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Library for the Blind lists spring workshops, borrowing options at Jan. 15 commission meeting
Summary
Katie Monkevich of the Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Print Disabled described upcoming Feb. events, outreach plans and borrowing options including BARD during the Ann Arbor Commission on Disability Issues’ Jan. 15 meeting.
Katie Monkevich, representing the Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, told the Ann Arbor Commission on Disability Issues on Jan. 15 that the library plans three public workshops in February and reminded listeners how to order accessible materials.
Monkevich said the library will host a workshop called “Making Your First Documentary” on Tuesday, Feb. 4 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the downtown library. On Friday, Feb. 7 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., she said, Josie and Michael Herman will present a session, “The Call of the Void,” about podcasting techniques and audience-building; she added the library intends to livestream that event pending the presenters’ permission. A third program, “Exploring the Mind: How should we think about mental illness?” is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and is presented in partnership with the University of Michigan Department of Psychology.
Monkevich also highlighted borrowing options for patrons who are blind or print-disabled. She encouraged eligible residents to use the Library of Congress Braille and Audio Reading Download service (BARD) and said patrons can request digital cartridges or other books by calling the Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Print Disabled at (734) 327-4224 or emailing wlbpd@aadl.org. Monkevich said staff can assist applicants and pointed listeners to nlsbard.loc.gov for the BARD application.
Why it matters: the library’s workshops and material-access reminders target residents who rely on audio or braille formats and underscore local resources to access reading and media programs.
Monkevich read brief descriptions of a few recently added titles available via accessible formats, including Sally Coulthard’s The Wildlife Year and Sharon McMahon’s The Small and the Mighty. Chair Zach Damon and other commissioners praised the programming and urged residents to check the library’s event page for updates and possible recordings.
The library asked interested people to check AADL’s event listings and the library’s YouTube channel for possible livestreams or recordings; Monkevich emphasized availability depends on presenter permission and technical arrangements.
