Talking Books Program

Talking Books is a Federally-funded program which provides recorded books and special players free to persons who are blind, visually impaired, print disabled (cannot hold a book) or who have a doctor-certified reading disability.

This program is 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).

How does a person register?

• Fill out an application for individuals at the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS). Note: applications must be signed by an appropriate certifying authority - please read the instructions carefully!
• Print and mail this application to:
  Outreach Services
  Maine State Library
  64 State House Station
  Augusta, Maine 04333

How does Talking Books work?

1. Once a patron or institution is registered, he or she will receive a digital audio player with controls for varying the sound, along with instructions on how to use it.
   • Digital player features
   • Talking Books borrowers manual,pdf;32kb; Manual in Word, 39kb
2. Registered patrons and institutions may use the NLS Catalog - Simple Search for specific titles, or they may ask to have them sent automatically, based on pre-selected categories.
3. How to request Talking Books: 5 different ways:
   • BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) Information
   • Order by phone: Call the library any time Monday through Friday from 8 to 5, toll-free at 1-800-762-7106
   • Order by US postal mail: Printable Request Form
   • Order online with the Online Request Form using your printed catalogs
   • Browse the Online Local Catalog and order online.
4. See Frequently Asked Questions for more information.