Maryland State Library Agency

Planning for long-term care can feel overwhelming, but knowing where to start can make all the difference! In this episode, we sit down with an expert to explore the costs, options, and important decisions involved in preparing for long-term care. Whether you're planning for yourself or a loved one, this conversation offers practical advice to help you navigate the future with confidence.

On Saturday, October 3rd, the Technology User Group (TUG) showcased iOS 27. The new software is packed with some of the most ambitious accessibility upgrades Apple has attempted in years: customizable VoiceOver that adapts to your style, a noticeably sharper and more intuitive Siri, and a suite of new low vision tools designed to make everyday navigation smoother and easier to use.

Join LBPD as we welcome Brandon Laur, a cyberbullying expert. He will discuss how to keep everyone safe online.

On Saturday, September 9, at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) presented a two-part program designed to both inform and inspire. First, we embarked on a guided tour of braille displays: their characteristics, functional distinctions, and the often-overlooked nuances that separate one model from another. We examined price ranges, features, and real-world usability to help you determine which d...

Join the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled as they welcome Guide Dogs for the Blind's Jane Flower. She discusses how guide dogs are raised, trained, and matched.

On Saturday, August 8th, 10 a.m. EST, the Technology User Group (TUG) showcased 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...

Join Ashley and Melissa Riccobono as they discuss the importance of the Library's Friend's group and how you can get involved!

On Saturday, July 11 th at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) explored 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...

On Saturday, June 13th at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) traded 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. Whethe...

The LBPD Newsletter for July/August 2026.

On Saturday, June 13th at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) traded 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. Whethe...

Michael W. Twitty is an acclaimed culinary historian, independent scholar, and living history interpreter specializing in African American foodways and the culinary traditions of Africa and its Diaspora. He is known for reconstructing historic Southern cuisine as prepared by enslaved African American cooks using period ingredients, cooking methods, and food traditions. Twitty founded Afroculinaria...

Natural History Society of Maryland Education Director Bronwyn Mitchell-Strong joined the MSLA Guest Hour to discuss the Society's partnership with Maryland libraries and its efforts to educate the public during 2026 Summer Reading and Learning Programs - and beyond.

Think you have mastered your Victor Reader Stream 3? Not so fast! May's Technology User Group (TUG) meeting is pulling back the curtain on the advanced, hidden, and seriously powerful features that most users never tap into. This isn’t just another demo. It’s a hands-on, guided exploration of the Stream 3 as a reading, learning, and productivity machine. Whether you have been using the Stream...

What's happening at LBPD in May and June in 2026? Find out here.

The Technology User Group (TUG) rolled out the virtual red carpet for Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, the unmistakable voices behind Double Tap, a podcast for blind and partially sighted people to talk and learn about technology. The two presenters brought a rare mix of sharp insight, quick humor, and lived experience that turned accessibility from a technical topic into something lively, relatable...

May is American Cheese Month, and today we are celebrating all things cheese. Despite Wisconsin being thought of as a cheese haven, Maryland has a rapidly growing cheese-making community, led by our guest, Dan Porter of FireFly Farms. Learn more about how cheese is made right here in Maryland.

This month, the Technology User Group (TUG) put the spotlight on two breakthrough tools that are changing how people interact with their smartphones: the Hable One and the Hable Easy Smartphone Remote Controllers. These compact, affordable devices were originally designed for individuals with neuropathy and other physical challenges, but their impact goes far beyond that. They make smartphone use...

In honor of Women’s History Month, the LBPD podcast features Sandra Pinnington, Founder and CEO of Exec Insights 360 and an executive coach with more than 30 years of experience helping leaders and organizations strengthen accountability, performance, and trust. In this episode, Sandra shares insights on women in leadership, the importance of self-awareness, and how effective leadership can drive...

On Saturday, February 7th, at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) welcomed Elizabeth Whitaker of Freedom Scientific for an in‑depth presentation you will not want to miss. This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the leading voices behind the tools so many rely on every day. Elizabeth walked us through the newest updates to JAWS and ZoomText, including: The redesigned login proce...

This episode explores the neuroscience of reading, unpacking how the brain learns to transform written symbols into meaningful language. We talk about why reading is a taught skill rather than an automatic one, and what brain research reveals about how children and adults develop reading networks over time. Dr. Donald (DJ) Bolger is an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland in the Depar...

On Saturday, January 10th, at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG)  hosted a tech doubleheader showcase that puts innovation front and center! Discover the groundbreaking BlindShell Classic 3 phone, now powered with built-in AI. See it in action, explore its smart features, and learn both its strengths and limitations so you’ll know exactly how it can fit into your life. They also spotlight the...

On Saturday, December 13th, the Technology User Group (TUG) delved into the cutting-edge development of wearable technology in a dynamic Zoom session that promises to inform, inspire, and spark conversation. From smart glasses to safety-enhancing wearables, we discussed: What’s out there right now — and what’s coming next. How these devices support information access, mobility, and personal safety...

This episode features Dr. Josh Briley, a licensed clinical psychologist with more than twenty years of experience and a Fellow of the American Institute of Stress. Dr. Briley specializes in trauma-informed care, compassion fatigue, and stress management, and has trained first responders, health care professionals, and community groups across the country. His work with the Bureau of Prisons and the...

Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Deputy Secretary Dana Burl joined the MSLA Guest Hour to discuss the Department's services and resources, partnerships with public libraries and other topics.