| Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped |
| Free Library of Philadelphia |
Cassette books and magazines count for most of the service that our patrons receive from the regional library. Many of our readers are confused about the formatting of these recordings. To help, we have included step by step procedures to make sure you hear the whole story:
Cassette books in green containers come recorded with up to four individual tracks on each cassette. They also come recorded at 15/16 ips, a speed that is slower than commercial cassettes. The cassettes are numbered in print and in braille on the odd-numbered sides (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) and are blank on the even-numbered sides (2, 4, 6, 8, 10). The numbering sequence is always 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21 and so on because each cassette will have up to four tracks recorded on it. Cassette number 1 contains sides 1, 2, 3, and 4. Cassette number 5 contains sides 5, 6, 7, and 8, and so on. Playing a four track cassette involves listening to the first two sides of the cassette with the side selector switch in the 1-2 or left-handed position and the second two tracks with the side selector switch in the 3-4 or right hand position. You will need to continue on the next cassette by placing the side selector switch to the left-hand position again. Here are the step-by-step instructions.
Playing a Four-Track Cassette
1. Before you start, press down the side selector switch on your cassette player to the LEFT or 1-2 position. It’s the third control up on the right side of the machine. With this switch pressed down to the left, you will be able to listen to side one and side two of your tape.
2. Place the first cassette (labeled 1) in the machine with the braille and numbered side of the tape face up. Press the door closed and then press the play key. Listen to side one.
3. When side one ends, stop the machine and eject the cassette. Turn the cassette over and put it back in the machine. Press the play button and listen to side two.
4. When side two ends, stop the machine. Push the side selector switch to the RIGHT (the 3-4 position). Take the tape out and turn it over again. The braille and numbered side is up again. Place it back in the machine and play side three. Sides 3 and 4 will play with the switch in this position.
5. After listening to side three, stop the machine, remove and turn over the cassette. Put it back in the machine and play side four. You will now have listened to all the reading on all four sides of cassette #1, a total of six hours.
6. To start the next cassette (labeled 5) press the side selector switch to the LEFT again. Follow the same procedure you used to listen to tape #1. The second tape will have up to four sides also. If there are tapes labeled #9, 13, 17, etc., follow the same procedure to listen to them until the book is finished.
To assist you further, each book begins with the narrator telling you how many pages on how many sides the book will contain. He will also instruct you how to proceed with the book at the end of each side.
Anyone can search the OPAC. However, only registered patrons of the Philadelphia Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped can borrow books through the OPAC. Registered patrons should contact the Library at 1-800-222-1754 or 215-683-3213 in order to receive a User ID and Password necessary to borrow books through the OPAC.
Newsline is a service sponsored by the National Federation for the Blind that offers over the telephone, several newspapers from around the United States. If you would like to sign up for this free service, please call the library at (800) 222-1754. If you would like further information about NFS Newsline, please call NFB at (410) 659-9314.
National Exhibits by Blind Artists (NEBA) is planning its 2004-2005 “Art Beyond Sight” exhibit. The opening reception will be held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art with the exhibit scheduled from October 13, 2004 through November 21, 2004. Other venues are planned for 2005.
Interested artists meeting the legally blind requirement may submit slides in all two-dimensional and three-dimensional media. Call Kathy Staller or Susan Horvath at 800-222-1754 or 215-683-3213 for a prospectus.
2. Monthly “List Only” Service: Books in your preferred format are selected by the computer and sent to you from request lists you have sent to us or from your list of authors. You can add or delete from your request list or your list of authors with a phone call, by mail, by email or by fax.
3. On Demand Service: Books in your preferred format are sent to you only when you call to request them. The computer may assist in selecting books from your profile of subjects and authors. You may call whenever you desire to order by giving us a title, author or subject you might have just heard about.
4. On Demand “List Only” Service: Books in your preferred format are selected only from lists of RC, BR, or LP you have provided and sent only when you call.
5. There is no choice of service you can make that cannot be changed if you desire. Whenever you call, in addition to any of the above types of service, we will send you books or change how many or how frequently you want to receive your books.
Diabetic Supplies: 877-787-7543;
Access Diabetic Supply: 800-715-5031;
American Diabetic Supply: 800-453-9033;
DS Medical Supply: 888-724-4357;
DiabetiCare: 800-403-6547;
Some factors that help in accepting the limits of vision loss are: attitude, maintaining activities, peer and family support, and faith.
Assistive technology can also help. There are “low tech” devices such as talking watches and calculators. There are “high tech” devices such as a CCTV and video camera magnification.
Along with exploring the features of any given device, it is important to make an honest appraisal of your own preferences and abilities. You may want to ask yourself these questions: What activity do I want to do? How much money am I willing to spend? How much time am I willing to invest? How comfortable am I with learning new approaches and/or technologies?
The decision to use technology begins with a desire to perform an activity that’s important to you. Your motivation may come from a wish to resume an activity, to increase your enjoyment of something you currently do, or to make your list a little easier. For more information, you may call Lighthouse International at 800-829-0500 or the Library at 800-222-1754 to examine or experience a demonstration of some assistive technology.
We need you to remember to put your name and address or stick your name and address label on al lists you send to us because we serve thousands of patrons. We want to serve you better in the new year.
The Color of Water (RC 42713 and LP 14970) is James McBride’s tribute to his remarkable mother, who was raised Jewish in the South, fled to Harlem, married an African American, founded a church, and put twelve children through college. Mr. McBride is also a composer and jazz musician.
The Color of Water will soon be available in braille, thanks to the Library and the Braille Department of Associated Services for the Blind.
There will be a Wednesday afternoon “Box Lunch Book Discussion” of The Color of Water in mid-March here at the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, 919 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Space limitations require registration to accommodate patrons interested in reading and sharing thoughts and feelings about The Color of Water. Fore more information, please call Susan at 800-222-1754 or 215-683-3213.
800-222-1754 (toll free) 215-683-3213
Enclosed please find my check for $ __________________ Payable to the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped/FLP Foundation (Donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law) Donor Name ____________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________
Mail to:
Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped 919 Walnut Street, First Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107