Trisha Rao

Feature Story
“It’s such a pleasure
to know that we’re
truly helping people.
If we’re able to
give back some of
the tremendously
positive feelings
we get from the
people who use our
service, then that’s
a success.”
to read. It’s a crucial service
since, unlike traditional
library patrons, talking
library users aren’t able to
examine book covers, peruse
dust jackets, or thumb
through pages to determine
if they want to read a certain
book. In order to offer the
most personalized service
possible, each reader works
exclusively with a limited
number of users. “People
get comfortable with their
reader advisor,” says Fisher.
“Their conversations allow
the advisors to develop an
understanding of a user’s
interests and taste in books.”
Roughly 200 volunteers
donate their time to the
Arizona Talking Book Library,
working in the recording
studio reading, editing, duplicating, and reviewing
books, repairing digital equipment, doing community
outreach, and offering clerical support to the staff. “I
think our volunteers like it here because it gives them
the opportunity to learn something new,” Fisher says.
“It’s a social experience. They meet new people and they
feel good because they know they are helping people. My
hope is that they recognize how much we value them. We
couldn’t do this without them.”
Recorded books are stored and shipped
to patrons in specialized blue containers.
Fisher, the staff, and the volunteers are constantly
thanked by those who use their services. “We get several
letters a week,” Fisher says, recalling a letter from a
lifelong reader who wrote, “When I lost my vision, I
thought I couldn’t read anymore. Now I can read again.”
Fisher says letters like this are the biggest reward.
“It’s such a pleasure to know that we’re truly helping
people,” she says. “If we’re able to give back some of the
tremendously positive feelings we get from the people
who use our service, then that’s a success.”
For more information about the NLS, including a
directory of talking libraries and how to register as a user,
visit www.loc.gov/nls. For more information about the
Arizona Talking Book Library or to volunteer, visit
www.azlibrary.gov/talkingbooks. •
14 Story Monsters Ink | June 2016 | StoryMonstersInk.com