Maryland State Library Agency

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.

The Technology User Group (TUG) welcomes you to our annual holiday gift presentation! It is that time of year when you start asking yourself, “What do I want for the holidays, and what do I want to give to others?” We think we have the answer for you as we present our annual look at Assistive Technology Gifts for the Holidays. Take a look at this year’s featured gadgets and gizmos for everyone fro...

November is American Diabetes Month, and it's a time to raise awareness about a condition that affects more than 38 million Americans and nearly one in three adults with prediabetes. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Osagie Ebekozien of the American Diabetes Association to discuss how diabetes affects millions of lives and what’s being done to improve care and outcomes.

On Saturday, September 27, at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) discussed the latest changes coming to the iPhone’s operating system (iOS 26). Will these changes aid in accessibility or prove to be just hype? Who should listen? All iPhone users Individuals considering a smartphone.

Every year, we prepare our little ones for Kindergarten through public and private programs. Dr. Nykia Washington from the Maryland State Department of Education joins us to discuss the importance of early childhood education.

With a new school year upon us, Brittany Tignor joined the MSLA Guest Hour to discuss the role of school libraries in the Maryland library ecosystem, school and public library partnerships, and the many ways that school librarians prepare students for success.

Technology User Group (TUG) profiled recent changes to the NLS website and equipment. The DA2 will soon be going out to qualified patrons who can utilize the player’s advanced options. Learn what the DA2 can do well, what’s different from the previous player, and what may surprise you. BARD 2.0 is the new NLS website for NLS’s Maryland patrons. Many changes have occurred, and these new features wi...

The Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA) is pleased to welcome Lynn Wheeler to the MSLA Guest Hour. Lynn recently completed her second and final term on the Maryland State Library Board. Previously, she worked for decades in libraries across the country before retiring as Executive Director of Carroll County Public Library in 2018.

The Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA) was pleased to welcome Baltimore Orioles Director of Community Engagement Valencia Hike to the MSLA Guest Hour podcast. Tune in as Valencia discusses all the ways the Orioles are partnering with Maryland libraries - and shares details about Summer Reading Program Night on August 12 at Camden Yards.

On Saturday, July 12, at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) took an in-depth look at Alexa Plus and showcases recent Alexa skills. These skills cover a wide range of topics from games to services. The presentation will begin at 10 AM and last sixty minutes. Who should attend? Individuals owning Echo devices or who have Alexa on their phones, computers, or tablets. Smart-speaker game enthusiast...

On the latest episode of the MSLA Guest Hour, Maryland State Fair Assistant General Manager David Gordon joined us to discuss what's new this year, how the Fair partners with libraries across the state, the award-winning Barnyard Bedtime Stories program and other topics.