Episode Transcript
[00:00:16] Speaker A: Greetings readers. Welcome to the first April edition of Library News. This month we discuss IDB Centennial Celebration, National Library Week, various NLS events, and more. April is a busy month at the library and the Iowa Department for the Blind. To kick off the month, IDB is celebrating its 100th anniversary. There is an open house on Wednesday, April 2 from 3 to 6pm we invite you to join us in celebrating this historic milestone with hors d'oeuvres, tours of the building, and more. Be a part of the next 100 years by contributing your artistic skills to a collaborative art installation to be hung in the building. Free parking will be available in a parking lot off Fourth street across from the building. Our commitment to empowering individuals remains unwavering and we are excited to build on our legacy by embracing new challenges and opportunities that will further enhance the lives of blind Iowans.
[00:01:07] Speaker B: And in honor of the department celebrating such a momentous occasion, and to start off the next 100 years of empowering and improving the lives of blind Iowans, we have worked with the side garage to design a limited edition T shirt for purchase. It's a beautiful navy blue shirt with a white graphic of a stickman and a white cane in the center. The words Making Strides are arced over him and Moving Forward is in a straight line under him. Below that it says Iowa Department for the blind established 1925. On the back it says Making Strides Moving Forward in braille. Go to www.ignition.in 100anniversary to order one the online store closes April 16th.
[00:02:02] Speaker C: April is national Volunteer Month and the library will host its annual Elizabeth Porowski Volunteer Luncheon on Friday, April 25th at the Iowa Department for the Blind. We enjoy this day as it is our chance to recognize all the wonderful work our volunteers do for us throughout the year. We couldn't do what we do without the dedication from our volunteers and National.
[00:02:22] Speaker A: Library Week is April 6th through the 12th. The theme for National Library Week 2025 is Drawn to the Library. What draws people to the library? Everything from books and equipment to programming and kinship, libraries are essential to thriving communities. National Library Week is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. Whether you're a longtime patron or haven't visited for a while, now is the perfect time to explore all the library has to offer. Our library provides books and other materials in accessible formats, programming for youth and adults, educational materials for students, ensuring that everyone has access to resources that educate, inspire and connect.
[00:03:07] Speaker B: Now for the top 10 nonfiction books downloaded from Bard that doesn't mean what you think it means. The 150 Most Commonly Misused Words and Their Tangled Histories DB125854 by Kathryn Petras an entertaining and informative guide to the most common 150 words even smart people use incorrectly, along with pithy forays into the fascinating etymologies and tangled histories of use and misuse.
Live Like a Guide Dog True stories from a blind man and his dogs about being brave, overcoming adversity, and moving forward in faith. DB 126534 by Michael Hingson Michael Hingson's inspiring true story captivated the world when he and his guide dog, Roselle, escaped the Twin towers together on 9 11, a story that became the New York Times best selling book Thunderdog. During decades of walking with guide dogs, he learned a surprising truth that helped save his life that day. Being afraid can be a positive thing, one that prepares us to deal with any situation that befalls us now. In Live Like a Guide Dog, he reveals how to get equipped for whatever obstacles or challenges you may encounter as you make your way through the world. Train yourself to be brave Just like a guide dog's training equips handler and dog to prepare for the unexpected. Learn to use your natural fear reactions as a way to focus and concentrate to make better decisions and turn your fear into courage and confidence. Apply 11 principles Michael has learned with his guide dogs to overcome the fears that you face every day.
Share DB125936By Cher the extraordinary life of Cher can be told by only one person, Cher herself. After more than 70 years of fighting to live her life on her own terms, Cher finally reveals her true story in intimate detail in a two part memoir. Her remarkable career is unique and unparalleled. The only woman to top Billboard charts in seven consecutive decades, she is the winner of an Academy Award, an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Cannes Film Festival award. An inductee to the Rock and Roll hall of Fame who has been lauded by the Kennedy center, she is a longtime activist and philanthropist. As a dyslexic child who dreamed of becoming famous, Cher was raised in often chaotic circumstances, surrounded by singers, actors and a mother who inspired her in spite of their difficult relationship. With her trademark honest and humor, Cher, the memoir traces how this diamond in the rough succeeded with no plan and little confidence, to become the trailblazing superstar the world has been unable to ignore for more than half a century.
[00:06:11] Speaker C: The ridiculous history of England's kings and queens. DB 12606310 by David Mitchell Think you know the kings and queens of England? Think again In Unruly, David Mitchell explores how early England's monarchs, while acting as feared rulers, firmly guided their subjects destinies, were in reality a bunch of lucky bastards who were mostly as silly and weird in real life as they appear today in their portraits. It's a tale of a narcissist, inadequate self control, middle management, insurrection, uncivil wars, and a few kunuts as the English evolve from having their crops stolen by the thug with the largest armed gang to borrowing and paying taxes to a divinely appointed king. How this happened, who it happened to, and why the heck it matters are all questions that Mitchell answers with brilliance, wit, and the full erudition of a man who once studied history and won't let it off the hook for the mess it's made. A funny book that takes history seriously. Unruly is for anyone who has ever wondered how the British monarchy came to be and who is to blame. The Falcon and the Snowman A True Story of friendship and espionage DB12 4924 by Robert Lindsay at the height of the Cold War, some of the nation's most precious secrets passed through a CIA contractor in Southern California. Only a handful of employees were cleared to handle the intelligence that came through the Black Vault. One of them was Christopher John Boyce, a hard partying genius with a sky high iq, a passion for falconry, and a little love for his country. Security at the vault was so lax Boyce couldn't help but be tempted and he gave in. The fate of the free world would hang in the balance. With the help of his best friend, Andrew Dalton Lee, a drug dealer with connections south of the border, Boyce began stealing classified documents and selling them to the Soviet Embassy in Mexico City. It was an audacious act of treason committed by two spoiled young men who were nearly always drunk, stoned, or both and were about to find themselves caught in the middle of a fight between the CIA and the KGB.
The Fourth Quarter of youf Life Embracing what Matters Most DB 122475 by Alan R. Hunt and Matthew Kelly Intentionality is the key to successful fourth quarter living. People don't accidentally age gracefully, people don't accidentally die peacefully, and people don't accidentally leave behind legacies of hope, love, and encouragement. These all require the intentionality. This book will help you develop. The purpose of this practical guide is to help you live the fourth Quarter based on proven life principles, clearly established meaning and direction for your life. Develop the clarity necessary to make good decisions, identify hopes and dreams. Establish what you need and want most at this time in your life. Learn to say no. It's never too early to think seriously about what matters most.
Lady Killers Deadly Women Throughout History DB 126602 by Torrey Telfer when you think of serial killers throughout history, the names that come to mind are likely Jack the Ripper, John Wayne Gacy, and Ted Bundy. But what about Tilly Clemek, Malay Hassan, and Kate Bender? The narrative we're comfortable with is one where women are the victims of violent crime, not the perpetrators. In fact, serial killers are thought to be so universal male that in 1998 FBI profiler Roy Hazelwood infamously declared that there are no female serial killers. Inspired by Telfer's Jezebel column of the same name, Ladykillers disputes that claim and offers 14 gruesome examples as evidence. Although largely forgotten by history, female serial killers rival their male counterparts in cunning, cruelty, and appetite. Each chapter explores the crimes and history of a different female serial killer and then proceeds to unpack her legacy and portrayal in the media, as well as the stereotypes and sexist cliches that inevitably surround her.
[00:10:16] Speaker A: A Man A can a plan 50 great guy meals even you can make DB124886 by David Yauchaman A Man A Can A Plan Inspired by an article in the most popular men's magazine, Men's Health is a cookbook that presents 50 simple, inexpensive recipes featuring ingredients guys have right in their cupboards. Canned food, great and healthy food can be had for a low price and minimum effort, and A Man A Can A Plan lays it all out in easy to follow steps for the culinary challenged.
Good Night, John Boy A celebration of an American family and the values that have sustained us through good times and bad. DB124913 by Earl Hamner Jr. And Ralph Giffen Earl Hamner was the creator and producer of the television series the Waltons, about a family living in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The series was essentially about Hamner's own family, and in this book he tells that story. He begins with his childhood and about his desire from a very early age to be a writer. The success of his first novel, Spencer's Mountain, which was built on his family's experiences in the Depression, confirmed his calling as a writer. Eventually, his story developed into the production of the much loved television series. The book contains many photos, a guide to resources about the Waltons, including fan clubs and Internet sites. In addition, there are personal stories and remembrances from many who were connected to the show.
The Black Death a personal history DB124933 by John Hatcher recreating everyday life in the mid 14th century rural English village, the author focuses on experiences of ordinary villagers as they lived and died during the Black Death, 1345-1350. Hatcher describes the day to day existence of people struggling with the tragic effects of the plague.
[00:12:13] Speaker B: Ereader Essentials will take place on Thursday, April 3rd at 1pm via Zoom. Explore everything your NLS ereader has to offer with this Q and A session hosted by Leland Smith. Serve a specialist for the Instructional Material Center. Contact the library to get signed up or go to IowaLibrary blog in this.
[00:12:33] Speaker C: Month'S Makerspace Monday Night workshop participants will create personalized macrame wall hangings inspired by their favorite books. Using soft cotton cords and simple knots, participants can add decorative, colorful wooden beads to design a unique hanging that represents the themes or symbols of their favorite story. As a fun bonus, participants will have the option to craft stylish macrame painted rock necklaces. Makerspace Monday will be held April 14th from 6 to 7:30pm it is offered in person at the Iowa Library for the Blind and virtually via Zoom. You can find the link to register on our blog at IowaLibrary blog or call the library and we can help you get registered. For any questions about Makerspace Mondays, contact Denise Bean at Denise Beanline State or 515-452-1338.
[00:13:26] Speaker A: The topic for April's the Many Faces of Bard program hosted by NLS will be new features in Bard Express such as enhanced storage and speed settings. The program will begin with a presentation and demonstration, then NLS will entertain questions about the presentation or anything else relating to Bard. The program will be held Thursday, April 10th at 6pm via Zoom Smart. Speaking to the Smart Speaker A new limited series program from the National Library Service will be held April 17th at 6pm A brief presentation will begin the session. Presenters will spend the remainder of the time answering questions about the presentation that Almay eread. The monthly NLS program that focuses on the NLS Braille Ereader will be held Tuesday, April 29 at 6pm via Zoom. Contact the library if you need any assistance getting registered for any of the NLS events. Please don't hesitate to contact the library with any questions or comments at 515-281-1323 or by email at librarylind state ia us. The library is open Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm Happy reading.
