A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE BAINBRIDGE SUBREGIONAL LIBRARY FOR THE BLIND & PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED OF SOUTHWEST GEORGIA
The Subregional Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped of Southwest Georgia is a part of your public library and the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, serving Baker, Brooks, Colquitt, Decatur, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Thomas and Worth counties. We do not endorse any product or service mentioned in this newsletter. (229) 248-2680, 1-800-795-2680, or [email protected] Staff: Susan Whittle, Director and Subregional Librarian, Kathy Hutchins, Supervisor, Arlene Freeman, Tammy Lindsey February 2009
February is Black History Month
There are many African-Americans who have contributed to our everyday lives. George Washington Carver discovered the use of peanuts, soybeans, crop rotation and developed hybrid cotton, along with other agricultural improvements. Booker T. Washington became the head of the Tuskegee Institute and raised funds to establish schools and colleges to educate black Americans. Mae Jemison became the first black astronaut and flew into space on the Endeavor space shuttle. Collin Powell and Condoleezza Rice have great political strides for our country. We owe a portion of our freedom in this country to the Tuskegee Airmen who fought for us overseas during WWII. We honor Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., who for the many efforts for equality in the United States. He was also the youngest man ever awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. There are too many to list, but we remember Rosa Parks, Sammy Davis, Jr., Oprah Winfrey, Mohammed Ali, Alex Haley, Ray Charles, Hank Aaron, Louis Armstrong, Bill Cosby and Maya Angelo.
The newest African American we add to our list is President Barack Obama who was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States on January 20, 2009.
February is Macular Degeneration Awareness Month
Macular Degeneration is a common eye disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects such as reading and driving. Risk factors include: Women tend to be at greater risk than men. Whites are much more likely to lose vision than blacks. Smoking may increase your risk. Those with immediate family members who have macular degeneration are at a higher risk.
Technology Update
The Digital Television Transition
After February 17th, 2009, all full power broadcast television stations will broadcast only in digital format. Digital Television (DTV) is a broadcasting technology that will enable broadcasters to offer television with better picture and sound quality. More information about the transition to digital television broadcasting can be found at: http://www.dtv.gov
Consumers with older, analog TVs (including outside antennas and “rabbit ears”) will need to get separate digital-to-analog set-top converter boxes to continue to receive TV signals.
Converter Box Coupon Program
Until March 31, 2009, all U.S. households may request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of up to two, digital-to-analog converter boxes. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has responsibility to administering the coupon program. (Please note that these coupons will expire 90 days after mailing).
The Federal Communications Commission recently published a pamphlet on video descriptions and the digital television transition for consumers, entitled FCC Consumer Advisory: Video Descriptions and the Digital Television Transition, this three-page large-print pamphlet is available online at: www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/dtvvideodescription.html. It is also available free upon request in audio, Braille, and electronic text. To request a copy contact:
Federal Communications Commission Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau 445 12th Street SW Washington, GA 20554 888-225-5322
Braille Calendars
We still have a few Braille Calendars left. If you would like a Braille calendar please call and let us know. We will be glad to send you one.
Read-Alike Authors
Sandra Brown Tom Clancy
Jennifer Blake Larry Bond Catherine Coulter Dale Brown Jude Deveraux Larry Collins Heather Graham Stephen Coontz Iris Johansen Harold Coyle Jayne Ann Krentz Clive Cussler Judith McNaught Len Deighton Barbara Michaels Nelson DeMille Amanda Quick Joseph Finder Karen Robards Ken Follett
Bainbridge Subregional Library Free Reading Matter F/T Blind & Handicapped F/T Blind & Handicapped Southwest Georgia Regional Library U. S. Mail 301 South Monroe Street Do Not Cancel Bainbridge, GA 39819
Winner of the 2002 National Library Award From the Institute of Museum & Library Service
Hours: Monday 9am to 8pm Tuesday 9am to 6pm Wednesday 9am to 6pm Thursday 9am to 7 pm Friday 9am to 6 pm Saturday 9am to 4 pm
Southwest Georgia Regional Library System
Phone: (229) 248-2680 1-800-795-2680 Email: [email protected] Fax: 229-248-2670
Information presented in this newsletter will be provided in alternative formats upon request.
Online Catalog for ordering library books: www.klas.com/glass Call the library for your log-in and password.
NOTE: Please submit information or news that you would like to share to Kathy Hutchins.