Friends of MD State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

08/26/2026

LBPD Tactile Tour: Boordy Vineyards
Saturday, September 19th from 2:20-3:30
Spaces are limited.
Join the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled for a special tactile tour and wine tasting at Boordy Vineyards, Maryland's oldest family owned winery, which celebrates more than 80 years of winemaking and generations of agricultural heritage. Participants will enjoy a seated tactile exploration of the winery, learn about the vineyard's history, and experience the winemaking process through touch and storytelling. The program concludes with a guided tasting of Boordy's award-winning wines in a welcoming and accessible setting. Space is limited to 15 participants, so register early to reserve your spot.

NOTE:

This event is only open to LBPD patrons 21+ years and older. At this time, patrons may not bring guests. Transportation to the vineyard will not be provided.
Please arrive no later than 2:20 p.m. EST as the tour will begin promptly at 2:30 p.m. EST.

The address is:
12820 Long Green Pike,
Hydes, MD 21082

For questions about this event, please contact Ashley Biggs at the library. She can be reached at 410-230-2430 or via email: [email protected].

Registration opens August 22, 2026

08/02/2026

TUG Meeting Announcement
AI Tools
This program will begin at 10 a.m. and will be recorded.

On Saturday, August 8th, 10 a.m. EST, the Technology User Group (TUG) will be showcasing a plethora of creative AI tools: think of it as a digital playground where imagination takes center stage. Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be all over the headlines, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, you’ll see just how
surprisingly fun and easy it can be to experiment with these tools yourself.

During our presentation, we’ll spotlight a variety of technologies that spark creativity, inspire new ideas, and help you express your own talents in fresh ways. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already dabbling, this session will entertain, surprise, and maybe even ignite a new hobby.

The presentation will begin at 10 AM and last sixty minutes.

07/28/2026

LBPD Updates

Medicare and You
The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled has acquired copies of Medicare and You, the official U.S. Government Medicare handbook, in Large Print, Spanish Large Print, and Braille. If you would like a copy, please contact our reference desk by phone at 410-230-2443 or email at [email protected]. Please provide your name, address and preferred format, and we'll send a copy to you.

We are grateful to Baltimore County's State Health Insurance Program for providing these handbooks for distribution.

Hadley Helps
"Survive. Adapt. Overcome."

These words came to Hadley member Larry Carlson from his US Army training when he realized he was on a journey with vision loss: “It's an unnerving time because you really don't know what to expect. What's going to happen? How am I going to do this? And at some point, you get through the 'why me' stage, and then you've got to get back to your core beliefs, your faith, your training. In my case, it was the army. The survive, adapt, overcome.”

If you’ve lost some vision, find help at Hadley.

Short tutorials offer practical tips, simple adaptations, and help to get the most from tech tools and gadgets.
Discussion groups, support groups, a community-generated podcast, and a peer-to-peer program give you a sense of community and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re not alone on this journey.
What’s more, you never need to travel to Hadley. Hadley’s free help comes to you — online, on the phone, or through the mail. No waiting list. No doctor’s note. No cost.

07/25/2026

Friendly reminder about September Hikeathon Fundraiser....

On Sunday, September 27 at 4PM former Friend of LBPD Robyn Hughes and Friend Janet Sanford will host the Friends of LBPD annual Hikeathon fundraiser at the Hilton Area of the Patapsco State Park in Catonsville. This is always a fun event. We usually have beautiful fall weather for this, and it's a nice walk in an accessible and peaceful leafy park with a Braille Trail filled with informational signs, outdoor musical instruments, birdhouses and scented herb-raised beds for investigation. The roped hike is about a quarter mile loop. We usually go around it a few times and then convene at picnic tables nearby for a picnic dinner. It's a great way to get to know folks from the LBPD community and to contribute to the Friends of LBPD. Upon arrival, the Ranger will direct you to the Hilton area. There is a $3 fee. If the light and the weather hold out, there are other trails and hikes throughout the park. Hope to see you there!

07/16/2026

LBPD Bi-Monthly Newsletter
July/August 2026
Library Contact Information:

lbpd.maryland.gov | [email protected] | 410-230-2424

Letter from the Director
John Owen at an outreach
Summer has arrived, making it a great time to get outside, stay active, and enjoy some reading. Whether you’re relaxing on the porch, traveling, or joining a neighborhood event, the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) is ready to go wherever you do. With the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) Mobile app, you can download talking books, braille books, or magazines straight to your mobile devices or braille eReaders at any time and from any place. If you are new to BARD Mobile, getting started is easy! If you do not have an account with LBPD, you can fill out an application for service on our website, or contact us by phone or email, and we will help you register and get started. If you are a current LBPD patron who does not have a BARD account or cannot access your existing one, we can help you over the phone or via email ([email protected]).

We are also encouraging adult and youth patrons to participate in the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) summer reading program and make reading part of your summer adventure.

There’s even more happening this summer. Right now, we’re in the middle of our time-traveling adventure, Where in Maryland History is Roxxane Rios?, as well as our youth summer road trip. While you enjoy the sunshine, take a peek at our exciting events coming up this fall.

Stay connected with Maryland LBPD so we can discover, learn, and enjoy new things together.

Roxxane Rios
Adult Events and Programs
As part of our Where in Maryland History is Roxxane Rios? event, we have two virtual events designed to engage history buffs:

Maryland State Archives

Preservation Basics

Having trouble with the R.S.V.P.? Call the library for help.

Technology User Group - Learn. Discuss. Share.
Technology User Group - hands reading an electronic braille reader.

Technology User Group
On Saturday, July 11th at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) is exploring two of the most powerful reading tools available to the visually impaired community: the Kindle app for iOS and the Kindle skill for Alexa. If instant access to millions of books and magazines sounds appealing, this is a must-attend session. We’ll explore the real story behind Kindle accessibility:

How well does the iOS app actually work with Voiceover when you’re reading, browsing, or navigating long texts?
Is the Alexa Kindle skill strong enough to become part of your daily reading routine?
What challenges do users commonly face — and how can you work around them?
And yes, we’re even tackling the big question: Is Kindle Unlimited worth the subscription price, or is it just another hyped service that doesn’t deliver?
If you’ve ever wished for more reading options, more flexibility, or more control over how you access books, this session is designed for you. Bring your curiosity, your questions, and maybe even your own Kindle frustrations. We’re unpacking it all.

Join Zoom Meeting:

Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 656 203 7293

Call in Number:
1-301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 656 203 7293​ #

One Tap Mobile:
+13017158592,,6562037293 #

Podcast - Learn. Discuss. Share.
Podcast - microphone on black background

Listen to the latest podcast!
Listen to the latest podcast here
Youth Highlights
Youth Highlights
Join LBPD's 2026 Youth Summer Reading Program and discover something new this summer. This year's theme, Unearth a Story, invites readers of all ages to explore books, activities, and events that uncover hidden stories and spark curiosity. Youth who register early can receive Digby the Triceratops while supplies last and can earn prizes by completing the program by August 15, 2026.

Youth can access MARINA, a search engine of library catalogs, to locate large print titles across Maryland. MARINA enables Maryland public library cardholders to borrow items in public library collections around the state and have the borrowed items delivered to them at their local public library branch. Items can not be delivered to Maryland LBPD or mailed to your home. A link to MARINA can be found on your local Maryland public library’s website or by visiting the MARINA website at

Marina Website
Additionally, through a partnership with another cooperating National Library Service (NLS) network library, LBPD can request large print titles through a library lending program for Maryland youth patrons. This Large Print Lending Program offers large print titles to youth patrons of other network libraries. Maryland youth patrons can request up to 5 books at a time. The books can be mailed directly to the patron. Youth patrons can request individual titles or can be set up for automatic selection to receive books regularly. If you want to learn more, please contact the Youth Reference Desk at [email protected].

Blind woman using smartphone
Hadley Blog Update
Living with vision loss brings many changes — learning about an eye condition, finding new ways to do everyday things, and managing the emotions that come with it. That’s why Hadley created Vision, Loss, Help & Hope, a blog offering practical ideas, honest conversations, and encouragement from others on the same path. Posts cover topics like where to find help after a diagnosis, five free apps that make daily life easier, and how to find a way forward.

HadleyHelps.org | 800-323-4238 | [email protected]

Tech Alert: A New Way To Air Fry
The latest innovation in accessible culinary technology is a voice-guided kitchen appliance designed to simplify air frying and related cooking tasks.

The Emerson SmartVoice Air Fryer supports a full suite of functions—including baking, broiling, air frying, warming, and dehydrating—all activated entirely through spoken commands. Notably, the device operates without reliance on Wi‑Fi or third‑party voice assistants. Further information is available at the manufacturer’s site:

emersonsmart.com/collections/smartvoice-air-fryers.


Hello Summer Reading
Collection Highlights
Rebellion 1776, by Laurie Halse.Anderson

DB 137188

In March 1776, Elsbeth Culpepper finally had hope. Hope that the Patriots would beat the British Army and free Boston. Hope that she could quit working as a kitchen maid and start apprenticing with a seamstress. Hope that she and Pappa would live together under the same roof again. But the flames of war quickly turn all her hopes to ash. The British and Loyalists prepare to flee, plunging Boston into chaos. As Elsbeth searches for her missing father, she stumbles across a stranger dying of smallpox. An epidemic rages in tandem with the American Revolution. Suddenly, her dreams of the future are reduced to one simple wish: survival. For grades 5-8.

You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington, by Alexis Coe

DB 98883

In this biography of America's first president, the author examines George Washington's life outside of his most famous moments. Discusses the changes he made after marrying Martha, his lesser-known activities during the Revolutionary War, what happened when he faced his own hypocrisy of owning slaves, and his death.

The British are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777 : Revolution Trilogy, Book 1, by Rick Atkinson

DB 95379

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author recounts the first twenty-one months of the American Revolution in this first volume of three. Describes principal battles, key figures, British perspective, and historical context for the conflict.

New Collection
Marylandia Updates
Historical Mystery

Her Name Was Mary Katharine: The Only Woman Whose Name is on the Declaration of Independence, by Ella Schwartz, narrated by Morgan Lehr Miller

DBC 12718

Request this book on your next cartridge.

Attn: Braille and Large Print Patrons
Please remember to return your Large Print and Braille bags when you are finished with your reading materials. These bags help us send books and materials to library patrons across Maryland. When bags are not returned, we have fewer available to ship materials to others who are waiting for their next books.

Thank you for helping us keep our library services running smoothly!

06/27/2026

Celebrate Maryland History!
Where in Maryland history is Roxxane Rios? Image of a woman wearing a hat with the Maryland flag.
Where in Maryland history is Roxxane Rios? Image: Woman draped in the Maryland Flag.

The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) has launched a new webpage to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Maryland LBPD invites everyone to step into the past with an interactive community game exploring the people, places, and moments that shaped Maryland and the nation.

By exploring the library’s collection, interactive activities, historical resources, and virtual experiences, participants will journey through centuries of Maryland history, from the Revolutionary War to the Underground Railroad and beyond. Designed to be engaging and interactive, the program encourages learning, discovery, and community engagement.

The program runs from June 15, 2026, through July 17, 2026.

The program is set up in a callback to the classic Carmen Sandiego game style, where participants help restore objects pivotal to history to their appropriate location. To complete the game, participants will read 2 books, listen to 2 podcasts, watch 2 videos, complete at least 1 library-sponsored activity, and complete 3 Carmen Sandiego-style text-based adventures.

Upon completion, participants will receive a small prize.

Library-sponsored activities include digital scavenger hunts and webinars by community partners.

Patrons will track their progress digitally via the Beanstack platform.

The program is recommended for library patrons aged 16 or older, and registration is required. For more information about the program, please visit: https://bit.ly/LBPD250.

For questions, please reach out to: [email protected].

06/09/2026

Celebrate America's 250 Years!
Join us for a time-traveling adventure.
Where in Maryland history is Roxxane Rios? Image of a woman wearing a hat with the Maryland flag.
Where in Maryland history is Roxxane Rios? Image: Woman draped in the Maryland Flag.

The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) has launched a new webpage to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Maryland LBPD invites library patrons to step into the past with an interactive community game exploring the people, places, and moments that shaped Maryland and the nation.

By exploring the library’s collection, interactive activities, historical resources, and virtual experiences, participants will journey through centuries of Maryland history, from the Revolutionary War to the Underground Railroad and beyond. Designed to be engaging and interactive, the program encourages learning, discovery, and community engagement.

The program runs from June 15, 2026, through July 17, 2026.

The program is set up in a callback to the classic Carmen Sandiego game style, where participants help restore objects pivotal to history to their appropriate location. To complete the game, participants will read 2 books, listen to 2 podcasts, watch 2 videos, complete at least 1 library-sponsored activity, and complete 3 Carmen Sandiego-style text-based adventures.

Upon completion, participants will receive a small prize.

Library-sponsored activities include digital scavenger hunts and webinars by community partners.

Patrons will track their progress digitally via the Beanstack platform.

The program is recommended for library patrons aged 16 or older, and registration is required. For more information about the program, please visit: https://bit.ly/LBPD250.

For questions, please reach out to: [email protected].

The Friends of the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled will help support this program.

06/01/2026

Message from the Director of the Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

Additional Book Cartridges
You may have noticed additional digital book cartridges arriving by mail for you from the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled over the past two weeks. This was due to a computer error that inadvertently generated new digital book cartridges, even for patrons who had their maximum number of cartridges checked out. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused. Even though you may not have requested these additional cartridges, they do contain books from your request list and preferences, so please enjoy listening to the books on them.

As always, once you are finished with any of your cartridges, please return them promptly to the Library for the Blind and Print Disabled using the mailing card provided with the mailing case. This ensures that the regular flow of materials continues to you. You may need to return more than one cartridge before new ones are sent to you. We also understand that it may take you longer to read all the new books you’ve recently received, and that is just fine. Take your time, enjoy your books, and remember to return your cartridges when you are done.

If you have any questions or want to request more books, please contact our reference desk at [email protected] or 410-230-2443.

Thank you.

John Owen

Director, LBPD

06/01/2026

TUG Meeting Announcement
Games!
This program will begin at 10 a.m. and will be recorded.

Saturday, June 13th at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) is trading hardware diagnostics and system updates for something far more riveting: games!

That’s right, we’re diving into the wildly popular, highly rated world of accessible gaming, where fun and accessibility coexist. These games are not just playable, they are addictive, clever, and designed so everyone can join the adventure.

Discover the latest accessible games reviewed on AppleVis.
Hear honest, lively critiques on how well each title plays with VoiceOver and other accessibility tools.
Find out which games are actually fun, not just functional.
Share your own favorites and maybe pick up a new obsession!
Whether you are a casual player, a puzzle fanatic, or someone who just wants to see what all the fuss is about, this session promises laughs, surprises, and a few “Wait, I didn’t know my iDevice could do that!” moments. Come ready to play, explore, and enjoy because this TUG meeting is all about fun!

Call in Number:

1-301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 656 203 7293​ #


One tap mobile
+13017158592,,6562037293 #


Webcast:

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

05/19/2026

Partner Message: NFB Senior Issues Division
Discovering the joy of travel as older adults!
Join the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland (NFBMD) Senior Issues Division for a panel discussion on traveling as an older adult.

Panel speakers include Joanne Wilson, Chris Danielsen, and Eileen Ley. They will share their adventures and discuss how blind and low-vision people enjoy traveling. You’ll be inspired to plan your dream vacation! All are welcome to attend.

When: May 20, 2026, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. EST

Where: NFB of Maryland Conference Call Line: (339) 209-4083

For more information about this event or the NFB of Maryland Senior Issues Division, please contact:

Marguerite Woods

(443) 271-1668

[email protected]