Maryland State Library Agency

On Saturday, December 13th, the Technology User Group (TUG) delved into the cutting-edge development of wearable technology in a dynamic Zoom session that promises to inform, inspire, and spark conversation. From smart glasses to safety-enhancing wearables, we discussed:

This episode features Dr. Josh Briley, a licensed clinical psychologist with more than twenty years of experience and a Fellow of the American Institute of Stress. Dr. Briley specializes in trauma-informed care, compassion fatigue, and stress management, and has trained first responders, health care professionals, and community groups across the country. His work with the Bureau of Prisons and the Veterans Health Administration provides deep insight into the mental health needs of men, and he is a strong advocate for men’s mental health. He also brings expertise in cranial electrotherapy stimulation and Integrated Behavioral Health, guiding providers and patients in innovative approaches to managing anxiety, insomnia, and pain. Stress remains a critical topic during the winter holidays. It is not a personal failure; it is a biological response that every person experiences. The focus lies in how individuals manage it, how they recover, and the support they use along the way. Anyone in crisis who needs immediate help should call 988.

Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Deputy Secretary Dana Burl joined the MSLA Guest Hour to discuss the Department's services and resources, partnerships with public libraries and other topics.

The Technology User Group (TUG) welcomes you to our annual holiday gift presentation! It is that time of year when you start asking yourself, “What do I want for the holidays, and what do I want to give to others?” We think we have the answer for you as we present our annual look at Assistive Technology Gifts for the Holidays. Take a look at this year’s featured gadgets and gizmos for everyone from toddlers to seniors. Vendors will also be there to showcase the products they think you will enjoy. Who should attend? Individuals who want to learn what’s new in the assistive technology world. People who are shopping for unique and useful holiday gadgets. Tech enthusiasts.

November is American Diabetes Month, and it's a time to raise awareness about a condition that affects more than 38 million Americans and nearly one in three adults with prediabetes. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Osagie Ebekozien of the American Diabetes Association to discuss how diabetes affects millions of lives and what’s being done to improve care and outcomes.

On Saturday, September 27, at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) discussed the latest changes coming to the iPhone’s operating system (iOS 26). Will these changes aid in accessibility or prove to be just hype? Who should listen?

Every year, we prepare our little ones for Kindergarten through public and private programs. Dr. Nykia Washington from the Maryland State Department of Education joins us to discuss the importance of early childhood education.

With a new school year upon us, Brittany Tignor joined the MSLA Guest Hour to discuss the role of school libraries in the Maryland library ecosystem, school and public library partnerships, and the many ways that school librarians prepare students for success.

Technology User Group (TUG) profiled recent changes to the NLS website and equipment. The DA2 will soon be going out to qualified patrons who can utilize the player’s advanced options. Learn what the DA2 can do well, what’s different from the previous player, and what may surprise you. BARD 2.0 is the new NLS website for NLS’s Maryland patrons. Many changes have occurred, and these new features will be showcased.

The Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA) is pleased to welcome Lynn Wheeler to the MSLA Guest Hour. Lynn recently completed her second and final term on the Maryland State Library Board. Previously, she worked for decades in libraries across the country before retiring as Executive Director of Carroll County Public Library in 2018.

The Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA) was pleased to welcome Baltimore Orioles Director of Community Engagement Valencia Hike to the MSLA Guest Hour podcast. Tune in as Valencia discusses all the ways the Orioles are partnering with Maryland libraries - and shares details about Summer Reading Program Night on August 12 at Camden Yards.

On Saturday, July 12, at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) took an in-depth look at Alexa Plus and showcases recent Alexa skills. These skills cover a wide range of topics from games to services. The presentation will begin at 10 AM and last sixty minutes. Who should attend?

On the latest episode of the MSLA Guest Hour, Maryland State Fair Assistant General Manager David Gordon joined us to discuss what's new this year, how the Fair partners with libraries across the state, the award-winning Barnyard Bedtime Stories program and other topics.

In this episode of LBPD Guest Hour, we dive into the importance of Maryland’s state parks and how residents can enjoy them year-round. We explore why these parks are vital for protecting natural resources like forests, waterways, and wildlife, and how they serve as educational spaces that promote environmental stewardship.

On Saturday, June 14th, at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) had two guest speakers. First was Rebecca Rosenberg, an engineer, and the Founder and CEO of ReBokeh Vision Technologies, Inc. Creator of the ReBokeh See Your World app, she taled about its functionality and future plans. This app is designed for people with low vision, allowing them to enhance their visual experiences in real-time using their smartphone cameras. It offers customizable filters to adjust contrast, color, brightness, and other visual elements, helping users see more clearly. Next, Michael Battista from HumanWare talked about the Prodigi software for Windows. The paid software features adjustable magnification, text-to-speech, and customizable contrast modes. The software is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, allowing individuals to personalize their experiences.

The Improving Health Care Access and Engagement for Veterans and Service Members with TBI Morbidity (IHEAL) program is a Department of Defense-funded initiative aimed at enhancing healthcare access for Veterans and Service Members with traumatic brain injury (TBI)- related conditions. By integrating research, community engagement, and implementation science approaches, I-HEAL addresses healthcare inequities and ensures that those impacted by TBI receive the support and services they deserve.

On Saturday, May 10th, at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) highlighted resources for technology news and information and where to find live, human assistance. They foucsed on all aspects of tech: getting assistance for the newly blind, technical assistance for products, resources for finding assistive technology tools, as well as examples of what assistive technology products can do and updates on what’s happening in the world of assistive technology. In addition, TUG turned 18! Come and learn the history of the group, and hear about some of our milestones along the way. Who should attend?

On Saturday, May 10th, at 10 AM, the Technology User Group (TUG) highlighted resources for technology news and information, and where to find live, human assistance. We focused on all aspects of tech: getting aid for the newly blind, technical help for products, resources for finding assistive technology tools, as well as examples of what assistive technology products can do and updates on what’s happening in the world of assistive technology. In addition, TUG turns 18! Learn the group's history and hear about our milestones.

In this episode of the LBPD Guest Hour Podcast, we’re joined by Patti Dorn, Associate Commissioner of the Consumer Education and Advocacy Unit at the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA), for an important conversation about life insurance. Host Ashley Biggs and Patti break down what life insurance is, why it matters, and how it can offer peace of mind and financial protection for your loved ones. Patti explains the different types of life insurance policies available, how to determine what coverage might be right for you, and what to consider when shopping for a policy. The Maryland Insurance Administration plays a key role in protecting consumers by regulating insurance companies and ensuring fair treatment through oversight of licensing, claims practices, and rates. Patti also shares how MIA helps consumers resolve complaints and understand their rights under Maryland insurance laws. Whether you're new to life insurance or just need a refresher, this episode offers clear, practical guidance in an easy-to-follow format.

Pro Bono Counseling® (PBC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation founded with the goal of connecting uninsured and under-insured low-income Marylanders with compassionate and qualified mental health professionals who provide care on a volunteer basis at no cost. Roxanne Melgar, LCSW-C, serves as Interim Executive Director of Pro Bono Counseling, bringing over two decades of experience as a volunteer therapist with the organization. She currently guides the organization through its leadership transition while ensuring continuity of services. Previously, she worked as a program and clinical director at TurnAround and So Others Might Eat and plays a key role in PBC’s Terapias Initiative for Spanish speakers (Pro Bono Counseling Announces Interim Executive Director - Pro Bono Counseling).