The Magnifier Fall 2008 The Newsletter of the Oakland County Library for the Visually and Physically Impaired VHS Format for Descriptive Video Ceases WGBH ended their VHS Described Video project on May 12, 2008. Studios are no longer manufacturing VHS or tape versions of films for sale or rental. Please be aware that as some titles on our list become lost or broken, they will be removed from the collection, as they cannot be replaced. WGBH continues its efforts to make media available in accessible formats for the visually impaired through television, films in theaters, some DVDs and online. At this time the LVPI has not made a decision to transition the collection into the DVD format. We are weighing the pros and cons of that media to determine if it will work for our service. We will continue to offer over 500 titles on VHS in our current collection for your enjoyment. Free Adaptive Technology Computer Training eBlind! Tuesday Afternoons by appointment Call eBlind! instructor Jesse at 1-888-325-4631 A.C.T. (Accessible Computer Training) Mornings and afternoons by appointment Call Program Director Cathy McAdam at 313-563-1412 e-mail: mcmcadam@comcast.net Website http://home.comcast.net/~mcmcadam Page 1 end Fall 2008 Fall 2008 Staff Recommendations Kelly Armata recommends: The Collectors by David Baldacci RC 63858 (Sequel to: The Camel Club RC 60678) When someone murders the head of the rare book room of the Library of Congress, eccentric colleague Caleb Shaw rounds up his buddies from "The Camel Club" (RC 60678) to investigate. Soon con artist Annabelle Conroy crosses their path. Some violence and some strong language. Bestseller. 2006. The Camel Club by David Baldacci RC 60678 Wealthy businessmen and politicians gather at the camel club, unaware that their conversations are being monitored. After homeless Harry Stone witnesses a murder, Secret Service Agent W. Frank Churchill interviews him. Churchill's subsequent investigation yields information on a political assassination. Some violence and some strong language. 2005. Recreational Activities Outside Oakland County Blind Bowlers Needed Motor City League of Blind Bowlers (a mixed league) is looking for members. The league plays every Saturday for 30 weeks, from September-April, at 1 p.m. Location: Renaissance Bowling Center 19600 Woodward (3 blocks North of 7 Mile), Detroit, MI. The league is open to anyone 18 or older, sighted, visually impaired or blind; subs are welcome. Contact Ollie Lester, President at 313-794- 1040. Pre-Sweetie’s Day Dinner Dance The Detroit Council of the Blind will sponsor ‘A Pre-Sweetie’s Day Dinner Dance’ Extraordinaire on Friday, October 17, 2008. Doors open at 7 p.m. Dinner served at 8 p.m. at the Karas House 23632 Plymouth Road, Redford, MI 48239. MetroLift Accessible tickets $30.00, and must be purchased by October 6, 2008. For tickets by mail, please contact Ollie Lester at 313-794- 1040. Page 2 end In Memoriam Phillip Hilzinger, a long-time volunteer with the LVPI, passed away on July 18, 2008 at age 86. Phil was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, a volunteer group formed by retired Bell Telephone workers. For many years Phil devoted time twice a month to repair cassette players patrons use. His absence will be deeply felt by fellow Pioneers and Library Staff. LVPI Book Discussion Group Wednesday, November 5, 2008 1:00 — 3:00 p.m. Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett RC 30999 Historical novel set in 12th-century England. Philip, prior of the monastery at Kingsbridge, and Tom, a master mason, would like to build a new cathedral. They are helped along when tom's stepson torches the current cathedral. They are hindered, however, by a powerful and jealous bishop, and by Ellen--who witnessed an ancient treachery. Some violence, some strong language, and some descriptions of sex. 1989. Participants in past discussions will automatically be sent a library copy of the book on tape. Interested patrons can call 1-800-774-4542 or 248-858- 5050 to register and request a copy. Participating patrons are encouraged to bring adult sighted or visually impaired guests to join in the discussion. Light snacks and refreshments will be served. Participants may also bring cold lunches to eat during the discussion. Note: Cameras or electronic recording devices are not permitted inside the building. Remember to leave cell phones with cameras in your car or at home. Security staff cannot hold them for you, and will not allow the library to take responsibility for these items. Page 3 end Contact Information OAKLAND COUNTY LIBRARY FOR THE VISUALLY & PHYSICALLY IMPAIRED PHONE: 248-858-5050 TOLL-FREE: 1-800-774-4542 FAX: 248-858-9313 TTY: 248-452-2247 OAKLAND COUNTY LIBRARY FOR THE FREE MATTER VISUALLY AND PHYSICALLY IMPAIRED FOR THE BLIND 1200 NORTH TELEGRAPH DEPT 482 OR PONTIAC MI 48341 HANDICAPPED End