The Latest News from the Arkansas Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
Spring 2026, Volume 21


Issue Contents


Summer Reading Program 2026

The 2026 Summer Reading Program is about to begin! The theme for this year is "Unearth a Story" and there will be reading challenges, activities and giveaways from June 15 to August 11. Join us this summer as we discover all the stories that can be unearthed through activities and reading!

We will soon be sending Summer Reading packets to our juvenile patrons that include reading and activity challenges as well as mail‑and‑make crafting materials. Everyone who participates by reading or completing activities has a chance to win prizes!

If you or your child would like to sign up for Summer Reading, give us a call at 501‑682‑1155 or Toll‑Free: 1‑866‑660‑0885.


Adult Summer Reading Program

Calling all adults who want to participate in Summer Reading and have a chance to win a gift card! This summer, the National Library Service, in partnership with the Braille Institute Library, invites you to participate in their 2026 virtual Summer Reading Program.

There are two exciting ways to participate:

Adults can register online for the entire Summer Reading series or by calling 888‑245‑2471 to register by phone.

To be eligible for gift card drawings, patrons need to read 5 books or attend 3 of the virtual programs between June 15 – August 11. You can call or email us with your list of books read or programs you attended, and you will be entered into the drawing.


DA2 Virtual Office Hours

If you have questions about the DA2 reader, feel free to drop in to one of our Zoom sessions! These are designed to be an informal open forum where patrons can come to ask any burning questions that they have about the new player.

Dates and times:

You can call us to request the Zoom link or dial in using a touchtone phone at 1‑312‑626‑6799 with the Meeting ID of 397 900 0365.


Braille Calendars

If you would like a pocket or wall‑sized braille calendar for 2026, it's not too late to contact us! The library has a small supply of extra calendars for anyone who may have missed the subscription window.


Talking Book Topics

This is a reminder that NLS produces a bimonthly list of new titles called Talking Book Topics that can be accessed in several ways. Patrons can subscribe to receive it automatically on cartridge or through BARD. You can also access the HTML and printable PDF through the NLS website. Finally, Talking Book Topics is available as a publication on NFB-Newsline.

If you are interested in subscribing to this publication, please give us a call!


Audio Description at the Theatre

Did you know that the Arkansas Repertory Theatre includes one Audio Described performance for each of their plays? This is typically scheduled for the second Saturday evening performance.

The following dates are set for their Summertime Season:

If you want to purchase tickets or have any questions, contact the Box Office at 501‑378‑0405.


Book List: Soccer Books

Just in time for the World Cup, below is a list of books about soccer!

Recommended Books about Soccer
DBC Number Title Author Description Date
DB 128523 Messi Mania Luis Miguel Echegaray Discover the seismic effect Leo has had on Major League Soccer and global soccer, woven through with fascinating insights into his family background, childhood, teenage years, and career to date. 2024
DB 80424 Why Soccer Matters Pele International soccer legend Pele explores the history of the sport and provides insights into soccer's role connecting and galvanizing players around the world. 2014
DB 105172 The Barcelona Complex: Lionel Messi and the Making‑and‑Unmaking of the World's Greatest Soccer Club Simon Kuper A financial journalist explores FC Barcelona's rise, spotlighting Johan Cruyff and Lionel Messi. Unrated. 2021
DB 91771 Red Card: How the U.S. Blew the Whistle on the World's Biggest Sports Scandal Ken Bensinger A journalist investigates FIFA's 2015 corruption scandal involving wire fraud, racketeering, and money laundering. Unrated. 2018
DB 86015 When Nobody Was Watching: My Hard‑Fought Journey to the Top of the Soccer World Carli Lloyd with Wayne Coffey Star of the US Women's National Soccer Team shares her life and career story, including a pivotal moment when she considered quitting soccer. Strong language. 2016
DB 95014 Wolfpack: How to Come Together, Unleash Our Power, and Change the Game Abby Wambach In her 2018 Barnard commencement speech, the soccer star urges women to unite, embrace their power, and be wolves not Little Red Riding Hood. Unrated. 2019
DB 86577 Forward: A Memoir Abby Wambach Wambach shares how prioritizing soccer success to gain love and approval led to struggles with identity, purpose, and addiction after her retirement. Strong language. 2016
DB 16992 My Life and the Beautiful Game: The Autobiography of Pele Pele with Robert Fish Rags‑to‑riches biography of the famous Brazilian soccer player who has captured the respect and imagination of the lovers of the sport. 2007
DB 12134 The Education of an American Soccer Player Shep Messing with David Hirshey Messing relates anecdotes about his Bronx childhood, Harvard education, participation in the Munich Olympics, and career with the New York Cosmos. 1979
DB 21056 The Arco Book of Soccer Techniques and Tactics Richard Widdows Introduction to playing the game of soccer. Provides instruction on goalkeeping, on individual skills such as passing, dribbling, heading, and tackling, and on team tactics in offense and defensive situations. 1984
DB 90974 The Language of the Game: How to Understand Soccer Laurent Dubois A professor at Duke University sets out to give readers a primer on the game of soccer, including the game's history, positions, tactics, and fandom. Arranged in chapters named for key positions. 2018
DB 71423 Outcasts United: A Refugee Soccer Team, an American Town Warren St. John Describes American‑educated Jordanian coach, Luma Mufleh's efforts to establish soccer teams for refugee boys in Clarkston, Georgia. 2009


Popular Bard Fiction

Popular Titles
DBC Number Title Author
DB 103718 Project Hail Mary Andy Weir
DB 134328 The Invisible Woman James Patterson & Susan DiLallo
DB 133042 The Widow John Grisham
DB 131887 Theo of Golden Allen Levi
DB 132396 The Secret of Secrets Dan Brown
DB 131733 Brain Damage Freida McFadden
DB 133660 The Proving Ground Michael Connelly
DB 133584 The Intruder Freida McFadden
DB 133207 Gone Before Goodbye Reese Witherspoon & Harlan Coben
DB 133328 Nash Falls David Baldacci
DB 134741 The Baby on my Doorstep Miranda Smith
DB 133326 Exit Strategy Lee Child & Andrew Child
DB 134019 The Switch Elmore Leonard
DB 129105 The Correspondent Virginia Evans
DB 134782 My Husband's Wife Alice Feeney
DB 133034 Coyote Hills Jonathan & Jesse Kellerman
DB 133329 Return of the Spider James Patterson


Library Staff

Manager: Natalie Marlin

Reader's Advisors:
Jeff Kersey, Covering last names A–K
Kelly Smith, Covering last names L–Z

Machine Circulation: Rachel McBroom
Children's Programmer: Thomas Sepe


Contact Information


Hours & Holiday Closings

The Arkansas Library for the Blind and Print Disabled is open Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Upcoming holiday closings: