Welcome

to the

TexasTalking Book Program

 Library services for blind and physically
disabled Texans
a service of the Texas State Library and Archives
Commission

Providing free library service to Texans of all ages who are unable to read standard print material due to visual, physical, or reading disabilities-whether permanent or temporary.

Our books are available on digital cartridge, Braille, large print, and cassette, and we loan playback equipment to be used with TBP materials. Our materials can also be downloaded from the Web via BARD by registered readers. And best of all, books are delivered right to your door. All of the items are sent and returned through the mail free of charge. The program offers more than 80,000 titles in fiction and nonfiction, plus 80 national magazines for adults and children.

Hours: 8am-5pm Monday-Friday
1-800-252-9605 Toll-free in Texas,
512-463-5458 or in Austin

E-mail: tbp.services@tsl.state.tx.us

TBP Blog: https://www.tsl.state.tx.us/texastalkingbooks/

Texas Talking Books will be closed on the following holidays:

2013

• Monday, December 31 and Tuesday, January 1 ~ New Years Eve and Day
• Monday, January 21 ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Monday, February 18 ~ Presidents’ Day

 Of course, you can always leave a message if you call after hours or on a holiday or email us at tbp.services@tsl.state.tx.us

Texas State Library and Archives Commission News (TSLAC)

DTBM Software Upgrade Alert

DTBM software revision 2.1.7 is being added to digital-book cartridges by book producers. It is anticipated that network libraries will begin to see this software included on titles shipped in early December 2011.

When a book with the new software is inserted into a player that has not yet been upgraded, it will announce, “Updating your player’s software; please do not power off your player or remove the cartridge from the player.” There will be a series of beeps while the machine is updating. The upgrade takes only about a minute or less. When the update is complete, the machine announces, "Software upgrade completed; stand by while your player is restarted.”

Please do not remove the cartridge while it is updating the player’s software.

You can also download the upgrade from NLS at
http://www.loc.gov/nls/DTBM/

Updates on Application Process and Veterans

The Talking Book Program application now includes an Applicant Agreement. This agreement must be signed, or application processing will be delayed.

Also, by law, the Talking Book Program gives priority service to veterans of the United States armed forces who have received honorable discharges from military service. Documentation that verifies a veteran's status, such as a copy of the DD-214 form, must be submitted with the application.
Link to request a copy of DD214
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

Getting Started with the Talking Book Program

• General Information about the Talking Book Program
• Application Forms in English & Spanish
  Use this form to apply for TBP services. The form must be signed by a professional, such as a teacher, doctor, nurse, librarian, or social worker.
• Getting Started with TBP
  A guide for new and prospective patrons on how to use the Talking Book Program.
• Loan Policy
  Guidelines for borrowing books, magazines, and equipment from the Talking Book Program.

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Other Materials Available through the Talking Book Program

• Magazines
  The Talking Book Program provides magazines for adults and children via digital download, on audiocassette, and in Braille.
• Spotlight on Texas Books
  Text of quarterly audio cassette magazine that lists Texas fiction and nonfiction titles recently recorded by the Volunteer Recording Program of the Talking Book Program.

Bibliographies

• Bibliographies
  List of sources, plays, and bibliographic information on interests on authors, subjects and titles.

National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped (NLS)

• National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped
  Information from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.
• Search the NLS online catalog using Voyager
  Online Catalog of Talking Books from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. (Includes listings from organizations that charge subscription fees.)
• Web Braille
  Information about Web-Braille, including instructions for getting a user name and password to access the books, can be found here.
• Web Braille Log-In
  Web-Braille users who have a user name and password can log on to download Web-Braille books and magazines.
• BARD
  Information about BARD: Braille and Audio Reading Download.
• BARD Log-in
  BARD users who have a user name and password can log on to download BARD books and magazines.

Information for Librarians/Educators

• Talking Books in the Classroom
  A guide for teachers and librarians using TBP materials in the classroom for students with visual, physical, or learning disabilities.
• Just for Librarians
  Guide to the Talking Book Program for public librarians.

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Disability Information & Referral Center (DIRC)

• Disability Information & Referral Center
  Provides information about disabilities.

Get Involved

• Volunteer Recording Studio
  Information about volunteer opportunities in Austin to narrate and produce audio books and magazines with a Texas connection.
• Want to become a Demonstration Site?
  Policy, Application and Tip Sheet on how to promote the Talking Book Program by becoming a demonstration site.

Contact Us

Talking Book Program
Texas State Library & Archives Commission
PO Box 12927
Austin TX 78711-2927
Hours: 8am-5pm Monday-Friday
Toll free in Texas 1-800-252-9605
In Austin 512-463-5458
Fax 512-936-0685
Email tbp.services@tsl.state.tx.us
 

Website Changes

To give your comments and input please contact webmaster@tsl.state.tx.us.