Deaf iPhone Users Connect with Video Relay Interpreters

WRelay, a company based in Salt Lake City, Utah, just launched IWRelay VRS, the iPhone's first mobile video relay app. With it, deaf or hearing-impaired iPhone users can have easy video-based phone calls with hearing friends and family members. The app connects deaf iPhone users with video relay interpreters using the iPhone's new FaceTime feature.

Using FaceTime, a deaf caller communicates by sign language with the interpreter. The interpreter then translates for the hearing caller. The hearing caller's words are then signed back to the deaf caller. The company says that product testers have been overwhelmingly positive in their

feedback. The app is available for free download. Deaf and hearing-impaired callers can access video relay interpreters through the app for free as part of the FCC's Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services Fund. http://www.appscout.com/2010/07/iphone_gets_first_mobile_video.php

Ogema Public Library's Summer Reading Program

Ogema Public Library’s Summer Reading Program had 56 participating children  plus some parents that stayed to help or join in the fun! 

Ogema, Wisconsin, located in Price County, has a population of 840 people.  Jay Heims, the library director, had fun reading and doing activities with the Primary group (4-8yrs.), with the help of Sharon Klassen, volunteer.  

Susan Freiboth, library aide, did reading and active activities with the Tweens group (9-12 yrs.). Connie Grapa and Wendy Rebne had both groups at different times for a Healthy Snack/Game time.

All the participants enjoyed many different water themed activities. A hit with the Primaries was the "Sink or Float" activity with Jay.

On the last day, the Tweens had fun participating in a Pirate Scavenger hunt using written clues along with the Card Catalog to find the corresponding book which then led them onto the next clue to find the wooden "Treasure Chest" filled with goodies!

All that attended were winners!

I Love My Librarian Award

Nominate your librarian for the third year of the Carnegie Corporation of New York/New York Times I Love My Librarian Award! 

Nominations for 2010 stay open through September 20.
Nominate a librarian in a:
School Library
Public Library
College, Community College, University Library

There are nearly 123,000 libraries nationwide, and librarians touch the lives of the people they serve every day.  The award encourages library users like you to recognize the accomplishments of exceptional public, school, college, community college, or university librarians.  We want to hear how you think your librarian is improving the lives of the people in your school, campus or community.

Up to ten winners will be selected this year and receive a $5,000 cash award, a plaque and $500 travel stipend to attend an awards reception in New York hosted by The New York Times.  In addition, a plaque will be given to each award winner’s library.

The award is administered by the American Library Association with support from Carnegie Corporation of New York and The New York Times.

Questions? Contact Megan Humphrey: mhumphrey@ala.org