KidsNews Newsletter
South Dakota State Library
Braille and Talking Book Library
Summer 2008, Volume 3, Issue 1
Editor: Karen Duenwald
Notes from the Director - Dan Boyd
In October of this year I will be retiring from the South Dakota State Library, Braille & Talking Book Program. Thirty two years ago when I was hired, the SD State Library was Located in an old grocery warehouse and the Braille & Talking Book Program was located across town in an old lumberyard building. The Braille & Talking Book Program building was cold in the winter and very hot in the summer. The lighting was so bad that there were places in the stacks where a flashlight was needed to read the book numbers on the containers.

The South Dakota Braille & Talking Book Program used to be the talking book program for North Dakota when the majority of the audio books were on records with the older part of the collection recorded at 16 2/3 rpm and the newer part of the collection recorded at 8 1/3 rpm. The agreement between the two states continued until 1995 when North Dakota established the newest braille & talking book program in the country. Also new was the transition from records to cassettes. Beginning in the early 1970’s, cassette books were recorded on two tracks at 1 7/8 ips. This was soon followed by the new four tack cassette book recorded at 15/16 ips.

cassette player The change to the four track cassette allowed for six hours of recording on each standard 90 minute cassette tape. At the same time, the South Dakota program also held a braille book collection. This continued until 1973 when a decision was made to drop the braille collection and contract with Utah to provide braille service to South and North Dakota patrons.

At the start of our program there was no automation for record keeping purposes and it would take the Reader Advisors three to four hours each day to prepare about 250 – 300 patrons for service and then three to four hours to re-file the patron records after circulation. Pulling the requested books from the shelves was also a very time consuming job taking four or more hours each day to mail 300 – 400 cassette books.

In the early 1970’s, discussions began on the building of a new SD State Library Building. The new building was completed in 1976 with federal funding through the Library Services and Construction Act.

digital player Now that we are in the 21st Century, progress continues on the conversion from cassette to digital format. Due to funding shortages, the timetable for initial distribution of the books and players has changed. Here’s how things stand right now.

Five thousand digital players will be produced by the end of 2008. These players will be tested by users in 8 states (unfortunately South Dakota is not one of the states). Once these prototype players are tested, any necessary changes will be made and the player will go into general production. The first players for distribution will be received sometime in 2009. At this time, we expect to receive approximately 25 players per month for the first year. Under federal law, veterans receive preference when distributing the players.

If you haven’t indicated your interest in receiving a new digital player, call the library 1-800–423-6665 and ask to be placed on a waiting list, Once veterans have received their players, others on the list will receive players based on how many books they receive per year. The goal is to make the players available to those who read the most.

All digital titles currently can be downloaded from the NLS BARD database. To download and listen to the titles, users must have high speed Internet access, an e-mail address, and have use of a digital player. Currently 3 players will play the downloaded titles and are available for purchase: For more information on purchasing any of these players contact the vendors. For information on accessing the NLS BARD database, contact the SD Braille & Talking Book Library 1-800-423-6665.


Quick Reminder
If you are sent a replacement talking book cassette player from the South Dakota Braille and Talking Book Library please remember to plug it in and give it a good (12-16 hours) charge before using.


Summer Reading Awards Program
The 2008 Governors Summer Reading Program culminated with an awards event on August 16th in De Smet South Dakota at The Ingalls Homestead. Three first place and four second place winners and their families attended the event. Plaques were presented by Dan Siebersma, South Dakota State Librarian and assisted by Dan Boyd, Director of Information Services at the State Library. MJ Knobe Executive Director of the Lion’s Foundation presented a $50 savings bond to the top reader overall in the braille and recorded format. Rachael Johnson was the braille recipient and Sarah Dolney won in recorded books. Ann Lesch presented the winners with tickets for a guided tour of the Ingalls Homestead. This tour by Lesch took place with the winners and their families at the conclusion of the awards program.

“Catch the Reading Bug” was the theme of this year’s program. This program is sponsored by the Braille and Talking Book Library. It ran from June 9 through July 18, 2008. The annual event is in its eighteenth year and is supported by the South Dakota Lion’s Foundation. Sixty students participated in the program and 481 books circulated. The participants could only use recorded books or braille books for the program. Mary Sjerven of the Braille & Talking Book Library is the program coordinator.

This year’s winners include, Division 7 to 9 recorded books, first place went to Jennifer Busch and second place went to Emily Busch. Rachel Johnson won first in Braille books and Marcus Van Dam won second. In the 10 to 12 age division recorded books, first place winner was Jordan Harkless, second place went to Ashley Schmit. The Braille winner was Michael McMillen. In the 13 to 15 year old recorded book division, first place went to Sarah Dolney, second place toRachael Jorgensen and third place went to Derek Nieland. There were no braille participants in this division.


Two New Employees with SD B&TBL
  • Hi everyone. My name is Dakota Saukel, and I’m the new Reader Advisor for patrons with last names starting with J-R. I will also be the editor of the Prairie Trails Memorandum starting with the next issue. I started this position on February 25, and I have enjoyed learning the ins and outs of the job and getting to know all of you.

    I was born and raised in Maryland, but in the last few years I’ve lived in several states, including Idaho, Kentucky, and now South Dakota. I’ve been in Pierre for the past two years, and I’m still not used to some of the differences here! Before starting this job with the Braille and Talking Book Library, I worked in the interlibrary loan department of the South Dakota State Library for a year and a half. I’m currently taking college classes part time, so that keeps me quite busy.

    I’m really enjoying my job so far, and I look forward to getting to know you better and helping to meet your reading needs! Please feel free to give us a call if there are any questions or concerns you might have.

  • My name is Marcia Kaup. I am the new Reader Advisor for the patrons whose last names begin with “S” through “Z”.

    I grew up in North Central Nebraska and moved to South Dakota in 1999. I have been employed by the state of South Dakota for 5 years. I have 5 children (3 boys 31, 28, 26 and 2 girls 24 & 18) all living in Nebraska. I also have 3 grand-daughters which I can never see enough of!

    I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you and will do my best to assist with you with your Braille and Talking Books needs.


A Few Reasons to Send Us Your Own Book Requests
  1. Your reading tastes my vary. Only you know when your mood changes from mysteries to westerns to romances.
  2. There are more than 40,000 circulating titles in our collection. Using various catalogs and the Talking Book Topics opens up a world of books of which you might otherwise be unaware.
  3. We can send you books by authors or on subjects no listed in the catalogs. Ask us for works by your favorite writer, or for books on your favorite hobby.
  4. We have numerous requests for the same titles. The more choices you give us, the more likely you are to receive your requests.
  5. Treat yourself to a change of pace - experiment with new authors. You can always return to the “tried and true” later.
  6. You can tell us what you want when you want it. For example, you may want Christmas themed books in July!
  7. We make it easy to send requests: you may use the USPS mail, email, fax, telephone, or order via OPAC (on our website).
  8. Most important: only you know best what you want to read!

Hadley Basketball Project - from APH News: June 2008
The Hadley School for the Blind is collaborating with Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology to create an audible basketball for individuals who are blind. The engineering students working on the project would welcome feedback to survey questions from visually impaired individuals who have an interest in such a basketball.

Please contact Mitchell Thomas, who is leading the project team, at thomasm4@rose-hulman.edu.


New Non-Fiction Books
  • RC 63796 I’m Still Scared by Tomie De Paola
    Continues from Things Will Never Be the Same (RC 58815). Tomie was in the 2nd grade during World War II. He recalls going on with normal activities despite air-raid drills at school and blackout curtains at home. His parents explained the confusion and comforted him. RC 63796

  • RC 64321 Scholastic Atlas of Space
    Provides an overview of facts about the universe. Covers galaxies, the Milky Way, the sun and moon, stars, planets, asteroids, comets, meteors, and space exploration. Includes three activities and a glossary. RC 64321

  • RC 65708 What if You Met a Knight? by Jan Adkins
    The tasks, responsibilities, battle equipment, and castle life of knights of the Middle Ages. Explains the difference between the romantic fairytale portrayals of the knight’s life and the reality of his managing a large farm and its many expenses. RC 65708

  • RC 65765 The House of a Million Pets by Ann Hodgman
    Author describes the adventures, and messes, she experienced while sharing her family home with dogs and cats, hedgehogs, prairie dogs, rabbits, hamsters, pygmy mice, a cockatiel, visiting ducks, moths, sugar gliders, and more. Includes practical tips on raising animals in a household. RC 65765

  • RC 64316 The Survival Guide for Kids with ADD and ADHD by John F. Taylor
    Defines attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Offers advice on diagnosis, treatment, and appropriate diet. Discusses handling emotions, organization, and getting along with others. RC 64316

  • RC 64315 Kids Cook 1-2-3: Recipes for Young Chefs Using Only Three Ingredients by: Rozanne Gold
    Dozens of recipes for beginning cooks covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and desserts. Offers variations on hard-boiled eggs, smoothies, and peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches. Includes how-to tips, kitchen safety information, and tricks of the trade from professional chefs. RC 64315


New Fiction Books
For grades Kindergarten - 3:
  • RC 64320 Probuditi! by: Chris Van Allsburg
    On his birthday, Calvin takes his best friend, Rodney, rather than his sister Trudy, to a magician's show. Back home the boys hypnotize Trudy to act like a dog and are alarmed when they cannot snap her out of it. But Trudy gets the last laugh. RC 64320

  • RC 65525 Mostly Monty by: Johanna Hurwitz
    First-grader Monty Morris wishes he could run and play with other kids or have a dog, but he can't because he has asthma, which sometimes makes it hard for him to breathe. Monty feels happier when he figures out what he can do. RC 65525

  • RC 64993 Rafi and Rosi by: Lulu Delacre
    Three short stories about two tree frogs, mischievous Rafi and his younger sister Rosi, who live in Puerto Rico. As Rafi teases Rosi, he teaches her about the beach sand, algae that makes the water sparkle, and hermit crabs. RC 64993

  • RC 65779 Horrible Harry Moves Up to Third Grade by: Suzy Kline
    Horrible Harry and his friends start off third grade in a new classroom and with a field trip to a scary old prison and a copper mine. Beginning chapter book. RC 65779

  • RC 65526 Martin Bridge: Sound the Alarm! by: Jessica Scott Kerrin
    Learning dance steps with his babysitter gains Martin Bridge new respect in "Moon Eyes." In "Props" Martin and his friend Stuart are locked in at a toy store, and Martin faces his worst fear. Includes instructions for two activities: making paper airplanes and forming hand shadows. RC 65526

  • RC 65564 Ivy and Bean Break the Fossil Record: Book 3 by: Annie Barrows
    Everyone in second grade wants to break a world record, and friends Ivy and Bean are no exception. The girls decide to become the youngest people ever to discover a dinosaur skeleton. Sequel to Ivy and Bean and the Ghost That Had to Go (RC 64635). RC 65564

For grades 3-6
  • RC 64838 When Heaven Fell by: Carolyn Marsden
    Vietnam. Instead of going to school, nine-year-old Binh sells fruit from a cart to help her family. When her grandmother announces that Binh's American aunt is coming to visit, Binh assumes that all Americans are wealthy and her aunt will solve the family's financial problems. RC 64838

  • RC 64581 Freddy’s Final Quest: The Golden Hamster Saga, Book 5 by: Dietlof Reiche
    Freddy the golden hamster, his animal buddies, and a computerized robot hamster travel back in time to Assyria, where some of them are captured by Crusaders and Freddy gets a taste of undomesticated living. Sequel to The Haunting of Freddy (RC 64560). RC 64581

  • RC 65252 The Escape of Oney Judge: Martha Washington’s Slave Finds Freedom by: Emily Arnold McCully
    Although well-treated by George and Martha Washington, Oney is a slave who fears being given away or sold. She escapes to New Hampshire and, recognized, worries that she will be forced to return to the Washingtons. Based on historic facts. RC 65252

  • RC 64494 A Race against Time: Nancy Drew, Girl Detective by: Carolyn Keene
    The money Nancy Drew helped raise for the River Heights Biking for Bucks charity race is missing. Nancy's team--consisting of her pals Bess and George and Nancy's boyfriend, Ned--competes while Nancy searches for the culprit. RC 64494

  • RC 65284 No Talking by: Andrew Clements
    Dave's experiment to remain silent all day fails when he yells at Lynsey. His claim that girls talk more than boys turns into a fifth-grade contest of no speaking, even in class. But the teachers and the principal don't like it. RC 65284

  • RC 65299 Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by: Deborah Howe and James Howe
    Harold, the family dog, recalls the time the Monroes broughthome a cute baby bunny they found at a Dracula movie and named Bunnicula. But Chester the cat tries to warn his human family that the rabbit is really a vampire. RC 65299

For grades 4-7
  • RC 64049 Twelve Travelers, Twenty Horses by: Harriette Gillem Robinet
    In an 1860 Kentucky slave auction, thirteen-year-old Jacob is reunited with his mother and eight friends by a kind master who is newly and suspiciously rich. As the group journeys toward California, Jacob foils a robbery of a stagecoach carrying election results and Pony Express wages. RC 64049

  • RC 65652 A Friendship for Today by: Patricia C. McKissack
    Kirkland, Missouri; 1954. Following desegregation, Rosemary enters a white elementary school, where she and her classmates learn the meaning of racial tolerance. She handles other challenges, like her parents' separation and making new friends. RC 65652

  • RC 65256 Eggs by: Jerry Spinelli
    Quirky thirteen-year-old Primrose moves out of her fortune-telling mother's house and into an abandoned van. Nineyear- old David mourns his mother's death and resents his grandmother and absentee father. The two fragile kids forge a combative friendship through late night adventures and escapades. RC 65256

  • RC 64563 The Roar of the Crowd by: Rich Wallace
    Manny is small for his age but is fast and determined, so he drops soccer and goes out for football. During his first season with the middle school football team, Manny spendsmost of the games sitting on the bench, yet he doesn't give up. RC 64563

  • RC 65416 The Secret in the Old Attic: Nancy Drew Mystery Stories by: Carolyn Keene
    Teenage sleuth Nancy Drew searches for hidden unpublished music manuscripts to save the March family from destitution. A trail of obscure clues from a packet of letters leads to the March mansion's cluttered attic--but who is trying to frighten Nancy away? RC 65416

  • RC 64066 Zombie Butts from Uranus! by: Andy Griffiths
    In this sequel to The Day My Butt Went Psycho! (RC 56043), planet Earth is invaded by stench-emitting butts from outer space. Earth's salvation depends on twelve-year-old Zach Freeman, his butt, and his band of butt-fighters. RC 64066

For grades 5-8
  • RC 65150 Virus on Orbis 1: The Softwire, Book 1 by: PJ Haarsma
    Johnny Turnball (JT) and his younger sister Ketheria are among the orphans on a spaceship docking on Orbis 1. When the central computer on Orbis malfunctions, JT's special ability to communicate mentally with computers-- he is the first human softwire- places him in jeopardy. RC 65150

  • RC 64577 Just for You to Know by: Cheryl Harness
    Missouri, 1963. When Carmen's family moves to Independence, her biggest worry is starting eighth grade in a new school. But when her mother dies in childbirth, Carmen, the oldest sibling, must now take care of a bunch of little brothers and a helpless baby sister. RC 64577

  • RC 64686 Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by: Wendy Mass
    On his thirteenth birthday Jeremy receives a mysterious box from his father, who died five years ago. The gift is inscribed with the words "the meaning of life." Jeremy and his friend Lizzy try to find the four keys he needs to open the box. RC 64686

  • RC 58225 Hoop Girlz by: Lucy Jane Bledsoe
    Eleven-year-old River, who loves basketball, is not chosen to play in the town's tournament. She decides to create her own new team. With fourteen-year-old brother Zack as coach, River and her friends--including Jennifer in her wheelchair--play their hearts out. RC 58225

  • RC 64420 Murder on the Ridge by: Ted Stenhouse
    Canada, 1952. Best friends Arthur, a Blackfoot Indian, and Will, a white boy, from A Dirty Deed (RC 64410), investigate the death of a Blackfoot soldier in World War I after they read a letter that suggests he was murdered and not killed by enemy fire. RC 64420

  • RC 64582 Penny from Heaven by: Jennifer L. Holm
    New Jersey, 1953. During the summer, eleven-year-old Penny carries her uncle Dominic's lucky bean, almost loses her arm, reconciles with her mother's beau, and discovers the cause of her father's death. Best of all, she reunites her feuding family. RC 64582

For grades 6-9
  • RC 65248 A Samurai Never Fears Death: A Samurai Mystery by: Dorothy Hoobler and Thomas Hoobler
    Eighteenth-century Japan. Now a samurai, Seikei returns home to Osaka where he becomes involved in a murder investigation at a puppet theatre. Meanwhile he suspects a possible connection between his family's tea shop and smugglers. Sequel to The Sword That Cut the Burning Grass (RC 61812). RC 65248

  • RC 64813 Blaze of Silver: De Granville Trilogy, Book 3 by: K.M. Grant
    Hosanna, the blood-red horse, continues to be a link between Kamil, Will, and Ellie in this sequel to Green Jasper (RC 62583). But through a complex combination of revenge, betrayal, and divided loyalties, Kamil is persuaded to lead Will and Ellie into a trap. RC 64813

  • RC 65516 Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports: Maximum Ride, Book 3 by: James Patterson
    The time has come for Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman, and Angel to face their ultimate enemy--"the director," who plans to reengineer a select population into a scientifically superior master race. The six fight to save the world, despite obstacles. Sequel to School's Out--Forever (RC 62734). RC 65516

  • RC 63672 Voices: Annals of the Western Shore, Book 2 by: Ursula K. Le Guin
    In the ruined city of Ansul, conquered by the Alds, a young girl,Memer, learns the forbidden art of reading from the Waylord. Later, when she meets Gry Barre and her husband Orrec Caspro--from Gifts (RC 60031)--everything in Memer's life begins to change. RC 63672

  • RC 65573 In the Hand of the Goddess: Song of the Lioness, Book 2 by: Tamora Pierce
    Still pretending to be a boy, Alanna (RC 65414) learns many new skills in her role as personal squire to Prince Jonathan. She meets the Great Mother Goddess, who names her fears--the Ordeal of Knighthood, falling in love, and Jonathan's evil uncle, Duke Roger, an ambitious sorcerer. RC 65573

For senior high readers
  • RC 65655 Harlem Summer by: Walter Dean Myers
    Harlem, 1925. Sixteen-year-old saxophone-playing Mark Purvis is hired by an African American magazine one summer. But when he does a shady delivery job for his idol, musical genius Fats Waller, something goes wrong and gangster Dutch Schultz comes after Mark for money. RC 65655

  • RC 64427 The Tourmaline by: Paul Park
    Miranda Popescu, from A Princess of Roumania (RC 63874), travels secretly through Roumania pursuing her destiny as the prophesied white tyger. Miranda's friends Peter and Andromeda attempt to join her but are constantly thwarted by the evil Baroness Ceausescu and the German elector of Ratisbon. RC 64427

  • RC 61723 Kathleen’s Story: Angels in Pink, Book 1 by: Lurlene McDaniel
    Sixteen-year-old Kathleen McKensie tries to balance her summer volunteer work at the hospital with the responsibilities of caring for her mother, who has multiple sclerosis. Kathleen's friends Holly and Raina also volunteer, and Kathleen falls in love. RC 61723

  • RC 60400 Boy Proof by: Cecil Castellucci
    Hollywood. Nerdy high school senior Victoria Jurgen, called Egg after her favorite science fiction movie character, is a loner. But when Max Carter, a gifted new student, invades her space, she is not as boy-proof as she thought. Strong language. RC 60400

  • RC 65559 A Non-Blonde Cheerleader in Love by: Kieran Scott
    Annisa, last seen in Brunettes Strike Back (RC 63359), and her Florida cheerleading squad have just won the national championship when their sport becomes coed. At first Annisa is thrilled that her boyfriend Daniel is practicing with them, but soon rivalries and temptations threaten the team. RC 65559


State Library to provide online access to trusted encyclopedia
The South Dakota State Library announced that it will provide World Book’s World Book Web free to school, public and academic libraries throughout the state.

With the new online resource, students and teachers will be able to access three age-appropriate tools: World Book Kids for early learners, World Book Online Reference Center for mid-level students, and World Book Advanced for older students and adults. Additionally, World Book Web includes both French- and Spanish-language online encyclopedias for native and second-language learners and access to selected magazine articles, e-books, primary sources, teacher resources, and student activities.

In addition to being available on computers within schools and libraries, World Book Web also is available to library patrons from home with a valid library card from a South Dakota Library Network member library.


World Book Encyclopedia Articles in Braille
The Rose Project through Seedlings Braille Books For Children is offering a service to send you World Book Encyclopedia articles in braille - free of charge. Thanks to a generous grant from the Claire Giannini Fund, students in grades 1-12 can order an article by contacting Seedlings toll-free at 800-777-8552 or by completing the order form online at http://www.seedlings.org/rose.php.


Please let us know
If you would like to make changes to your reading preferences or that you wish to increase or decrease the number of books that you are currently receiving, please contact your reader advisor as soon as possible so that they may assist you.
  • If your last name starts with A-G you may contact: Mary
  • If your last name starts with H-O you may contact: Dakota
  • If your last name starts with P-Z you may contact: Marcia

Free Rice!
FreeRice.com is an accessible online vocabulary game where you raise money and fight world hunger. The site presents you with a word and four definitions. If you select the correct definition, the United Nations donates 20 grains of rice.

Visit www.FreeRice.com to expand your vocabulary and help those in need!


Closed for the Holidays
The Braille and Talking Book Library will be closed on the following holidays:
  • Sept. 1 - Labor Day
  • Oct. 13 - Native American Day
  • Nov. 11 - Veterans Day
  • Nov. 27 - Thanksgiving Day

The Kid's News, published quarterly, is our means of communication with the younger patrons of the Braille and Talking Book Library. The Kid's News is available in braille, on cassette, in large print, or on a diskette upon request and is posted on our website: http://library.sd.gov/b&tb/index.htm

If you have any questions or comments you would like to address, or wish to request this newsletter in alternative format, please contact the Braille and Talking Book Library.

The South Dakota Braille and Talking Book Library does not endorse any product or service listed in this newsletter.