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Talking Books Plus/Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

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Maine State Library Outreach Services provides a variety of programs listed below for residents with disabilities. These programs are administered by the Maine State Library and funded by the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

Services and Programs

Online Talking Books Plus Catalog: The online Talking Books Plus catalog provides complete access to information about every book in the Talking Books Plus' collection. It displays the complete bibliographic record, so you can find out what books are available, what each book is about, who the author and narrator are, how long the book is, and whether a copy is available to borrow. Anyone can browse the catalog but only registered borrowers can order books. See more about the program and how to register.
BARD - Braille and Audio Reading Download: BARD stands for the National Library Service's Braille and Audio Reading Download. By registering for BARD, patrons using a digital machine can download digital books from the Internet to their computer or IOS device. Patrons with a refreshable braille display can download and read books in braille. No more mail, no more returning books, and copies are always available.; BARD Service; Instructions on how to get started with BARD and a short video.
NFB-Newsline: NFB Newsline service is available in Maine This service enables those who cannot read regular newsprint to have access to over 300 publications twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Books By Mail For Homebound Residents: Books By Mail for the homebound provides free delivery of library materials to individuals who are homebound due to disability. See Application for Books by Mail Homebound Services
Large Print: Maine State Library Large Print Service offers free large print books mailed directly to individuals who are visually impaired, and rotating collections of Large Print books to libraries who serve the visually impaired.
Talking Books: The federal Talking Books program provides free books on special media and machines to people who are blind, visually impaired, print disabled or reading disabled as certified by a proper authority.
Braille in Maine: Maine State Library Outreach arranges with the Perkins School for the Blind to have Braille library materials provided directly to eligible Maine residents without cost to users. Mainers who would like to borrow materials in Braille should contact the Perkins School directly at 1-800-852-3133.
Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD): Maine Talking Books users are eligible for the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) service from the Library of Congress.