Texas Talking Book Program

The Texas Talking Book Program is a free Texas State Library service to Texans who are unable to read standard print material due to visual, physical, or reading disablilities.This program is available to all patrons – whether disabilities are permanent or temporary.

The Collection:

The program loans books and magazines in digital cartridge, recorded cassettes, large print and Braille books. Like a public library, there are thousands of titles in a wide variety of categories, including classics, romances, science fiction, mysteries, westerns, children’s selections, and more. The collection now includes over 80,000 titles and has reading materials for all ages from beginning readers to older adults.

In addition, there are magazines in a special format. You may choose from more than 70 different magazines: Reader’s Digest, Newsweek, Guidepost, and Texas Monthly, to name a few. Plus there is a special collection of books by Texas authors, books about Texas, and books in Spanish.

The Equipment:

The special equipment you need to listen to the recorded books and magazines is provided by the program. The equipment is on loan to you for as long as you use the service.

Book(s) Delivered Directly To You:

Best of all, the books are delivered right to your door. All of the items are sent and returned through the mail free of charge. Make your selection from a variety of catalogs, or let one of our reader consultants assist you. You may contact the Texas Talking Book program by phone, mail, or e-mail.

The Disability Reference Center – Available to Texas Residents:

The Talking Book Program’s Disability Information & Referral Center (DIRC) is a free reference service provided for anyone with a disability-related question, including the general public, teachers, counselors, family members of persons with disabilities, and other interested persons. You do not have to be a member of the Talking Book Program in order to use the services provided by the DIRC. For more information, call toll-free: 1-800-252-9605.

Eligibility Requirements:

The Talking Book Program is available not only to Texans with visual impairments, but also to those who have physical or reading disabilities. The disability may be permanent or temporary.

Qualified patrons include Texas residents of all ages who:

* are legally blind (vision in the better eye is 20/200 or less after correction, or the widest diameter of visual field is no greater than 20 degrees).

* have prescription glasses, yet are unable to read standard print material without additional magnification devices.

* have physical limitations that prevent them from holding books or turning pages.

* have reading disabilities due to an organic dysfunction, as certified by a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.).

How to Register:

To begin using the free service, you need to complete an application and have it certified by the Director of the Cooke County Library.

For more information or an application:

Call the Cooke County Library at 940-668-5530.

OR

Call toll-free: 1-800-252-9605 (Austin area call: 512-463-5458)

Write to:
Talking Book Program
Texas State Library & Archives Commission
PO Box 12927
Austin TX 78711-2927

Or e-mail:
tbp.services@tsl.texas.gov

To download an application online, click on: www.TexasTalkingBooks.org

Comments or complaints:

Comments or complaints regarding programs and services of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission may be addressed to:

Director and Librarian
P.O. Box 12027
Austin, TX 78711-12927
Phone: 512-463-5460
Fax: 512-936-0685

The Talking Book Program is funded nationally and by the State of Texas. It is a division of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and part of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped – Library of Congress.