by Carla Ruschival, President
The Library Users of America (LUA) is a special-interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind. Read on to learn about LUA activities and how you can be part of our growing organization.
LUA at ACB — LUA events at the 2024 American Council of the Blind conference and convention will include informative programs and discussions related to books and library services. Meet a Talking Book narrator up close and personal; learn about the latest book-related technology; discuss areas of concern with NLS decision-makers.
Library Without Walls — LUA brings its programs within the reach of every person across the United States. Our Library Without Walls conference calls on the Zoom platform are an opportunity to share good books on a designated topic. Calls are scheduled on the third Wednesday of every other month and are open to all. A complete list of books shared at each Library Without Walls event is compiled and posted on our lua-members email list shortly after the call.
LUA Link — LUA Link calls are presented at least twice a year. Speakers share important information about library issues and answer questions from participants. For example, the first LUA Link call of 2022 featured Jason Broughton, director of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. In 2024, under the direction of LUA Vice President Jane Carona, LUA plans to expand this program to include virtual training and Q&A sessions on the use of the eReaders available from NLS libraries.
LUA Ledger — “The LUA Ledger” is published at least twice a 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, and back issues will be available from our new website, now under development.
LUA Email Lists — LUA sponsors two email lists. Library-talk is open to members and non-members alike, and includes announcements of LUA events and related topics. Open to everyone, you may subscribe by sending a blank message to [email protected].
Lua-members is a low-traffic list where our members receive digital formats of the LUA Ledger and book lists from Library Without Walls. Other library- and book-related announcements are permitted.
LUA Membership — Membership in LUA is open to everyone, and is only $12 for one year or $150 for a life membership. Join now and help us continue our good work on behalf of all who like to read. Pay by credit card by calling (502) 897-1472, or make check payable to Library Users of America and mail to Adam Ruschival, Treasurer, 148 Vernon Ave., Louisville, KY 40206. Be sure to include your name, address, phone number and e-mail when paying by check.
LUA has chapters in California, Kentucky and Texas. If you live in or have ties to one of these states, we strongly urge you to join LUA through your chapter. Contact California by calling (909) 675-7415, Kentucky at (502) 897-1472, or Texas at (281) 438-9665.
For membership questions, call us at (502) 897-1472 or e-mail us at [email protected].
Thank you in advance for being part of the Library Users of America.