. More information, including application and pricing information, is available at computersfortheblind.org. You can also get more information by calling (214) 340-6328 or by e-mailing info@computersfortheblind.org. Accessibility at The Henry Ford Throughout the year, The Henry Ford offers virtual verbal description programs that offer users an opportunity to learn about a variety of the museum’s collections, including detailed descriptions of images. The experience is available via Zoom or phone and is free, but registration is required. The next program, featuring art pottery, will take place May 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. To find out about upcoming programs or to register, e-mail accessibility@thehenryford.org or call 313-982-6168. The Henry Ford also offers tactile tours with three weeks’ advance notice. These tours offer opportunities to touch artifacts and models of artifacts throughout the museum, including the Rosa Parks bus, the Allegheny Locomotive, and the Dymaxion House. Tours are an hour and a half in length and include descriptions and background context provided by museum staff. Additionally, descriptive audio is available for some of the films at The Giant Screen Experience. For more information about these opportunities, e-mail accessibility@thehenryford.org. CCTV/Video Magnifier Donations Do you have a CCTV/Video Magnifier that you are no longer using, but are not sure what to do with? OTBS accepts donations of Video Magnifiers in working condition (flat screen units only; please, no CRT monitors) and will pass along the donated units to other Oakland County residents with visual impairments. To arrange a donation, call (248) 650-5681. Oakland Talking Book Service @ RHPL Rochester Hills Public Library 500 Olde Towne Road Rochester, MI 48307 OTBS FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND AND HANDICAPPED Oakland Talking Book Service @ Rochester Hills Public Library 500 Olde Towne Road Rochester, MI, 48307 248-650-5681 800-774-4542 otbs@rhpl.org Hours: Mon.-Thurs. .............9 a.m.–9 p.m. Fri. & Sat. ..................9 a.m.–6 p.m. Sun. ............................1–6 p.m.* *Closed Sundays starting June 2nd through September 2nd.