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Talking Book Program - National Library Service (NLS)

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Learn More About This Program

Through the Talking Book Program, people who are unable to read standard print can access over 100,000 titles, including popular books and magazines, all for free through their local library.

What is the Talking Book Program?

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), part of the Library of Congress, offers a free Talking Book Program for people of all ages who have trouble reading standard-sized print because of a disability.

Books are read aloud by real people and turned into audio recordings called ‘talking books’. The talking book collection includes more than 100,000 titles, including popular books you’d find in libraries or bookstores, magazines, sheet music, and much more.

You can get talking books in two ways:

Download them using Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD). BARD is a free service from NLS that can be used on a computer or through the BARD Mobile app on a smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android).
Receive them by mail on a cartridge. NLS also provides a free player that is specially designed to play these cartridges.

Each state in the U.S. has a library that is part of the National Library Service (NLS) network. Once you’re signed up for the Talking Book Program, your state’s NLS library will provide you with talking books, a free player, and other materials you may need. If you don’t live near the library or have trouble getting there, everything will be mailed to you at no cost.

Am I eligible for the Talking Book Program?

To be eligible for the Talking Book Program, you must have a reading or visual disability. This includes blindness, visual impairment, or having a physical disability that makes it hard to read regular print—like trouble holding a book or focusing your eyes.

To qualify, you must have certification from a professional such as a doctor, nurse, therapist, or social service worker who can confirm that you are unable to read standard-sized print.

How do I apply for the Talking Book Program?

To apply for the Talking Book Program, you need to fill out an application form. You can get the form from an NLS-affiliated library in your state or download and print it here:

Once the application is filled out and signed by a professional (to confirm your disability), send it to the NLS library that serves your area. You can find a library online or by calling NLS at 888-657-7323 (888-NLS-READ). Most libraries accept applications by email, mail, fax, or in-person, but how you submit it may depend on the library in your state and how close it is to you.

What if I need help applying?

If you have questions about the Talking Book Program or other services provided by the NLS or need help applying, people are ready to assist. You can:

Call the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled at 800-424-8567 or email nlsref@loc.gov for help.
Find a library near you within the NLS network. Staff will be able to answer your questions and help you through the application process.

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