[Libs-Or] Oregon Talking Books to halt mail service

[Elke Bruton]

Hello Oregon Library Friends,

The State Library has made the very difficult decision to stop circulating TALKING BOOKS by mail at this time. I will post the message sent to our patrons and stakeholders below. Obviously this decision was not taken lightly and was agonizing to make, but at this time, we feel that an abundance of caution is the right thing to do right now.

Most of our staff is working remotely. As of today, only Joel Henderson and I remain in-person in the Talking Books division of the State Library. We are still managing calls and emails and will be offering more phone and email assistance for any patrons who are interested and able to explore BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) as an option.

Stay safe,
Elke Bruton



Dear Talking Book & Braille Library User,

Out of an abundance of caution, and in the interest of safety, the Talking Book & Braille Library will cease mailing books, effective immediately.  We advise you to hold onto the books you have now until the current COVID-19 pandemic resolves.

We are still receiving calls and emails, but because most staff are telecommuting we are not answering live calls.  You may still submit requests, address changes, and other account updates, but call backs and email replies will be limited.

If you are able, please consider our download-on-demand option BARD as an alternative during this time.  New BARD accounts and step-by-step instructions can be found using these links:


-         Create a new BARD account<https://nlsbard.loc.gov/cgi-bin/public/nlsbardprod/accountrequest.cgi?libcode=OR1A>

-         Step-by-step download instructions<https://www.oregon.gov/library/print-disabilities/Pages/BARD-Help.aspx>

We very much appreciate the gravity of this decision.  It was not an easy one to make.  But we all need to do our part.  Operations will resume as soon as we can ensure the safety of all concerned.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.


__________
Elke H. Bruton, MLIS
Program Manager
503-378-5455 | www.oregon.gov/TalkingBooks<https://www.oregon.gov/library/print-disabilities/pages/default.aspx>
Follow us: Facebook<http://fb.me/StateLibraryOR> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/StateLibraryOR> | Pinterest<https://pinterest.com/statelibraryor/>

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