Friends of MD State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

03/14/2026

Maryland State Library Agency
MSLA Logo

My Tech News
Spring 2026 Edition.
A service of the Technology User Group at the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled. Feel free to share this newsletter.

Double Tap: Your One-Stop Source for All Things Accessible
If you want to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of accessibility, the Double Tap podcast is one of the smartest and most entertaining ways to do so. This daily show covers everything from screen readers and smart speakers to kitchen gadgets and cutting-edge tech that makes life easier for everyone.You can listen using any podcast app or simply ask your favorite voice assistant to play the latest episode. Curious about past discussions or want to connect with a lively, around-the-clock community? Visit www.doubletaponair.com to explore archives and join the conversation.And here’s the real treat: Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, the dynamic duo behind Double Tap, will be joining the Technology User Group (TUG) on April 11th. Their blend of insight, humor, and real-world experience makes accessibility not just understandable but genuinely fun. See the Events section of this newsletter for joining details.

Ninite
Ninite.com is a website that allows users to immediately download the latest versions of media players, web browsers, conferencing apps and more. Simply check the boxes of the programs you would like to install on your computer and go. On this site, you do not have to worry about tracking cookies, hidden ads or malicious bots. It’s safe, easy, and even accessible!

Advanced Features of the Victor Reader Stream 3
If you are the owner of a Humanware Victor Reader Stream 3 (third generation), you know it includes advanced features, such as playing EPUB material (electronic publication), Audible books, connecting to TuneIn, and many other special skills. On May 9th, the Technology User Group (TUG) will look at how to use these tools, making the purchase of your machine much more enjoyable. Joining information can be found in the Events section of this newsletter.

Two-Finger Double Tap
Among the many gestures that make Apple’s VoiceOver such an effective tool, the two-finger double tap stands out as one of the most versatile. Often called the “magic tap,” this simple gesture performs different actions depending on what app you are accessing, allowing users to control their device with speed and confidence. The main function of the two-finger double tap acts as a universal play/pause command. Whether you’re listening to music, streaming a podcast, or playing an audiobook, a quick tap with two fingers instantly starts or stops the audio. This eliminates the need to hunt for on-screen controls, allowing for smoother multitasking.

The two-finger double tap’s usefulness also extends beyond media. When receiving a phone call, a double tap with two fingers answers the call; performing this gesture again hangs up the conversation. In apps that support recording, such as Voice Memos or certain note taking tools, the two-finger double tap starts or stops a recording, offering an easy way to capture thoughts or audio on the go.

AppleVis
AppleVis.com is the place to go to learn about new, accessible apps for your iDevice. You can also check out a complete list of preferred apps to aid in everyday life. Need help getting started with your new Apple device? AppleVis can help with this as well. Just visit the website at AppleVis.com for resources providing answers to many of your questions. In addition, you can subscribe to the AppleVis podcast at AppleVis.com/podcasts, which provides updates on Apple’s services and offers practical advice on using the latest changes to the Apple operating system.

Some of the most commonly reviewed apps are those pertaining to games. We will look at these latest offerings on Saturday, June 10th, at the Technology User Group (TUG) meeting. For joining information, please see the Events section of this newsletter.

Marylanders Online
If you need accessibility assistance on a PC or smartphone, Marylanders Online may be able to help. The Tech Support Helpline is open to provide free tech support, digital resource navigation, and connection to local partner services.

Marylanders Online Tech Support Helpline may be contacted Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., by phone at 301-405-9810 (toll-free 1-866-206-8467) or by email at MarylandersOnline@umd.edu. You can also visit their website at https://marylandersonline.umd.edu.

Accessing Kindle Material: Opening New Doors to Reading
March is National Reading Month, a perfect reminder of why stories, research, and lifelong learning matter so much. As patrons of the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, we know the reality: only a fraction of published books ever make it into audio format. Sometimes the title we need for research isn’t recorded. Sometimes our favorite author has a book that is not available in audio. And sometimes we just want to explore genres that don’t always make the bestseller lists.

That’s where Kindle becomes a game changer.

The Kindle app offers a vast resource of books far beyond what’s available in audio alone, and it comes packed with accessibility features designed to make reading easier and more flexible. Even better, many Kindle titles can be read aloud using an Alexa device, turning your smart speaker into a personal reading companion.

This July, the Technology User Group (TUG) will take an in-depth look into both the Kindle app and the Alexa reading skill. Join us on Saturday, July 11th, for a hands-on look at how these tools can expand your reading world. You’ll find all the joining details in the Events section of this newsletter.

TUG Events
All Technology User Group (TUG) meetings can be joined via Zoom:

https://marylandlibraries.zoom.us/j/6562037293

Meeting ID: 656 203 7293

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One tap mobile +13017158592,,6562037293 #

Upcoming TUG Topics:

April 11: Double Tap with Steven Scott
May 9: Advanced Features of the Victor Reader Stream 3
June 13: Latest iOS Games
July 11: Kindle App and Skill
Most Recent Podcast Recording
Listen Now! https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fanchor.fm%2Fmdstatelibrary%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019cec705f57-6a0d302e-a3c0-4578-b5d5-29e840cd69fd-000000/90Z3s7P-LUNrVsNAUVBexCYV8wVeVcrnrr1TcN_lPd8=448

03/12/2026

Hello LBPD Patrons,

We're thrilled to invite you to our 2026 Virtual Hike to vibrant Mexico! This incredible program combines reading, cultural exploration, and interactive activities so you can experience exciting new stories and ideas while “walking” through a themed adventure from the comfort of your home.

Once you register, get ready to track your reading, listening, and activities throughout April. Every step you take moves you closer to completing the challenge! Dive into themed events, fun games, and on-demand activities, all at your own pace.

The program is open to all LBPD patrons and families, and it's super flexible, so everyone can join in however they like. Whether you love audiobooks, braille, podcasts, cultural activities, or hands-on experiences, there's something amazing for everyone!

How to participate:

Register for the Virtual Hike

Track your reading and activities throughout the program
Join events or complete on-demand activities
Reach the challenge goal to complete the hike
Everyone who completes the program will earn a special reward to celebrate their amazing achievement!
Are you ready to start your adventure? We can't wait for you to join us!

Visit the Virtual Hike page to learn more and register:

https://msla.maryland.gov/Pages/Virtual%20Hike.aspx

Join us on the trail. Register now to read, learn, and explore together!

If you have questions or need help with registration, please contact:

ashley.biggs1@maryland.gov or call 410-230-2430.

An official website of the State of Maryland.

03/10/2026

TUG Meeting Announcement
The Hable One
This program will begin at 10 a.m. and will be recorded.

On Saturday, March 14th, the Technology User Group (TUG) is putting the spotlight on two breakthrough tools that are changing how people interact with their smartphones: the Hable One and the Hable Easy Smartphone Remote Controllers.

These compact, affordable devices were originally designed for individuals with neuropathy and other physical challenges, but their impact goes far beyond that. They make smartphone use faster, easier, and more intuitive for anyone who prefers tactile control over touchscreens.

You’ll get a clear look at:

What each device can do
How they differ in design and function
Which one might be the best fit for your needs

Expect hands-on insights, lively discussion, and practical takeaways you can use right away.

This TUG isn’t just another tech demo — it’s your chance to experience cutting-edge tools, ask questions, and connect with a community that’s passionate about technology and empowerment.

Call in Number:

1-301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 656 203 7293​ #


One tap mobile
+13017158592,,6562037293 #


Webcast:

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

03/07/2026

Hot News!

Maryland LBPD Joins with Hadley to Offer Free Services
Cooking Classes, Vision Loss Support, Recreation Activities, and More!

The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD), a division of the Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA), is proud to announce a new partnership with Hadley, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing resources, social connection, and support to individuals experiencing vision loss.

Through this partnership, Maryland LBPD patrons will gain access to Hadley’s wide range of resources at no cost. With Hadley’s on-demand and live services, patrons will have access to daily living skills, recreation, braille education, and employment tools. Hadley also provides its members with a supportive peer community where they can share experiences and insights as they live with vision loss.

Some offerings from Hadley include:

Daily living courses that cover reading, cooking, orientation & mobility, labels, guide dogs, and more.
Adjusting to vision loss courses that cover various eye health concerns, seeking medical assistance, and communication tools for families.
Recreation materials that cover gardening, gaming, birding, sports & exercise, and crafting.
Technology education courses that cover Android, iOS devices, computers, books & TV, and smart speakers.
Braille education by touch and by sight.
Employment skills workshops covering assistive technology, how to talk with employers about low vision and blindness, and how to navigate common software applications.
Hadley was founded in 1920 by William Hadley, an educator who lost vision later in life. As a 501 (c)(3), the Hadley organization does not charge for services and relies on donations and sponsorships to provide services across the nation and in 100 other countries. Services are provided online, by phone, or by mail. Since its relaunch in 2020, Hadley has helped over 100,000 individuals and aims to reach 1 million people by 2030.

“We are truly excited by this partnership,” Ashley Biggs, Marketing and Outreach Librarian for the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, said. "LBPD’s mission is to be more than a provider of books. We aspire to connect our library patrons with the tools and resources they need to thrive. This partnership helps us do that.”

The library is encouraging all patrons, regardless of age, to take advantage of Hadley’s offerings.

To gain access to all of Hadley’s free resources, please navigate to: https://bit.ly/HadleyMD.

Providing your information will enable Hadley to contact you and tailor services to your needs. If you’re having difficulty navigating the Hadley website, please contact Ashley.Biggs1@maryland.gov (410-230-2430).



About Hadley

Hadley is a non-profit founded in 1920 that provides practical help, support, and community for individuals living with vision loss. Through its programs, individuals can connect with peers and services via phone, online, or by mail.

About Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled:

The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) provides comprehensive library services to individuals who cannot access traditional print materials due to visual, physical, or reading disabilities, including dyslexia. Reading materials are delivered by mail or direct download. LBPD also offers community engagement opportunities, assistive technology training, and college textbook conversion. Services are free to qualified Marlanders.

For additional information, contact:

Ashley Biggs/Marketing & Outreach Librarian

(667) 209-1563 | (410) 230-2430

ashley.biggs1@maryland.gov

About the Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA)
As the state library agency for Maryland, MSLA administers state and federal funds to support Maryland libraries in their mission to offer outstanding resources, programs, and excellent customer service. The State Library Resource Center, located in the central branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, serves as Maryland’s state library. MSLA has oversight of the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled; Maryland’s Public Libraries; the State Library Network including the three regional libraries; the Library Capital Grants Programs; and the Deaf Culture Digital Library.

Maryland Libraries: Inspiring Library Innovation.

03/07/2026

LBPD Bi-Monthly Newsletter
March/April 2026
Library Contact Information:

lbpd.maryland.gov | reference.desk@maryland.gov | 410-230-2424

Technology User Group - Learn. Discuss. Share.
Technology User Group - hands reading an electronic braille reader.

Technology User Group
The next three Technology User Group meetings will be held on:

Saturday, March 14 - Hable Smartphone Remote Controller
Saturday, April 11 - Double Tap podcast hosts
Saturday, May 9 - Advanced Features of Victor Reader Stream 3
All meetings begin at 10:00 a.m. and can be accessed by phone or Zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting:

Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 656 203 7293

Call in Number:
1-301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 656 203 7293​ #

One Tap Mobile:
+13017158592,,6562037293 #

Podcast - Learn. Discuss. Share.
Podcast - microphone on black background

Listen to the latest podcast!
Listen to the latest podcast here
Youth Highlights
Youth Highlights
Checkmate! The Maryland LBPD Youth Chess Club

The inaugural session of the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) Youth Chess Club saw strong initial participation. Two youth, accompanied by their families, joined Coach Marc as he introduced the fundamentals of the game. It may have been the coldest day of the new year, but inside LBPD, youth were warming up as Coach Marc provided an overview of the basics, helping new participants understand board setup, piece movement, and core strategies. The next Chess Club meeting is scheduled for April 25 at 10:30. Come and join us! Register here to be part of the fun for the next Chess Club.

Chess isn't just a game; it's a doorway to new skills, connection, and pure enjoyment! Check out these excellent reading selections from LBPD.

The Queen’s Gambit
Walter Tevis
DBC 17656
Shy, plain Beth Harmon loses her mother at age 8 in Lexington, KY, and is sent to an orphanage. Beth is lonely and unhappy, despite the medications given to the children to keep them manageable. One day, she discovers the janitor playing a strange game in the basement, and they gradually become friends as he teaches her the game of chess. Beth becomes obsessed with the game and, at age 16, is competing in national chess competitions. But while she rises in the ranks of the professional circuit, her personal and emotional life suffers. [Adult Reading Level]

Chess: Beginner to Expert
Larry Evans
DB 10323
An international grandmaster presents a step-by-step technique of learning to play chess. Includes notation, basic openings, game studies, and other advice.

Winning Chess Tactics & Strategies
Ted Nottingham
DB 52571
Presents tactics and techniques for playing this ancient board game. Discusses openings, middlegame and endgame strategies, forks, pins, skewers, and examples from the games of world champions. For grades 5-8 and older readers.

The Middle Game in Chess
Reuben Fine
BR 006029
A world authority turns his talents to the heart of chess, the middle game. Emphasizes developing the ability to analyze a position and to proceed accordingly. Includes sections on mating attacks; combination play; handling superior positions, even positions, and inferior positions; continuation of the openings; and transition to the endgame.

April Events
2026 Virtual Hike: Mexico
The 2026 Virtual Hike invites participants on a month-long, accessible cultural journey through Mexico and Mexican American heritage. Running from April 1, 2026, through April 30, 2026, this virtual experience allows participants to take part in a reading and cultural exploration challenge designed to engage the senses, spark curiosity, and build community.

The hike is open to individuals of all ages!

Learn more about the hike here.

Magazines
Magazine Highlight
Please contact the library to subscribe to this or any other magazines. The following magazine is also available on BARD.

American Indian

Featuring Native American art and culture, this publication engages readers with diverse articles on the histories of American Indian nations and the contemporary challenges facing Native peoples across the Western Hemisphere. Quarterly via audio.

Hadley Logo
Hadley Partnership
The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD), a division of the Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA), is proud to announce a new partnership with Hadley, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing resources, social connection, and support to individuals experiencing vision loss.

Through this partnership, Maryland LBPD patrons will gain access to Hadley’s wide range of resources at no cost. With Hadley’s on-demand and live services, patrons will have access to daily living skills, recreation, braille education, and employment tools. Hadley also provides its members with a supportive peer community where they can share experiences and insights as they live with vision loss.

Some offerings from Hadley include:

Daily living courses that cover reading, cooking, orientation & mobility, labels, guide dogs, and more.
Adjusting to vision loss courses that cover various eye health concerns, seeking medical assistance, and communication tools for families.
Recreation materials that cover gardening, gaming, birding, sports & exercise, and crafting.
Technology education courses that cover Android, iOS devices, computers, books & TV, and smart speakers.
Braille education by touch and by sight.
Employment skills workshops covering assistive technology, how to talk with employers about low vision and blindness, and how to navigate common software applications.
To gain access to all of Hadley’s free resources, please click on this link. Providing your information will enable Hadley to contact you and tailor services to your needs. If you’re having difficulty navigating the Hadley website, please contact Ashley.Biggs1@maryland.gov (410-230-2430).

Spotlight: AppleVis
DA2
AppleVis.com is where you can learn about new accessible apps for your iDevice. You can also check out a complete list of preferred apps to aid in everyday life. Need help getting started
with your new Apple device? AppleVis can assist with this, too, by helping you become familiarized with your iDevice’s accessibility features and answer many of your initial questions. Visit AppleVis.com to learn more.

Metropolitan Washington Ear
The Metropolitan Washington Ear, Inc. (MWE) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization incorporated under the laws of the state of Maryland. MWE provides reading and information services, and training for blind, visually impaired, and physically disabled people who cannot effectively read print, see plays, watch television programs and films, or view museum exhibits.

The Ear’s services are available to anyone qualified as unable effectively to read ordinary print because of visual or physical limitations. To sign up for service, call (301) 681-6636, fax us at (301) 625-1986 or email us at info@washear.org. Be sure to include your name, address and telephone number. You may also use our online application for services at application for services.


Welcome Spring
Collection Highlights
Women’s History

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré, by Anika Denise

DB 112410

Nonfiction picture book about the life and legacy of Pura Belpré, the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City. For grades K-3.

Wise Gals: the Spies who Built the CIA and Changed the Future of Espionage, by Nathalia Holt

DB 113006

In the wake of World War II, four agents were critical in helping build a new organization that we now know as the CIA. Adelaide Hawkins, Mary Hutchison, Eloise Page, and Elizabeth Sudmeier, called the "wise gals" by their male colleagues because of their sharp sense of humor and even quicker intelligence, were not the stereotypical femme fatale of spy novels. Wise Gals sheds light on the untold history of the women whose daring foreign intrigues, domestic persistence, and fighting spirit have been and continue to be instrumental to our country's security.

Women in White Coats: How the First Women Doctors Changed the World of Medicine, by Olivia M. Campbell

DB 112026

In the early 1800s, women were dying in large numbers from treatable diseases because they avoided receiving medical care. Examinations performed by male doctors were often demeaning and even painful. Motivated by personal loss and frustration over inadequate medical care, Elizabeth Blackwell, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson and Sophia Jex-Blake fought for a woman's place in the male-dominated medical field. Women in White Coats tells the courageous history these women made by becoming doctors, detailing the boundaries they broke of gender and science to reshape how we receive medical care today.

New Collection
Marylandia Updates
U.S. History

September Mourn: the Dunker Hill Church of Antietam, by Alann Schmidt narrated by Susan Rittenhouse

DBC 12477

Dunker Church is one of the most iconic structures of the American Civil War and one of the most notable houses of worship in American military history. On September 17, 1862, during the battle of Antietam, two mighty armies grappled across the rolling hills, fields, and woodlots surrounding Sharpsburg, Maryland. The ensuing combat killed, wounded, or left missing more than 23,000 Union and Confederate soldiers. Ironically, the small whitewashed building dedicated to peace, equality, and the brotherhood of man stood in the epicenter of the bloodiest day in American history. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the full story of the monumental battle and the community who lived through it.



Dirty Machine?
Keeping your NLS talking book machine clean helps ensure clear sound, smooth button function, and long-term reliability for patrons. Regular light cleaning also prevents the buildup of dust and debris in high-touch areas. Always turn off and unplug the machine before cleaning.

Wipe the exterior with a soft, slightly damp cloth (water only); dry immediately with a clean cloth.

For sticky spots, use a cloth lightly dampened with mild soap and water—never spray liquid directly onto the machine.

Gently clean around buttons and speaker openings with a dry, soft brush or microfiber cloth.

Do not use alcohol, bleach, ammonia, aerosol sprays, or abrasive cleaners.

Never submerge the machine or allow moisture inside ports, jacks, or the cartridge slot.

Collections Connections
Collections Connections is an e-newsletter assembled by the staff of the Collections Division of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) to highlight books and resources of diverse interest that NLS patrons can download instantly from BARD, the Braille and Audio Reading Download website.

To sign up, you can use the subscription box below or send your name and email address to the Collection Connections team at connections@loc.gov. (You can also unsubscribe yourself from Collections Connections at any time.)

Follow us on Social Media:
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This service is provided to you at no charge by Maryland State Library Agency.
You may have received this message as part of a listserv. Listserv subscription settings and options are controlled by the listserv owner and are not affiliated with the Maryland State Library Agency.

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.

03/01/2026

Save the Date!

Annual Fall Hikeathon Planned for September 2026...

On Sunday September 27 at 4PM Robyn Hughes and Janet Sanford will host the Friends of LBPD annual Hikeathon fundraiser at the Hilton Area of the Patapsco State Park in Catonsville! This is always a fun event. We have beautiful early fall good weather for it, and it’s a nice walk in a peaceful leafy park with a Braille Trail filled with informational signs, outdoor musical instruments, birdhouses, and scented herb raised beds for investigation. The roped hike is accessible to all, and less than a quarter-mile loop. We usually go around it a few times and then convene at picnic tables nearby for a shared dinner. It’s a great way to get to know folks from the LBPD community and to contribute to the Friends of LBPD. To reach the park: it’s a jaunt around the Baltimore Beltway to exit 13 north to Frederick Road. Just follow Frederick Road up to the light at Rolling Road and make a left. Follow Rolling Road west and watch for signs for the Hilton Area of Patapsco State Park. Make a right into the park and stop at the Ranger shack. After paying a contribution of $3 the Ranger will direct you to the Hilton area. If the light and the weather hold out, there are other trails and hikes throughout the park. Plenty of parking as well. Hope to see you there!

This info will be repeated on this page closer to the date.

02/07/2026

LBPD Event: Online Safety for Parents
Two Free Zoom Events

These events are being held in partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The events are free, but registration is required. At this time, neither event will be recorded.

Goals for both presentations include:

Opening and supporting continuing conversations about healthy relationships, accurate information, and red flags.

Helping adults to aid children in developing critical skills such as empathy, critical thinking, problem-solving, rejection skills, and reaching out for help.

Learning how to report incidents.

Learning the skills to be a trusted adult.

Learning the skills to be an upstander

Let's Work Together: NCMEC Online Safety Trends and Resources
Thursday, February 12, 2026; 6:00 p.m. EST

This presentation will give an overview of NCMEC programs while highlighting the most critical trends in online child sexual exploitation and prevention, providing essential insights for community members. Topics covered will include online enticement, sextortion, and Generative AI. Register here.

NetSmartz: Internet Safety: Parents, Guardians & Community
Thursday, February 26, 2026; 6:00 p.m. EST

This presentation aims to provide participants with helpful information, prevention tools to protect their children, and best practices for responding to their child if something happens. Register here.

If you have questions, please get in touch with the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled.

The library can be reached at reference.desk@maryland.gov or via phone at 410-230-2424.

01/24/2026

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MSLA Logo

TUG Meeting Announcement
Elizabeth Whitaker of Freedom Scientific
This program will begin at 10 a.m. and will be recorded.

On Saturday, February 7th at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) is proud to welcome Elizabeth Whitaker of Freedom Scientific for an in‑depth presentation you will not want to miss. This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the leading voices behind the tools so many rely on every day.

Elizabeth will walk us through the newest updates to JAWS and ZoomText, including:

The redesigned login process that streamlines access and improves security;
Page Explorer, a powerful feature that enhances navigation and efficiency; and
Training resources and podcasts that are available to all users, offering ongoing learning and support.
This session promises practical insights, expert guidance, and a firsthand look at features that can make a real difference in daily technology use. This is your opportunity to experience cutting-edge tools, ask questions, and connect with others passionate about technology and its impact.

The presentation will begin at 10 AM and last sixty minutes.

Who should attend?

Individuals who are considering buying screen reading software
People who train using the Fusion Suite
Current JAWS and ZoomText users
Call in Number:

1-301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 656 203 7293​ #


One tap mobile
+13017158592,,6562037293 #


Webcast:

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

01/24/2026

LBPD Event: Online Safety
Two Free Zoom Events
These events are being held in partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The events are free, but registration is required. At this time, neither event will be recorded.

Goals for both presentations include:

Open and support continuing conversations about healthy relationships, accurate information, and red flags.
Helping adults to aid children in developing critical skills such as empathy, critical thinking, problem-solving, rejection skills, and reaching out for help.
How to report
Being a trusted adult
Being an upstander
Let's Work Together: NCMEC Online Safety Trends and Resources
Thursday, February 12, 2026; 6:00 p.m. EST

This presentation will give an overview of NCMEC programs while highlighting the most critical trends in online child sexual exploitation and prevention, providing essential insights for community members. Topics covered will include online enticement, sextortion, and Generative AI. Register here.

NetSmartz: Internet Safety: Parents, Guardians & Community
Thursday, February 26, 2026; 6:00 p.m. EST

This presentation aims to provide participants with helpful information, prevention tools to protect their children, and best practices for responding to their child if something happens. Register here.

If you have questions, please get in touch with the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled.

The library can be reached at reference.desk@maryland.gov or via phone at 410-230-2424.