The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), [link opens in new window]Library of Congress, administers the Braille and Talking Book Library Service, a free program that loans recorded and braille books and magazines, music scores in braille and large print, and specially designed playback equipment to residents of the United States who are unable to read or use standard print materials because of visual or physical impairment. This is a free library service

The NLS Talking Book Program (see update below) is a free library service for persons who are unable to read or use standard printed materials because of a visual or physical impairment. It is available to U.S. residents and citizens living abroad whose low vision, blindness, or physical handicap makes it difficult to read a standard printed page. Local cooperating libraries throughout the United States mail NLS audiobooks, magazines, and audio equipment directly to enrollees at no cost. Braille books and magazines are also available to patrons at no cost. If you or someone you know is interested in receiving Talking Books, please click here to fill out a request form.

Talking books and magazines and braille publications are delivered to eligible borrowers by postage-free mail and through a network of cooperative libraries. Sports and leisure publications include the following titles:

• Birding: An Introduction to Ornithological Delights
• Fishing: An Introduction to Fishing for Fun and Food
• Horses: An Introduction to Horses: Racing, Ranching and Riding
• Sailing: An Introduction to the Wonders of Sailing
• Skiing: An Introduction to the Thrills of Cross-Country and Downhill Skiing
• Sports, Outdoor Recreation and Games for Visually and Physically Impaired Individuals
• Swimming: An Introduction to Swimming, Diving, and SCUBA Diving

Search the NLS catalog [link opens in new window] for braille and talking books, Braille and large print sheet music, digital books, maps, and more.

Update:

On March 1, 2007, the National Library Service announced that C-1 and E-1 cassette players would no longer be produced. This gradual phase-out of cassette technology will make way for the production and distribution of digital talking books and players.

During the digital transition, NLS will continue to circulate and repair cassette book machines through the year 2011 until the digital transition is complete.

Read the news release about the phase-out

Read the news release about the competition to design a new digital talking book player, which will be called a "Dook".

Contact Information

The Library of Congress
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
1291 Taylor Street NW
Washington, DC 20011
202-707-5100
202-707-0744 TDD
202-707-0712 Fax
http://lcweb.loc.gov/nls
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E-mail: nls@loc.gov [link opens in new window]