MTBL will be closed in celebration of the Christmas holiday on Monday, December 26. We wish you all a safe, happy, and warm holiday weekend!
Image: Graphic design of a French horn decorated with holly, ivy, flowers, and a red and white bow. The script at the bottom says “Happy Holidays”.

Patrons: MTBL is once again recording “Montana The Magazine of Western History” published by the Montana Historical Society. Contact your Readers’ Advisor if you would like to subscribe to the 2016 issues that are currently being recorded; or if you would like to order the 2014 compilation (MDB02054) or the 2015 compilation (MDB02063).
Image: A photograph of the covers of three issues of Montana The Magazine of Western History.

Do you know a blind child who would like to receive a letter from Santa in Braille? If so, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) can help! The NFB Jernigan Institute helps Santa send Braille letters to boys and girls. Just open the link, fill out the form, and receive a reply from the North Pole in print and contracted Braille! (The deadline to fill out the form is December 16th.)
https://nfb.org/santa-letters

MTBL’s “Bits of Gold” newsletter is available on our website in pdf, html, and audio format. Follow the link to learn about the latest Talking Book Library news, updates, and book recommendations.
http://tbl.msl.mt.gov/about/newsletter

Two new Talking Books that do not disappoint, according to the New York Times.

MTBL has recorded the 2016 Voter Information Pamphlet in collaboration with the Montana Secretary of State’s office. Anyone can access the audio recording on the MTBL website, in the “What’s New” box. Patrons: Contact your Readers’ Advisor if you would like to receive the Voter Information Pamphlet on a digital cartridge. #thatallmayread #keepingvotersinformed
http://tbl.msl.mt.gov/

Last week, MTBL hosted our annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at the beautiful Green Meadow Country Club in Helena. This year’s theme was “Volunteers Make a World of Difference!” This year’s Special Appreciation Award winner was Joyce B. who volunteers in the circulation department and the recording program. Our keynote speaker was Craig Lancaster, author of bestselling novels 600 Hours of Edward and Edward Adrift, who gave a heartwarming talk about his relationship with his father, and the value of talking books in their lives. We are very grateful for all of the volunteers who help us provide the best possible library service for our patrons!

MTBL WebOPAC Users: WebOPAC will be offline for scheduled server maintenance on Saturday, October 8, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience.

The National Library Service (NLS) has produced a short testimonial video featuring patrons of the braille and talking book program. The patrons speak about the benefits of receiving free braille and talking books, magazines, and music materials in the mail, and of the freedom to read their way. #thatallmayread
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udZ6NO5_x-Q

Good news for MTBL patrons: The National Library Service (NLS) will resume circulating the magazine cartridge and order form in the same package. This will begin with the September-October 2016 magazine issues. Remember that the order forms and magazine cartridges need to be returned separately with the cartridge going back to the producer in its red container, and the order form sealed and mailed to MTBL. If you have questions email: mtbl@mt.gov.

MTBL is pleased to announce we have completed recording “Confessions of a Camo Queen: Living with an Outdoorsman” by Kristen Berube (MDB 2057). Montana wife and mother, Kristen Berube, commiserates with her hunting widow sisters everywhere in this irreverent and humorous collection of essays, with chapters on Camouflage Lingerie, the Romance of Camping, Primal Home Decor, and more. (This book will soon be uploaded to BARD as DBC01219.)

Image: Light Green book jacket with a sparkling tiara situated on top of the multi-colored title. A pink camouflage bikini top lines the bottom.