OTBS LOOK Again FALL 2023 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: August 7, September 11, October 2, 1 p.m. To join the call, dial 888-916-5522. No pin or password is needed. August 7: Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano (DB113288) September 11: The Cold Millions by Jess Walter (DBC19115) October 18: The Light We Carry by Emma Straub (DB108110) Phoney Friends Book Club Wednesdays: August 16, September 20, October 18, 1 p.m. To join the call, dial 888-916-5522. No pin or password is needed. (Note: This meeting has changed from the first Wednesday of the month to the third Wednesday of the month.) August 16: The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki (DB105146) September 20: Horse by Geraldine Brooks (DB108556) October 18: The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama (DB111237) How Are My Talking Books Selected? Whether you’re a new patron or have been using Talking Books for decades, we want you to understand how books are selected so we can work together to meet your reading needs. The majority of our patrons choose to have books selected for them, and with close to 1,000 patrons regularly using OTBS, we rely on our computer system to suggest books based on patrons’ preferred genres and authors. When a cartridge is returned, the system picks the next book from a list made to match specific reading interests. For example, if a patron has indicated they like mysteries, the system chooses more books tagged as mysteries. With a collection of over 130,000 books, we can’t guarantee that you’ll enjoy every book chosen, but you might discover a new author or title you wouldn’t have chosen for yourself! Readers who are more particular about what they read can choose a “Request Only” option, which means books won’t be automatically chosen or sent to you. If you enjoy receiving books automatically, you can still contact us to request a specific title in addition to what you’re already receiving. To request books, call us at (248) 650-5681 or (800)-774-4542, send an email to otbs@rhpl.org, or use the online order form at https://otbs.rhpl.org. Each patron may have a maximum of three book cartridges out at a time; once this limit is reached, automatic book delivery will stop until one has been returned. Each cartridge holds anywhere from one to 20 books depending on length. We typically provide three books per cartridge, but we can provide more or less depending on your needs. While there isn’t a set due date for cartridges, we ask that patrons return each cartridge within six months so they can be reused for other patrons across Michigan. If you have any questions about book selection, how to use the machine, or anything related to your talking book service, feel free to reach out – we love hearing from patrons! Save the Date — OTBS Holiday Luncheon We will be hosting our annual OTBS Holiday Luncheon on Friday, December 8, 2023 from 12 pm to 2 pm. More details to follow. NLS Audio and Braille Production Delays The talking books that you receive are provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS). Since NLS upgraded their system late last year, there has been an increased lag time between a book’s publication and the time it becomes available to talking book patrons across the country. NLS shared the following statement: NLS continues to experience book and magazine production delays that impact the timely upload of materials to BARD and the physical distribution of materials to patrons. The delays have been caused by ongoing problems with the new production and inventory control system that NLS began using last year. Producers are diligently working through the resulting backlog, with priority being given to new books added to the collection and bestsellers. We apologize for the impact these production delays are having on patrons, and assure you that we are working with all parties to reduce the backlog as quickly as possible. Contribute to the Newsletter! Do you have a book you would like to recommend or a topic you would like to see covered? Let us know! Call (248) 650-5681 or send an email to otbs@rhpl.org. Get Your Newsletter by Email If you prefer to receive your newsletter by email or if you would like to receive periodic updates about OTBS news and programs in your inbox, send an email to 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. Oakland Talking Book Service @ Rochester Hills Public Library 500 Olde Towne Road Rochester, MI, 48307 248-650-5681/800-774-4542 otbs@rhpl.org FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND AND HANDICAPPED