Harold Washington Library Center
Talking Book Center
Featured Collections
Books in Accessible Formats
Registered patrons have access to a national collection of approximately 80,000 titles in audio or Braille formats. Each year the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) adds approximately 2,500 books to their audio and Braille collections. The TBC’s collection consists of popular fiction and nonfiction - general informational and recreational materials for all ages and tastes, similar to that found in any public library. Available genres include bestsellers, classics, poetry, westerns, travel, history, biography, romance novels, mysteries, religious literature, cookbooks, historical novels, science, philosophy, short stories, humor, politics, adventure, current events, plays, historical fiction, sports, children and young adult books, foreign language material and much more.
All NLS audio books are recorded in professional recording studios, by experienced professional narrators that are often professional actors as well.
Braille for Adult Readers
The local collection of Braille books serves children and young adults. For Braille service for adults, the TBC has contracted with the Utah State Library Division for the Blind and Disabled to provide Braille library service. Contact the TBC for more information on receiving Braille service for adults.
NLS BARD
NLS BARD is a free service from the National Library Service for the Blind to registered TBC patrons that offers instant online access to downloadable digital audio books via the Internet.
Foreign Language Materials
The TBC collection includes books and magazines in Spanish. In addition, a selection of audio book materials in over 60 different languages, including Polish, French, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian, Hindi and Urdu are available through interlibrary loan from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.
Magazines
Over 100 popular magazines subscriptions in recorded, Braille and digital formats are available through the library. Available titles include: Bon Appetit, Consumer Reports, Ebony, Good Housekeeping, Money, National Geographic, New York Times Large Type Weekly, Rolling Stone, Seventeen, Sports Illustrated, Time and many more.
Descriptive Videos
Descriptive videos are enhanced with narration, which describes actions, settings, gestures, and other key visual elements. Our selection includes titles such as the NOVA series, The American Experience, Eyes on the Prize as well as blockbuster movies. Descriptive videos require the use of a VCR player.
Old-Time Radio Shows
Classic 1930’s to 1940s radio plays, dramas and variety shows are available for free loan to registered patrons.
PlayAway Digital Books
PlayAway books are self-contained digital audio books that are simple to use. Merely plug in the earphones, press play and listen.
Web-Braille
The Web-Braille service provides, in an electronic format, many Braille books, music scores, and magazines produced by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). The Web-Braille website is password-protected, and all files are in an electronic form of contracted Braille, requiring the use of special equipment for access. Web-Braille registration requires email access and must go through the TBC.
Music Scores and Instructions
Music scores and instructional materials in Braille and audio format are available to registered patrons from the NLS. Please note, this collection, which excludes musical performances is intended for musical instruction and musicians. It is composed primarily of Braille and large print scores, texts and instructional recordings about music and musicians on cassette.
Additional Service Information
- The loan period for a talking book is six weeks; however there are no late fees.
- Talking books may be ordered by mail, phone, email or through the online catalog.
- Talking books may be sent to patrons according to personal preference, including daily, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.
The audio books and magazines are recorded at slower than conventional speeds requiring special playback equipment. The TBC loans audio players for as long as the patron is registered for service, and repairs them as needed free of charge. Assistive devices are available for use with audio players such as headphones and extension levers, which facilitate the use of the switches on the audio players. An amplified headphone system is also available.