March / April 2021 | Volume 39 Issue 2
Audio-Reader is #fightingisolation
The video above gives an overview of Audio-Reader's impact on our community through the lens of #fightingisolation. Social isolation is a widespread health crisis in the United States and throughout the world. The pandemic has increased the social isolation of our listeners, a group that was already at high risk.

Audio Reader fights isolation by providing real voices that connect our listeners to news and information from their communities. The familiar voice of a volunteer that cares is Audio-Reader #fightingisolation.

Thanks to volunteer Tracy Harrison for providing her voice talents for our video!
Lawrence Studio Update
WOW! It has been one year since we closed the studios and moved to fully remote operations. We have started to hear from volunteers who have received their vaccine (congrats!!) and are eager to get back into the studio. We want to give you an update on what we know and don’t know about 2021.

We DO NOT know when we will be able to re-open the studios. KU has said we will remain remote through May, at least. We are confident that volunteers will be allowed back on campus and in studios sometime in 2021 (probably late summer/early fall). Hurray! We are looking forward to being back in the office and seeing our regular Lawrence volunteers again.

We also know that things will be a lot different and lots of patience will be required as we return to the studios in a way that is safe for everyone. Pre-pandemic over 200 volunteers used the studios each week. Starting back that number may be as small as 25 volunteers per week. We will need to create multiple safety precautions including cleaning and air circulation time between each studio use.
Here are a few things we DO know about re-opening:
  • The social aspect of volunteering at our lovely Baehr studios will be limited until we can visit safely. Volunteers will be encouraged to proceed straight to their studios for their reading assignments, with limited greeting and visiting.
  • There will be no coffee bar and we ask volunteers to refrain from eating while at Audio-Reader. It is hard to snack with your mask on😊 Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own water bottles or beverages.
  • Everyone has to wear a mask when on campus, inside or outside. The only exception will be when you are in a studio with the door closed and are actively reading.
  • Studio times will be limited to allow for cleaning and airing out between uses.
  • You may not come to the studio if you have any symptoms. No temperature, no cough, no headache etc.
  • We will have one staff member on site at a time to open the building and support volunteers.
  • We will not be open evenings or weekends.
  • No live or partner readings.

Things we DON’T know:
  • WHEN exactly we will/can open. We will not open until all staff that want a vaccine have had the opportunity to get the vaccine. We are anticipating a late summer/early fall phased re-opening.
  • What the studio and building cleaning protocol will be.
  • How many studio appointments will be available each day.
  • When live and partner readings will resume.
  • When all staff will be in the building full-time.

As with everything during the pandemic, re-opening timelines and protocols may (and probably will) shift dependent on the course of the pandemic. Many of our procedures and our timeline will be dictated by KU. They are doing their best to keep staff, students and the public safe. We miss Audio-Reader just as much as you do. We are doing our best to plan a phased re-opening that leads to a sustainable, vibrant and safe Audio-Reader!
HUGE Success!! One Day. One KU.
Thank you to everyone who supported our 2021 One Day. One KU. campaign! We're continuously amazed by the dedication and generosity of our volunteers and donors, and this year wasn't any different - YOUR support made this our most successful One Day. One KU. campaign to date; we raised over $24,250 in just one day. 

We also want to say a very special thank you to the generous donors who contributed the matching gifts and challenge gifts: Melinda and Tom Kearney, and an anonymous donor. Your One Day. One KU. campaign gifts go directly towards our mission to share the gift of sight through sound and towards our special pandemic focus of fighting isolation in our listeners. 
Photo Caption: Tom and Melinda Kearney sponsored the Wayne Morris Memorial Matching Gift in memory of Melinda's father Wayne Morris (pictured). A "homegrown Kansan," Wayne loved staying connected with his rural roots, small town papers, and had a love of reading throughout his life. 
Virtual Volunteer Connections
We are missing our volunteers! As always, you can join us for our weekly Virtual Coffee Bar chats.

Wednesdays at 2 PM via Zoom

Password: biscotti

Interested in talking shop?
We have calls for Audacity users and Telephone Reader!! 
Audacity Chat

We had a great time visiting in January. Let's do it again!!

Wednesday, March 24th
10 AM via Zoom

Password: 8644600
 
This will be an informal sharing of information and techniques between volunteers and staff.
Telephone Reader Roundtable

If you read for Telephone Reader we would like to chat with you! Just an informal conversation to connect and address any concerns/issues you have.

Friday, March 26th
11 AM via Zoom

Password: 8644600
Got Swag?
Masked and socially distant Audio Sale staff and volunteers in the midst of Audio Equipment, Cameras, Monitors and lights.
Audio-Reader wants to Help Promote YOUR Business

We have a win-win opportunity for anyone who wants to support Audio-Reader and their favorite business! Many marketing and vendor opportunities have been lost due to the pandemic, and Audio-Reader needs swag for prize winners at our online sales, Thank You totes, appreciation items, etc. If you have swag available, we'd love to help you share it! Please contact Beth or Meredith for more information.