Free Library Services
The Talking Book Program provides free library services to Texans
who are unable to read standard print material due to visual, physical,
or reading disabilities-whether permanent or temporary. In 2005,
the program served more than 20,000 Texans either individually or
through institutions (schools, nursing homes, hospitals) .
Eligibility
The Talking Book Program is available not only to Texans with visual
impairments, but also to those who have physical or learning disabilities
that prevent them from using standard print.
Qualified patrons include Texas residents of all ages who:
- are legally blind (vision in the better eye is 20/200 or less
after correction, or the widest diameter of visual field is no
greater than 20 degrees);
- have prescription glasses, yet are unable to read standard print
material without additional magnification devices;
- have physical limitations that prevent them from holding books
or turning pages; or
- have reading disabilities due to an organic dysfunction, as
certified by a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.).
To Register
To begin using our free service, you need to complete an application
and have it certified; eligibility requirements are listed above.
If you need more information or an application, please call us
toll free at 1-800-252-9605 or in the Austin area at 512-463-5458.
Write to us at PO Box 12927, Austin TX 78711-2927, or send an e-mail
message to us at: tbp.services@tsl.state.tx.us
Our Collection
Like a public library, we
have 80,000 thousand titles available in a wide variety of categories,
including classics, romances, science fiction, mysteries, westerns,
children's selections, and more. Our books, however, are provided
in different formats, mainly on cassette, but also in braille and
large print.
In addition, we have magazines in special formats. You may choose
from more than 80 different magazines: Reader's Digest, Newsweek,
Guideposts, and Texas Monthly, to name a few. Plus, we have a special
collection of books by Texas authors, books about Texas, and books
in Spanish.
Best of all, our books are delivered right to your door. All of
the items are sent and returned through the mail free of charge.
Make your selections from a variety of catalogs or let one of our
reader consultants assist you. You may contact us by phone, mail,
or e-mail.
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Equipment
We provide special playback equipment that is needed to listen
to our recorded books and magazines. The equipment is on loan to
you for as long as you use our service.
Machines may also be purchased from other sources. For information
on purchasing machines, call the Disability Information and Referral
Center toll free at 1-800-252-9605 or in the Austin area at 512-463-5458,
or go to the NLS factsheet "Sources for Purchase of Cassette Players
and Player-Recorders Compatible with Recorded Materials Produced
by the National Library Service (NLS)" at http://www.loc.gov/nls/reference/factsheets/sources.html.
Disability Information & Referral Center
The Disability Information & Referral
Center of the Talking Book Program is available to assist the
general public with questions about disabilites: the Americans with
Disabilities Act, adaptive equipment, rehabilitation services, advocacy
and support groups, sources for large-print and braille reading
materials, and adaptive technology. Call our toll-free number for
more information.
A Word from Our Patrons
"When my vision deteriorated much of the fun of life also disappeared.
The Talking Book Program restored much of the zest of living."
"Your program has enlightened my mother's life!"
". . . I send my heartfelt thanks. I wish there was some way
that I could express the love in my heart for you who give of
yourselves daily to provide for those of us who see too poorly
to read . . ."
For more information, call us at 1-800-252-9605
Talking Book Program
Texas State Library & Archives Commission
PO Box 12927
Austin TX 78711-2927
1-800-252-9605 (in Texas)
512-463-5458 (in Austin)
512-936-0685 (fax)
tbp.services@tsl.state.tx.us
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