Indiana Talking Book & Braille Library Provides Free Library Services for Those Who Qualify
The Indiana Talking Book and Braille Library provides free library service to residents of Indiana who cannot use standard printed materials due to a visual, physical or reading disability.
Patrons may borrow braille books, digital audio books, large print books, audio magazines, and special playback equipment from the library; materials will be mailed directly to patrons’ homes. Braille and audio books are also available to download from BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) service and the BARD Mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
The Talking Book and Braille Library has been an important part of the Indiana State Library since 1934, when it became part of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled program.
NLS, established by an Act of Congress in 1931 to serve blind adults, was expanded in 1952 to include children, in 1962 to provide music materials, in 1966 to include individuals with other physical disabilities that prevent reading regular print and in 2016 to permit NLS to provide refreshable braille displays.
The NLS program is funded annually by Congress, and books and materials are mailed as “Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped” through a separate appropriation to the United States Postal Service.
Beginning with 19 libraries in 1931, the network has expanded to 55 regional libraries, 26 subregional libraries, and 16 advisory and outreach centers serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.
If you or someone you know someone who is interested in receiving more information about the TBBL program, call the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library at (574) 259-5277 ext. 1303.
Getting Started:
- Applications for Free Library Service
- Patron Manual
- National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)
Resources and Services:
- TBBL Collections
- BARD – Downloadable Books, Magazines and Music
- TBBL Catalog
- NLS Catalog
- Indiana Voices
- Indiana Vision Expo (2022 information will be updated soon)
- Summer Reading Program
- More Resources