We've got some news and interesting articles to share with you.

The number 1 BARD download for November was The Heart Of The Matter by Emily Giffin, DB 71280 [NYPL] Tied for a distant second: Split Image by Robert B. Parker, DB 71123 [NYPL] and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling, DB 48437 [NYPL].

On Tuesday, December 14, Art Education for the Blind conducted a holiday crafts workshop for blind and visually impaired persons. Some wonderful crafts were created. Art Education for the Blind periodically conducts programs and workshops at the library, and we'll be announcing them here, on Facebook, Twitter, and in our newsletter as they're scheduled.

E.A.R.S. for Eyes distributes free instructional audio tapes for seniors with low vision on handy topics like "Marking the Stove and Microwave," "Managing Medications," and "Indoor Mobility." Call 1-800-843-6816 or stop by the library for a sample.

Chancey Fleet, a volunteer who runs the library's Computer Support Clinic, gives her perspective on being blind in New York City.

Why Can Some Blind People Process Speech Far Faster Than Sighted Persons?: Scientific American.

Letters from Santa, now in braille! Santa has partnered with the NFB to send blind children under 10 braille letters—straight from the North Pole. Request a letter for your child before 12/20 on NFB's website.

"Haptic Braille" wins a Red Dot Award for Design Concept 2010. The mouse-sized device would scan & OCR print text, and translate it to braille on a surface display. Cool! (Too bad it's not something you can buy—at least not yet!)

Holiday Closings

The Library will be closed on Saturday, December 25 for Christmas, and on Saturday, January 1, 2011 for New Year's Day. You'll still be able to leave a voicemail message and we'll get back to you as soon as we can once we reopen on Monday, January 3.