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Library Users of America

President:
Carla Ruschival, President
Louisville, KY
(502) 897-1472
[email protected]

Membership Inquiries:
Carla Ruschival
(502) 897-1472
[email protected]

The Library Users of America (LUA) is a nationwide special-interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind. LUA advocates for accessible library services for people who are blind and visually impaired, encourages the increased use of public libraries by people with vision loss, and addresses issues related to the NLS program.

LUA at ACB

LUA meetings at the American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention include informative programs and discussions related to library services. Our annual session with a Talking Book narrator, presented in colaboration with the Braille Revival League, gives attendees an opportunity to meet the narrator and ask questions. LUA also presents sessions on the latest book-related hardware and software applications and other pertinent topics. Our programming is available to both in-person and virtual attendees through the power of ACB Media and the Zoom platform.

Library without Walls

LUA brings its programs within the reach of every person in the country who is blind or visually impaired. Our Library without Walls calls on the Zoom platform gives participants opportunities to share good books on a variety of topics. Calls are scheduled on the third Wednesday of every odd-numbered month and are open to all.  A complete list of books shared at each Library without Walls is compiled and posted on our lua-members email list shortly after the calls; lists from calls from past years are posted on our website.

LUA Link

LUA Link is expanding. Originally presented twice a year on the Zoom platform, LUA Link calls are now available on a quarterly basis. Presenters have included National Library Service representatives, experts on the use of e-readers, notable authors and more.

LUA Ledger

"The LUA Ledger" is published twice each year and is available to members in braille, large print, and on NLS audio cartridge. Digital formats are posted on our lua-members email list. Past Ledgers will be posted on our website.

LUA e-mail Lists

LUA sponsors two email lists, and each has a specific purpose.

Lua-talk is open to members and non-members alike, and includes announcements of LUA and related events. Discussion is permitted on lua-talk. Anyone may subscribe by sending a blank message to [email protected].

Lua-members is a very low-traffic list where our members receive announcements of LUA events, digital formats of the "LUA Ledger", and book lists from Library without Walls. General library- and book-related announcements and discussion are discouraged on this list. All LUA annual and life members are subscribed to this list unless they do not have a valid e-mail address or they request not to receive list mail.

LUA Membership

At-large membership in LUA is open to everyone, and is only $12.00 for one year or $150.00 for a life membership. Join now and help us continue our good work on behalf of all who like to read.

LUA Chapters

LUA has chapters in California, Kentucky and Texas. If you live in or have ties to one of these states, we urge you to learn more about your chapter's activities and how you can get involved. Contact California by calling (909) 675-7415, Kentucky at (502) 897-1472, or Texas at (281) 438-9665. Please note that chapters may have additional membership fees.

For more information, contact LUA by calling (502) 897-1472 or emailing [email protected].

Contact Us

President - Carla Ruschival, (502) 897-1472; [email protected]

Membership - Carla Ruschival, (502) 897-1472; [email protected]

California Chapter - Phill Obregon (626) 275-8815; [email protected]

Kentucky Chapter - Carla Ruschival, (502) 897-1472; [email protected]

Texas Chapter - Michael Garrett, (281)438-9665; [email protected]

Reference Room

Talking Book Narrator Erin Jones Visits with LUA

Listen to the podcast - Erin Jones answers questions at the LUA meeting at the 2020 Conference and Convention of the American Council of the Blind.

The Work of NLS Committees - LUA Link, August 12, 2020

A conversation with ACB’s representatives to the following NLS committees: Reading Technology Advisory Group (RTAG): Ralph Smitherman and Brian Charlson, and Collections Development: Susan Glass. Learn how these groups function, what they do and what LUA members can do.

 

This webpage was last updated on November 7, 2024.