IDB Library

06/01/2026

Our partners at the NLS and the Braille Institute are hosting a fantastic virtual summer reading program called for teens and adults called “Unearth a Story.” If you’re already signed up for our program, great! But if you want to take your summer reading a step further, you can add this national program to your calendar, too. 😀

Ready to unearth a story this summer?

We’re thrilled to announce that we have been selected by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) to curate and host the 2026 Summer Reading Program. This nine-week literary experience is designed for readers who are blind or have low vision, but anyone, anywhere is welcome to participate. No library card required!

Join us as we discover stories hidden in landscapes, archives, family histories, science, and lived experience through virtual author conversations. We’ll also be exploring four National Parks through a new Narrated Soundscapes series, with a new episode dropping every other week.

The Summer Reading Program officially kicks off on June 15th. Don’t miss out—sign up today on our website! https://bit.ly/43jFn7G

Image Description: A dark green banner features the headline "Unearth a Story" with the Braille Institute logo and the National Library Services logo beneath the text. The banner sits over a faded antique map background.

05/30/2026

The Iowa Library for the Blind is heading to the Des Moines Farmers' Market! 🌽Join us from 7:00 am – 12:00 pm on 3rd St near Johnny's Hall of Fame for a fun braille activity designed for readers of all ages. Whether you're a lifelong pro or just curious about how braille works, come discover its practical (and fun!) uses. We can't wait to see you there!

05/29/2026

🚀 BIG NEWS! Thrive Thursday is officially open to the public!

Are you or is a young adult you know aged 14–21 ready to get inspired about the future? Join us in person or virtually via Zoom for our Thrive Thursday: Career Lab Series! 🌟

Why join us?
✔️ Hear firsthand success stories from amazing professionals.
✔️ Discover powerful library accessibility tools, resume tips, and career planning resources.

We have an incredible lineup of mentors, including Christina Freeman (Teacher of the Visually Impaired) and Dr. Cody Silker-Wilhite (Guthrie County Hospital Pediatrician)! From navigating medical school to championing student success, they’re sharing the real-world advice you need to kickstart your journey.
🎟️ It’s completely FREE but, please fill out the form below so we have an accurate count on how many attendees to expect and be able provide a Zoom link.

🔗 Head to the link to register today! https://iowadeptblind.wufoo.com/forms/r1in65fd0116m65/

05/29/2026

IMC FAQ Friday: 2026/2027 College Materials

Each Friday the Instructional Materials Center Team will provide answers to questions asked by educators throughout the week in the IMC FAQ Friday post. We hope these are helpful as schools place orders for students who need accessible educational materials. The Instructional Materials Center assists college students in obtaining accessible educational materials. Students are responsible for requesting materials for class and need to start gathering this information as soon as they know what classes they are taking....

Each Friday the Instructional Materials Center Team will provide answers to questions asked by educators ... Read more

05/28/2026

Library News 2.0: May 2026

Greetings, readers, and welcome to the second episode of our May 2026 Library News. May has arrived in full bloom—bringing warmer days, greener landscapes, and a welcome stretch of sunshine. The ups and downs of early spring are beginning to settle, making it easier to get outside and soak in the season. With everything coming to life and a little extra energy in the air, it’s the perfect time to discover something new....

Greetings, readers, and welcome to the second episode of our May 2026 Library News. May ... Read more

05/27/2026

🚨 ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT! 🚨 Parents, the countdown is officially on. Registration for our 100% FREE "Unearth a Story" Summer Reading Program closes on May 30th!
Don't let your kids miss out on the ultimate 8-week global mystery. As Junior Explorers for the Prehistoric Investigation Agency (P.I.A.), they will join Denise, Josh, and Kate on Zoom to help track down our missing tricentennial mascot, Digby!
📦 Did we mention the FREE Explorer Pack? When you register, we ship a physical kit right to your door packed with:

• Custom textured Agent Thermos & dinosaur drawstring bag
• 24 official footprint clues & tracking wristbands
• A dinosaur egg to hatch & an "Adopt-A-Dinosaur" companion
• Free tickets to the Blank Park Zoo!

Keep the "summer slide" at bay with hands-on STEM, creative art projects, character building, and amazing weekly guest speakers (Mon/Wed/Fri, 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM).
The trail goes cold in 3 days and we need to finalize our shipping list. Secure your child's spot and claim their gear before it's too late!
⏳ Register Your Junior Detective Here:https://iowadeptblind.wufoo.com/forms/rwoelk21rj46wp/
🦖 Full Program Details: https://iowalibrary.blog/programs/summer-reading-program/

05/27/2026

Weekly Dose of Braille

Spaces Used as Separators The Weekly Dose of Braille is created by our Youth Services Librarian and Braille Transcriber, Denise Bean, with the help of our Instructional Materials team. It gives you a taste of braille examples that may be used in worksheets or textbook formatting. It is a miscellaneous mixture of tricky, sometimes challenging circumstances, that a braille transcriber may come across or question....

Spaces Used as Separators The Weekly Dose of Braille is created by our Youth Services ... Read more

05/22/2026

IMC FAQ Friday: Summer Shipments

Each Friday the Instructional Materials Center Team will provide answers to questions asked by educators throughout the week in the IMC FAQ Friday post. We hope these are helpful as schools place orders for students who need accessible educational materials. Our library ships materials during the summer. You will receive an email notification when your materials are shipped. Please ensure that there is a designated person at the school who is aware that shipments will be arriving....

Each Friday the Instructional Materials Center Team will provide answers to questions asked by educators ... Read more

05/21/2026

You’re Invited: Smart Speaking to the Smart Speaker

Tonight, Thursday, May 21th, at 6:00 p.m. (CST) the Patron Engagement Section of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) will hold its monthly virtual program called Smart Speaking to the Smart Speaker on Zoom. The topic for May will be Creating the Personalized Experience: Effectively Setting Volume, Speed and Tone in the My Talking Book Skill on Alexa....

Tonight, Thursday, May 21th, at 6:00 p.m. (CST) the Patron Engagement Section of the National ... Read more

05/20/2026

🗓️ Thrive Thursday is almost here! 🚀
Are you ready to plot and plan your future career? We have an incredible lineup of guests ready to inspire you this summer! Here is a sneak peek at our first three weeks:
🍳 June 11: Debra Erickson, founder of The Blind Kitchen, shares her favorite accessible kitchen tools and her inspiring professional journey. 🌿 June 18: The team from Serenity Massage & Energy Works dives into wellness, self-care, and all-natural ways to stay well. 🦎 June 25: Lenora Hagen takes us into the exciting world of entrepreneurship to share how she built her unique business, Toadally Awesome Pets!

Ready to join a session? Sign up today! https://iowadeptblind.wufoo.com/forms/r1in65fd0116m65/
🔗 Click the link to register and check out the full 6-week summer lineup: https://iowalibrary.blog/programs/summer-reading-program/

Toadally Awesome Pets Serenity Massage & Energywork The Blind Kitchen