Texas Talking Book Voices

In this episode, join Engagement Specialist Alicia as she explores how the Talking Book Program is celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Featuring guests Michele Chan Santos and Peggy Price from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, this episode highlights the Texas America250 Reading Challenge, traveling exhibits, and a special lobby exhibit showcasing Texas's contributions to Ameri...

In this episode, Engagement Specialist Alicia explores travel, leisure, and adventure for patrons with print, visual, and physical disabilities. She speaks with Margaret Koch, director of the Bullock Texas State History Museum, and Laney Kohout, Accessibility Engagement Specialist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Together they cover common barriers travelers face, assistive technology...

In this episode, Laura Jean and April explore the variety of magazines available through the Talking Book Program. They cover topics, formats, and access options, including Texas-specific publications and the Newsline service for newspapers. Listeners will also learn how to find and subscribe to magazines, making it easy to enjoy shorter, flexible reading options.

In this special episode, Volunteer Coordinator Laura celebrates Volunteer Appreciation Month by highlighting the voices behind the Talking Book Program. Through conversations with dedicated volunteers, you will get an inside look at what it’s like to narrate, review, and monitor audio books and magazines. Volunteers share how they got involved, what keeps them coming back, and how the experience h...

Not sure how to find an audiobook you will actually enjoy? In this episode, TBP Reader Advisory Librarians Laura Jean and RC talk about one of the most common questions they get from patrons: "How can I learn a new language?" They discuss resources available through the Talking Book Program, including self-instruction programs in braille and audio format, study guides, phrasebooks, and foreign lan...

Not sure how to find an audiobook you will actually enjoy? In this episode, Reader’s Advisory Librarians Laura Jean and Kayleigh share simple tips for choosing the right format, narrator, and genre, along with easy ways to improve focus while listening. This episode offers practical advice for new and returning audiobook listeners and highlights how TBP librarians can help you discover your next g...

In this special episode celebrating Braille Literacy Month, meet Inez, the Braille Office Assistant at TBP. In this episode, Inez will share her journey as a lifelong braille reader and how her passion for accessible reading shapes the work she does each day. From transcribing and proofreading braille materials to preparing books and digital cartridges for readers across Texas, Inez helps make bra...

In this episode, Laura, the Volunteer Coordinator for the Talking Book Studio, chats with TBP Audio Technicians Shane and John to get a feel for what it takes to record books and magazines for patrons!

Ever wondered how people with print disabilities can explore their family history? In this episode, Engagement Specialist Alicia sits down with Reference Librarian Aly from TSLAC's Archives and Information Services Division (ARIS). We'll explore how ARIS supports genealogy research in Texas, share tips for tracing your roots, and highlight the tools that can help make archival materials more acces...

To celebrate the spookiest month of the year, Reader’s Advisory Librarian Laura Jean and Reader Consultant Margaret discuss the haunts of horror. They tackle what makes the genre so scary and some of the creepy creatures and terrifying tropes that keep horror readers hooked.

Did you know that September is National Self-Care Awareness Month? Reader’s Advisory Librarian Margaret and Disability Information and Referral Coordinator Dina define self-care and how to practice it in different areas of your life. In addition, they list helpful tools that can make adding self-care to your routine easier.

Take a journey with Reader’s Advisory Librarian Laura Jean and Reader Consultant Victor through the assortment of genres that make up genre fiction. In this episode, they will discuss the difference between genre fiction and literary fiction and why readers may enjoy genres like horror and romance or fantasy and westerns.

Celebrate this year’s summer reading theme Color Our World with a conversation all about crafting! Hear from NFB Blind Crafter Mary K. as she discusses decades as a Talking Book Program patron, her experiences as a member of the National Federation of the Blind Crafters Group, and why crafting is an ideal pastime for seasoned and amateur artists.

In this episode, Reader's Advisory Librarian Margaret explores literature in the Young Adult genre. Find out what makes Young Adult books so unique and why the genre often connects with both young and older audiences.

Join Talking Book Program Reader Services Librarian Kayleigh and Reader's Advisory Librarian Margaret in a youth services update all about summer reading. Summer is right around the corner, and they are breaking down everything you need to know about this year's summer reading theme, events, and more!

In this month's episode, Reader's Advisory Librarians Laura Jean and John dive into a genre that combines the rich historical settings of nonfiction with the vibrant characters of fiction—historical fiction. From historical romances to alternate histories to weird westerns, they tell us more about what defines historical fiction, the different blends within the genre, and why it has something for...

In this episode, join Dina, the Disability Information and Referral Center Coordinator, and Liz Wisecarver from the National Federation of the Blind as they discuss the world of NFB Newsline. Learn how this innovative service provides access to newspapers, magazines, and other print content in accessible formats, empowering individuals to stay informed and connected. Whether you're new to NFB News...

On this episode, hear from one of TBP’s long-time staff members, Michael Gonzalez, as he gives you a quick dive into his role as Machine Lending Coordinator. He discusses his time working with the Talking Book Program, machines we currently provide to Texas patrons, and new equipment to look forward to in the near future.

This episode of The Talking Book Voices looks into the world of relationship fiction, a genre that explores the complexities of human connection. Laura Jean and Sheila, Reader's Advisory Librarians at the Texas Talking Book Program, discuss the evolution of the genre from "women's fiction," its defining characteristics, and popular subgenres. They explore the emotional appeal of relationship ficti...

In this episode, join Engagement Specialists Jemima and Alicia as they shine a spotlight on their favorite materials in the collection: large print and accessible games. Learn about how large print books make reading more accessible to those with a variety of disabilities, as well as the dozens of different accessible games tailored to TBP patrons.

In this episode, join Reader Advisory Librarians Laura Jean and Margaret on how to find the best reading materials in the mystery genre, from classic whodunits to modern detective novels. They discuss popular subgenres like cozy mysteries, detective fiction, and crime capers, giving you tips on where to start. Whether you're a seasoned sleuth or just curious, this episode will help you uncover you...

In this episode, join Laura Jean and John, our expert Reader Advisory Librarians, as they delve into the fascinating world of Reader’s Advisory. Laura and John share their wealth of knowledge on how they help readers discover new books, genres, and authors that align with their personal tastes and interests. Whether you're a seasoned reader or just starting your literary journey, this episode is a...

In this fun adventure filled episode, Dina Abramson of TBP and Jessica Burke from Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) detail TPWD's initiatives for park accessibility, including adaptive fishing gear through the Texas Assistive Technology Program, GRIT and Track chairs, and virtual offerings. The conversation also highlights ongoing projects, the TPWD app's planning tools, adaptive adventure opportuni...

A look at Fantasy: Are you ready to escape to magical realms and epic adventures? In this episode, our resident fantasy experts, RS Advisory Librarians Laura Jean and Kayleigh, who will share their favorite reads, hidden gems, and insights into what makes fantasy so enduringly popular. Fantasy genres bring captivating allure, from towering dragons to intricate magic systems. Whether you're a seaso...

Have you ever been curious about braille and its impact on those who can read it? In this episode, you will hear from Reader’s Advisory librarian Laura Jean as she sits down with our special guest, Neva Fairchild. Neva is a passionate advocate for braille literacy and a dedicated patron of the Talking Book Program, Neva shares her personal journey, insights into life with braille, and discusses th...