AFB and AOL Explore Accessible Walking Directions

The American Foundation for the Blind and AOL's Map Quest are teaming up to create AWD - Accessible Walking Directions - provided on a small computer for visually-impaired walkers. This device could provide detailed walking directions as well as a trip planner, points of interest, and an easy route review.

The system is currently undergoing field tests in different parts of the nation and encourages community participation in the pilot. If you would like to know more about this service to how to volunteer to participate, please visit www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=42&TopicID=242.

New E-Book Reader Announced

From the MSNBC article found here: www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32082849/ns/tech_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/

New e-book reader to use AT&T network Barnes & Noble Inc. will supply digital versions of books for its device

By Peter Svensson

NEW YORK— Following in the footsteps of Amazon.com Inc.'s Kindle, another e-book reader is set to get a wireless connection from a cellular carrier, letting it access books anywhere there's a signal.

AT&T Inc. planned to announce Wednesday that it will support an electronic book reading device due early next year from Plastic Logic Ltd., a Mountain View, California-based startup based on British display technology. It marks the second significant announcement of the week for Plastic Logic, which said Monday that Barnes & Noble Inc. will supply digital versions of books for its device.

With the AT&T and Barnes & Noble deals in place, Plastic Logic will be able to match functions of the Kindle, which uses Amazon's e-book store and a wireless connection provided by Sprint Nextel Corp. But Plastic Logic's goals are quite different, according to Chief Executive Richard Archuleta. The device's screen will be nearly 8.5 by 11 inches, and its target market will be professionals who would want to display business documents in nearly full size. Reading novels would be a secondary application. "If somebody is just looking to read a book, and that's all they're going to do, they probably don't need all the capabilities in our product," Archuleta said.

For the rest of the article, please visit: www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32082849/ns/tech_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/

Digital Player Demonstrations in Athens

We have gotten several phone calls from patrons wondering why there is no demonstration scheduled for Athens. We have the players on display here in the library and invite you to come by for a demonstration. We are open Monday-Friday, 9:00am - 6:00pm and are happy to show you the players any time during our business hours.

Fall Senior Expo

The Northeast Georgia Senior Caring Network has announced the date for its Fall Senior Expo.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009
9:00am - 1:00pm
Classic Center - Athens, GA
http://www.athensseniornetwork.com/

There will be approximately 50 vendors with a variety of information on health care, assisted living, hospice, assistive technology, ramps, home improvement, financial planning, recreational activities, and more - all geared towards seniors.

Come with your family and friends and find lots of helpful information!

NEGA Senior Caring Network

The Northeast Georgia Senior Caring Network is a group of businesses and services that primarily serve senior citizens in Athens and the surrounding areas. The Talking Book Center has been a member of this group for over a year, and we are pleased to announce the group now has a website!

http://www.athensseniornetwork.com/

You can use this website to browse through the membership directory and find a business to fulfill your need or find out information on how to become a member of the group. This group also hosts two large Senior Expos a year (in April and October). Check their website or this blog for information about the upcoming Fall Senior Expo!