Types of Braille and Talking Book Library Services
The Braille and Talking Book Library offers a wide range of services. Seven typical services are listed.
- Books are offered in Braille and recorded formats for all ages and include bestsellers, classics, mysteries, biographies, westerns, poetry, history, and other subject areas commonly represented in public library collections. Materials are available in English and many other languages.
- Magazines are sent to customers on a subscription basis and include more than 100 popular titles, such as "Southern Living" and "Sports Illustrated."
- Equipment needed for the service is loaned to customers by the Library. Special cassette and record players are required since books and magazines are recorded at slow speeds that will not play on standard commercial equipment.
- Catalogs are mailed bimonthly to inform customers about new books and magazines added to the collection. Recorded book customers usually receive Talking Book Topics, while Braille readers most often subscribe to Braille Book Review. These catalogs are used to select and order reading materials. A complete book catalog is also available at the NLS Web site.
- Bibliographies listing books available in recorded or Braille formats covering specific topics, such as Humor or Fishing, are produced to assist customers in selecting books of interest.
- Music materials, such as scores and musical textbooks in Braille and large print, are available directly from NLS.
- Print and audiovisual materials on the subjects of blindness, disability, and rehabilitation are available for research and public education.