This is a guest post by Rheagan Martin, digital projects coordinator at the Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) is thrilled to kick off our third annual Summer Reading Program, a collaborative program developed by NLS and partnering libraries around the United States. We begin this summer of reading with author Mac Barnett. Barnett is the Library of Congress National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, a New York Times-bestselling author of stories for children and the recipient of numerous awards including the Caldecott Honors.
As the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Barnett is drawing attention to the picture book through his platform, “Behold, The Picture Book! Let’s Celebrate Stories We Can Feel, Hear, and See.” Barnett applauds picture books as beautiful, sophisticated and vibrant art forms that bring joy to children and adults alike. He is also deeply interested in the translation of this visual format into audio description.
Barnett met recently with NLS to discuss the challenges and opportunities of narrating books with strong visual elements. We were delighted to talk with Barnett about his focus on image description in narration, his role as the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, and his personal connection to summer reading programs. NLS patrons can listen to this special interview, which was produced as an Audio Supplement (DB128940) to our monthly Collections Connections newsletter.
Additionally, to celebrate this year’s summer reading theme, “Color Our World,” Barnett will read his book “Extra Yarn (DB127239)” in conversation with NLS Director Jason Broughton and Chief of Collections Alice O’Reilly. This program will be presented virtually and is open to all—not only NLS patrons. We hope you’ll be able to join us online Monday, June 16, from 1 to 2 p.m. eastern time for this exciting event. You can register for the Kickoff event with Barnett now.
Get ready to dive into summer reading and color our world with books… and “Extra Yarn” with Mac Barnett!
Comments (3)
I like books on cd if you do this
Thank you for your commment! Here is a response from NLS: We don’t do books on CD. Instead, we ship USB audio cartridges and devices to play them, braille books and also have audio books on BARD – our Braille and Audio Reading Download app – available for immediate download for qualifying patrons. You can learn more about our services and resources here: https://www.loc.gov/nls/services-and-resources/. BARD is the fastest and most direct way to access the NLS collection, since a patron can use their smart phone, tablet or computer. If you are interested in signing up for the NLS service, more information can be found here: https://www.loc.gov/nls/how-to-enroll/apply-for-nls-services/.
Awesome collaboration, with thanks & gratitude to all.