Happy Summer and Thank You!
Over the past few months, many of you contacted us concerned about the potential loss of funding due to cuts at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). You also contacted lawmakers to voice your support and appreciation for the services the State Library of Kansas and Kansas Talking Books provide. Thank you for raising your voice and supporting libraries!
On May 13, 2025, a ruling by the U.S. District Court of Rhode Island reinstated IMLS staff, stated grants shall not be terminated, and ordered all awarded grants dispersed as intended. This is a very sweet victory for library users. However, there could be more challenges in the future. Making sure that your family, friends, communities, and decision makers understand the importance of accessible library services is important in sustaining current services and meeting future challenges.
So, again, thank you. Thank you for raising awareness and voicing your support. If you ever want to discuss these issues, as they arise, I am always happy to talk over the phone 620-341-6287 or email me michael.lang@ks.gov.
Keep reading for Summer Reading info, KTB news, NLS updates, book recommendations, and more. Enjoy the warm weather and read on!
–Michael Lang, Director
Kansas Talking Book Updates
Summer Reading 2025, Color Our World
Kansas Talking Books invites all patrons to explore the vibrant world of reading filled with stories, imagination, and creativity where words can “color our world.” Register online or by contacting the talking books library.
Anyone who registers for the summer reading program is automatically entered into the weekly prize drawings for a $10 Walmart gift card. The program runs Monday, June 2, to Friday, August 1, meaning there are nine chances to win a gift card just by registering. Not only that, if you return your reading log showing you met the minimum reading requirements (for adults, that’s reading 5 books; for youth patrons, read at least 60 minutes each week), you are entered in the grand prize drawing to win a $50 Walmart gift card.
In addition, there will be themed book recommendation lists and fun activities posted each week to our Facebook page and Summer Reading webpage. Many virtual events will be offered during the program. NLS has five virtual events scheduled, from a kickoff event with Mac Barnett to a night of conversation with Master Chef Christine Ha. Find out more on their Summer Reading webpage. In addition to the NLS events, KTB will host our quarterly virtual book club that ties into our first ever in-person workshop developed in partnership with Envision Arts Gallery.
Quarterly Virtual Book Club, June 11, at 12:00 p.m.
All patrons are invited to participate in our quarterly book club to discuss DB 105442 The Last Mona Lisa by Jonathan Santlofer. In 1911, the Mona Lisa is stolen. More than one hundred years later, art professor Luke Perrone digs for the truth of his most famous ancestor, Vincent Peruggia, the man who stole the Mona Lisa. But Luke uncovers darker secrets. Violence, strong language, and some explicit descriptions of sex.
If you are interested in participating, call Maggie at 620-341-6281 or email maggie.witte@ks.gov.
The Touchable Mona Lisa
Hosted by The Envision Arts Gallery, in partnership with Kansas Talking Books. Saturday, June 14, 1:00 – 3:00 PM.
During this workshop, inspired by The Last Mona Lisa, participants will try their hand at creating their own forgery of the world’s most famous painting. Using a variety of fabrics, textured papers, and other tactile materials participants will create a collage on an embossed outline of the Mona Lisa.
There are still seats available, but space is limited. Contact Maggie at 620-341-6281 or maggie.witte@ks.gov to reserve your space.
The Envision Arts Gallery is located in Wichita at 801 E Douglas Ave, Suite 106.
2025 Virtual Book Club Dates & Books
The quarterly virtual book club meets at noon on the second Wednesday of March, June, September, and December. All patrons are invited to attend. You do not need a computer to participate. If you are interested, please contact the office at 1-800-362-0699. The next book club selections are:
September 10: DB 100535 The Big Door Prize by M. O. Walsh.
Annotation: The residents of Deerfield, Louisiana, are intrigued when the mysterious DNAMIX machine appears in their local grocery store. With just a quick swab of your cheek and two dollars, the device claims to use the science of DNA to tell you your life's potential. Explicit descriptions of sex, strong language, some violence. Commercial audiobook. 2020.
December 10: DB 52929 Skipping Christmas by John Grisham.
Annotation: Tax accountant Luther Krank calculates that a Caribbean cruise will cost less than what he and his wife, Nora, spent celebrating the holidays last year. Since daughter Blair is in the Peace Corps, they plan to skip Christmas. Luther, however, doesn't anticipate the town's reaction. Some strong language. Bestseller. 2001.
Birding by Ear
If you were unable to attend the Birding by Ear virtual event but would like to access the recording and other resources that were provided, please contact the office at 1-800-362-0699 or KTB@ks.gov.
Digital Braille Transition
Starting in July, patrons with braille eReaders will receive support and, if needed, borrow digital braille on cartridge through Kansas Talking Books. Utah State Library for the Blind & Disabled will continue to circulate physical braille books to Kansas readers but no longer be the contact point for digital braille.
Manhattan VIP Book Club Dates & Books
This book club is open to all Kansas Talking Books patrons. They meet using Zoom which can be accessed by calling in by phone or using a computer/smart device. Meetings are held at 1:00 on the third Tuesday of the month. Please contact the KTB staff at 1-800-362-0699 to register. On June 17th the book club will be discussing two books.
DB 78375 An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris
Annotation: Fictionalized account of the events surrounding French officer Alfred Dreyfus's treason conviction in 1895. Georges Picquart is the newly appointed head of the counterespionage agency that accused Dreyfus, a Jew, of passing secrets to the Germans. But Picquart later finds information that changes everything. Bestseller. 2013.
and DB 75277 Double Cross: The true story of the D-Day spies by Ben Macintyre.
Annotation: Author of Operation Mincemeat (DB 71406) recounts the deception the Allies used to keep secret the planned location of their 1944 invasion of France. Details the efforts of Tommy "Tar" Robertson of Britain's MI5 to turn playboys, party girls, and eccentrics--all of whom were Nazi spies--into double agents. Bestseller. 2012.
NFB-Newsline Testers Needed
Improvements are coming to the way users access NFB-Newsline by touch-tone phone and NFB needs your help. If you regularly access NFB-Newsline by phone, consider volunteering as a beta tester for this brand new call system. This is your chance to preview enhanced features and the new voices of Sophia and Mark, which many of you already enjoy on the Amazon Alexa skill.
Your feedback will help create a better, more enjoyable experience for all subscribers. Interested? Contact Scott White at swhite@nfb.org for an application.
KTB Phone Upgrades
Kansas Talking Books has switched over to a new phone system. This change has come with a few unexpected challenges. If they’ve caused you any frustration, we apologize.
The biggest change you’ll notice is to the menu when you call the toll-free line or 620-341-6280. The menu options for pressing one or three are still present but we have added a voice select option. Staying on the line will no longer transfer you to an available staff member. The menu message will repeat three times and then finally transfer you, but that is a long wait.
We are still making small adjustments to the system, but any new changes shouldn’t be noticeable as a caller. If you are having trouble with the new phone system, please let us know so that we can address the issue..
News from NLS
NLS Summer Reading Program
The third annual NLS Summer Reading Program will run Monday, June 16, through Friday, August 15. Join patrons from across the nation at these NLS sponsored virtual events. Advanced registration is required for each event.
Summer Reading Program Kickoff. Monday, June 16, 12 to 1 p.m.
Join author Mac Barnett for this live Summer Reading Program kickoff event with a reading of his book Extra Yarn (DB 127239).
Master Gardener Roger Erpelding. Monday, June 23, 3 to 4 p.m.
Summer is a great time to get your garden growing. Master Gardener Roger Erpelding is here to help you do just that!
Storyteller Donna Washington. Thursday, June 26, 3 to 4 p.m.
This one’s for the kids—or kids at heart. Donna Washington will lead an inclusive storytelling hour for children, engaging with participants in a fun and accessible way.
Master Chef Christine Ha. Monday, July 14, 6 to 7 p.m.
When Christine Ha won the third season of MasterChef, she was the first blind contestant on the show! Join us for a night of conversation about cooking, reading, and everything in between.
Musician Jono Manson. Thursday, July 24, 6 to 7 p.m.
Jono Manson has been playing his brand of music for decades, collaborating and touring with some of the biggest names in the business. Join us for a lighthearted interview that captures some of Jono’s stories and memories.
You can access more information about each event and the registration links through the NLS Summer Reading webpage. To get the latest NLS news and programs updates directly to your inbox, sign up for the NLS Patron Announce email list. Send your name and email address to the Patron Engagement Section at NLSPES@loc.gov. You can unsubscribe yourself from the list at any time
Barcode Tracking for Books
NLS has implemented USPS mail tracking for address cards. With this enhancement, an Intelligent Mail barcode is assigned at the time an address card is printed. This tracking number can be used to track the cartridge as it progresses through the mail delivery system. Hopefully, this will allow us to locate items moving slowly though the system.
New Book Uploads to BARD
NLS is updating its catalog database which will have a temporary impact on new reading materials added to BARD. May 22 through June 4, new books and magazines added to BARD will temporarily not display all their information, including narrator and reading time. To be clear, new titles added to BARD during this time will be available for you to read; however, some information about them will not be displayed. After June 4, NLS will begin adding information about the narrator and reading time to these new titles. It may be as long as two weeks before all the new titles have that information. Thank you for your understanding as NLS continues to make updates to improve your service.
Readers’ Advisor Recommends: Summer Eats
Enjoy the heat with great summer eats. We’re recommending cookbooks that feature grilling, BBQ, and other outdoor cooking perfect for the upcoming summer days.
Please note we are still accepting recipe submissions for the Community Table project where you share your recipes and the memories associated with those recipes. These recipes and memories will be featured in a special collection of contributions from patrons and staff across the nation. You can share your recipes and memories with us via mail, email or phone.
DB 105171 Rodney Scott's World of BBQ: Every day is a good day by Rodney Scott & Lolis Eric Elie.
Annotation: Memoir and collection of recipes by James Beard Award-winning barbecue specialist. Topics include Scott beginning work at his family barbecue joint as a child, South Carolinian foodways and traditions, and his journey to expand his experiences beyond Charleston. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2021.
DB 65023 Cooking in a Can: More campfire recipes for kids by Katherine L. White.
Annotation: Describes family activities for outdoor cooking in a can, pit, or solar oven or on rocks or coals. Covers planning, safety rules, necessary materials, and cleanup. Recipes range from a simple sandwich and soup to breakfast in a paper bag and pudding cake. Adult supervision recommended. For grades 3-6. 2006.
DBG 08113 Bobby Flay’s Grill It! by Bobby Flay.
Annotation: Fire up the best backyard bashes with 150 simple and delicious recipes from grilling guru Flay; a selection of inventive ideas for easy meals that are fresh, flavorful, and fun to cook. 2008. Unrated.
DB 56188 Al Roker’s Big Bad Book of Barbecue: 100 easy recipes for backyard barbeque and grilling by Al Roker.
Annotation: Television weatherman on the Today show shares his recipes for outdoor charcoal-grilling meat as well as preparing easy sauces, appetizers, salads, drinks, and desserts in the kitchen. 2002.
DB 50091 Essentials of Cooking by James Peterson.
Annotation: Rather than offering a collection of recipes, Peterson presents a series of basic instructions for various cooking methods. Includes peeling and cutting fruits and vegetables; making sauces and stews; and roasting, grilling, frying, sautéing, or poaching fruits, meats, and vegetables. Also includes kitchen notes and tips. 1999.
DB 55788 The Fannie Farmer Cookbook by Marion Cunningham.
Annotation: Thirteenth revised edition celebrating the one hundredth anniversary of America's great classic cookbook. Includes chapters on outdoor grilling and preparing vegetarian dishes. Also contains some 325 ethnic and about 50 microwave recipes, in addition to the standard favorites. 1996.
Services Spotlight: The Envision Arts Gallery
The Envision Arts Gallery is the premier, national destination for artists and audiences who are blind, visually impaired and/or disabled. Located in the heart of downtown Wichita, in the historic Union Station, Envision Arts Gallery has become a beacon of hope and inspiration to the community as they create access to the arts for all people. Their mission is to empower these amazing individuals to exhibit, perform and engage the community through an accessible, diverse, and inclusive space for the arts.
From First Friday art crawls, to workshops in partnership with agencies like the State Library of Kansas Talking Books, to monthly Creative Connections meet-ups, they continue to create opportunities for their community to connect with their mission in meaningful and impactful ways.
The Envision Arts Gallery is an initiative of Envision, a non-profit organization headquartered in Wichita for 91 years.
Local Books on BARD
Check out these recently added books recorded by our fabulous volunteers and produced by KTB staff.
DBC 05137 Amelia Earhart: The legend of the lost aviator by Shelley Tanaka.
Ever since Amelia Earhart and her plane disappeared on July 2, 1937, people have wanted to know more about this remarkable woman. Amelia Earhart follows the charismatic aviator from her first sight of an airplane at the age of ten to the last radio transmission she made before she vanished. For grades 3-6.
DBC 08671 Last Wild Places of Kansas: Journeys into hidden landscapes by George Frazier.
Annotation: This book, a journey into hidden landscapes, seeks out remnants of unconscripted natural loveliness within a state. Frazier reclaims the beauty of the understated and forgotten. Award winner.
DBC 08673 Gunpowder Girls: The true stories of three Civil War tragedies by Tanya Anderson.
Annotation: With thousands of men off fighting in the Civil War, the government hired women and girls--some as young as ten--to make millions of rounds of ammunition. Poor immigrant girls and widows paid the price for carelessness at three major arsenals. Many of these workers were killed, blown up and burned beyond recognition. For grades 6-9.
DBC 29585 Courtesy Boy: A true story of addiction by Mike Matson.
Annotation: Thirty years after my last ingestion of chemicals, I inventoried the traits and behaviors connected with my addiction, chronicled my early adult life, and wrote a book. Addiction itself is not linear. It's an insidious mosaic of multi-layered behaviors, circumstances, traits, and events that leads eventually to a perspective that can only be gleaned, accurately and wholly, in hindsight. Courtesy Boy is the reconstruction of that mosaic. My motivation is to help those suffering and their loved ones connect the dots between the destructive traits and behaviors and the potential for addiction. In so doing, infuse some fresh air into the oppressive stigma that clings to addiction and mental health. Some strong language.
DBC 29587 When Everyone Leads: The toughest challenges get seen and solved by Ed O'Malley & Julia Fabris McBride.
Annotation: Leadership is not about position, or authority. It's not about big speeches or grand visions. Leadership is engaging others to solve daunting challenges. Those challenges appear in our professional lives, in our communities, our families and they seem unsolvable, beyond our ability to see what needs to be done or outside our capacity to make the changes needed. They are not. Leadership is an activity, small actions taken in moments of opportunity. As you start to look around, you learn to see more of those moments, and seize the opportunity in those moments. Most importantly, you can help others see those opportunities too. That's why everyone can lead and the real power to solve our most important challenges is when everyone leads. Commercial Audiobook.
Upcoming State and Postal Holidays
Juneteenth: Thursday, June 19. Library Closed & Postal Holiday.
Independence Day: Friday, July 4. Library Closed & Postal Holiday.
Labor Day: Monday, Sept. 1. Library Closed & Postal Holiday.
Contact Information for Kansas Talking Books
1 Kellogg Circle, Box 4055
Emporia, KS 66801
Toll-Free phone: 1-800-362-0699
620-341-6280
Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m
Email: KTB@ks.gov
Website: https://library.ks.gov/talking-books
Talking Books Talk Blog: https://library.ks.gov/blogs/talking-books-talk
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kansas.talking.books.service