Talking Books for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

What Are Talking Books?

Talking Books are recorded materials—most often books or magazines—in audio formats provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped that are available on free loan to people who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise unable to read or use standard printed materials. Talking Book cassettes have to be played on special playback equipment, which is supplied at no cost by the Library of Congress and its cooperating libraries.

A variety of materials, such as popular books and best sellers, magazines, scholarly literature, instructional texts, musical scores, and other specialized materials for adults and children is available as Talking Books. Topics cover a wide range of subjects such as the bible and religion, business and economics, career and job training, computers, cooking and homemaking, drama, fantasy, folklore, gardening, health, history, humor, music appreciation, the occult and supernatural, philosophy, sports, science fiction, and travel.

Resources

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress
Phone: 888-NLS-READ (888-657-7323)
E-mail: nls@loc.gov
Web site: www.loc.gov/nls