TALKING BOOKS
DEFINITION
Talking Books is a free reading program for blind and disabled individuals sponsored by the National Library Service, and funded by federal, state and local sources. Books, magazines, and some music materials are produced in audio and Braille. There is also a digital format available called BARD, Braille and Audio Reading Download, which enables Talking Books patrons instant access by downloading materials to a flash drive, mobile phone or tablet.
ELIGIBILITY
Any age individuals with a temporary or permanent visual or physical impairment or reading disability who find reading standard print a challenge are eligible for this service.
Anyone who, because of a physical disability (either temporary or permanent), is unable to use normal print is eligible for this service. The disability may be due to blindness, partial vision, the inability to hold a book, or any other condition which precludes reading normal print.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must be citizens of the United States or its territories. At all times, preference is given to the needs of honorably discharged veterans. The application forms are available from the Talking Books Consultant or may be downloaded or completed and emailed directly from the Kansas Talking Books information on the State Library of Kansas website. A certifying authority must sign the application.
EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS
After the completed application has been sent to Emporia and processed, patrons will either be sent a specialized machine and cartridges with multiple books and magazines or be able to immediately download books using BARD, Braille and Audio Reading Download. Specific reading materials can be selected from Talking Books Topics available online or in audio format published six times per year. Braille materials are listed in the Braille Book Review. Books can also be sent automatically to patrons from a list of preferred subject areas as noted on the application form.
RETURN OF MATERIALS
Talking Books cartridges are issued on a turn around basis. As the book cartridges are returned, new ones are automatically sent out. They are returned postage-free through the U.S. Mail in plastic containers marked Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped. When a patron receives their book cartridge, the accompanying address card is turned over to reveal the return address of the Kansas Talking Books Regional Library in Emporia.
RETURN OF EQUIPMENT
Equipment remains the property of the U.S. Government, National Library Service, and must be returned when no longer in use by qualified patrons. Return of the equipment is the responsibility of the user. Machines can be returned postage-free in the original container; simply flip the address card over and mail it to the Regional Library in Emporia.
Those not having the original box and address should call the Special Needs Consultant at 800-279-3219 for instructions, or drop the machine off at an SEKLS library. For efficiency of return and to guarantee greater numbers of returns, SEKLS libraries will be considered drop-off sites.
MUSIC MATERIALS
In addition, persons interested in learning about music may receive materials directly from the Music Section of National Library Service. Music scores, textbooks and books about music are available in Braille and harmonic are available in recorded form. Elementary instruction for voice, piano, organ, guitar, recorder, accordion, banjo and harmonica are available in recorded form. Recorded music for recreational listening is NOT available through this program.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE LIST OF SPECIAL NEEDS ITEMS
RELATED SEKLS SERVICES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS
RECREATIONAL THERAPY AIDS
The Recreational Therapy Aids collection is intended to enhance programs at senior living centers, for individual use in home recovery programs, and for inter-generational use in activity programming with children and adults. The collection includes videos, group games, low vision games, musical instruments, and coordination and exercise equipment. For a list of items in the collection, contact the Special Needs Consultant at SEKLS, or see the SEKLS website
Items are available to individuals and institutions through interlibrary loan from SEKLS. Patrons request items at their local library.
PRINT/BRAILLE AND PRINT/BRAILLE/PICTURE BOOKS
A special collection of childrens print/Braille and print/Braille/picture books is available. These may be used by blind children with sighted parents, blind parents with sighted children, or adults with worsening low vision needing to evaluate the possibility of using Braille.
Print/Braille/picture books replicate with clear Braille overlays the text of the story. All original illustrations are included. Print/Braille books have lines of Braille with text duplicated below. Bibliographies of these books are on the SEKLS website . Contact the Special Needs Consultant at SEKLS for more information.
Local Resource Links
Southeast Kansas Library System
218 E Madison
Iola, KS 66749
Hours
Monday-Friday 8-4:30
Phone
(620) 365-5136
Toll Free
Fax
(620) 365-5137
Location
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