Winter 2024/2025 OTBS Update 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. First Monday of each month at 1 p.m.: November 4, December 2, January 6 To join the call, dial 888-916-5522. No pin or password is needed. November 5: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer (DB92274) December 2: BYO book! Come prepared with a book recommendation to share with the group. January 6: Virgil Wander by Leif Enger (DB93336) Third Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m.: November 20, January 22 To join the call, dial 888-916-5522. No pin or password is needed. August 21: Midwinter Murder: Fireside Tales from the Queen of Mystery by Agatha Christie (DB117068) December: No meeting due to the holiday season October 16: Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice by David S. Tatel (DB122023) Dial-in Discussion Club This group meets on the third Monday of the month to discuss topics of interest related to low vision and more. Dial 888-916-5522 to join the program. No pin or password is needed. For updated information about monthly topics, call 248-650-7150. This group will not meet in December. November 18, 1 p.m.: Sharla Glass from En-Vision and Scrip Talk will discuss talking labels and how they work. December: No meeting due to the holiday season January 20, 1 p.m.: Veronica from North Oakland Transportation Authority will discuss basics of how to use NOTA and the services they offer. She will also be available to answer questions. Annual OTBS Holiday Luncheon Monday, December 9, 12-2 p.m. Rochester Hills Public Library Mark your calendars—OTBS will be hosting its annual Holiday Luncheon on Monday, December 9. Join us from 12 p.m.–2 p.m. in Rochester Hills Public Library’s Multipurpose Room for friendship and food. Please RSVP to 248-650-5681 by Monday, November 25. Registration is required. New OTBS Librarian, Rebecca! Rebecca LaFave has worked at Rochester Hills Public Library since 2008 and has worked closely with OTBS for years, so you may recognize her name and voice. Rebecca stepped into the role of OTBS Librarian earlier this year and is excited to continue sharing this service with the community. “Everybody deserves access to their library and to experience new stories. I’m looking forward to working to accommodate each person’s unique needs.” You may notice some changes in the coming months, but OTBS services will continue providing the same services you’re used to. Thank you for attending the Low Vision Expo! Thank you all of our patrons that attended the Low Vision Expo in collaboration with Leader Dogs for the Blind. It was great to spend time making connections and learning with you. Thanks to all of the speakers and vendors that made this event possible. Bible on Cartridge Free Bibles are available in several translation options courtesy of the organization Braille Bibles International. Bibles are available to keep on cartridge, in large print, or in braille. Applications can be found online at braillebibles.org. Call the OTBS desk at 248-650-7150 to have a librarian complete the application for you. Lego™ Braille Bricks Braille Lego™ bricks are now available at RHPL. These bricks are designed to help people learn braille with printed letters and raised Lego™ dots. Learning modules and activity ideas are available to help teachers and learners at legobraillebricks.com. Visit the Outreach Department at RHPL to try them out! Community Bulletin To promote community events or groups, please contact Rebecca at 248-650-5681. The 2024-2025 Michigan Blind Bowling Association is always looking for new bowlers! Teams consist of three bowlers: one sighted bowler, one partially blind bowler, and one total blind bowler. Contact Walter Almquist (Secretary/Treasurer) at 248-227-7094. Get OTBS updates by email! If you prefer to receive your newsletter by email and would like to receive periodic updates about OTBS news and programs in your inbox, send an email to otbs@rhpl.org. OTBS FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND AND HANDICAPPED Oakland Talking Book Service @ RHPL Rochester Hills Public Library 500 Olde Towne Road l Rochester, MI 48307 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 on Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.