Talking Book Library: Free Audiobooks and Braille for Readers Who Cannot Use Print
A talking book library is the library in your state that lends free audiobooks and braille to people who cannot read regular print because of low vision, blindness, a physical disability or a reading disability. These libraries make up the network of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) at the Library of Congress. Books and a player come to your door by postage-free mail, or you can download books to a phone or tablet with the BARD Mobile app. Use the finder to get your library's phone number and the NLS online application, then check who can sign your form.
Find your talking book library
Pick your state or territory. If more than one library serves it, type your county or city and the finder shows which library lists it. Every entry comes from the NLS network library directory.
Do I qualify, and who signs my form?
This helper uses the wording on the NLS application page. It is a guide, not a decision: your network library decides.
What a talking book library does
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) at the Library of Congress calls its audiobooks "talking books." Congress created the program in 1931, and today it reaches readers through a network of cooperating libraries. In 42 of the 54 states and territories in the NLS directory, a single library serves everyone. That network library is the one you deal with. It signs you up, lends you a player, mails books and magazines, suggests titles and helps you start using BARD, the NLS download service. NLS says all of this can happen by phone, fax, postage-free mail or email, so you do not need to live near the library. Its caregivers page adds that many patrons never visit their network library, even to sign up.
Some states also have subregional libraries or advisory and outreach centers. NLS says most of these are part of public library systems and give more local service. Florida, Michigan and Virginia have several, and the finder above sorts them by the counties and cities each one lists.
Your ordinary public library can still help. NLS notes that some public libraries keep small collections of NLS talking books for eligible users, but the service itself comes from a regional or subregional network library. Some network libraries also lend large-print books and described DVDs.
Who qualifies
Any resident of the United States, including its territories and the District of Columbia, and any American citizen living abroad can apply if a visual or physical limitation keeps them from reading or using regular print. The NLS application lists four groups:
- Blindness: visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correcting lenses, or a visual field no wider than 20 degrees.
- Other visual disability: a visual disability that, with correction, prevents reading standard print, whatever the eye chart says. NLS names macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy as examples of significant visual impairment.
- Physical limitations: being unable to read or use standard print because of a physical condition, such as a disability that makes it hard to hold a book or turn its pages.
- Reading disability: a perceptual or reading disability, certified as keeping you from reading print to substantially the same degree as a person without a disability. NLS names dyslexia as an example.
A temporary condition can count too. NLS gives recovery from a stroke, an injury or eye surgery as examples, and says people with a temporary disability may get service on a temporary basis. Children are welcome: the collection starts at the preschool level. Veterans who are blind or print disabled and were honorably discharged get special priority, whether or not the disability is service-related.
It is not a literacy program. Asked about people who cannot read or are learning English, NLS says those without a visual or physical disability are not eligible, and it points them to public libraries for literacy and English programs. See our guide to free English classes at the library.
Who can sign your application
Every application needs a certifying signature from what NLS calls a "competent authority." The NLS application page lists:
- Doctors of medicine and doctors of osteopathy
- Ophthalmologists and optometrists
- Registered nurses and therapists
- Professional staff of hospitals, institutions and public or private welfare agencies, such as an educator, social worker, case worker, counselor, rehabilitation teacher, certified reading specialist, school psychologist, superintendent or librarian
If none of these is available, professional librarians may certify, as may any person whose competence the Library of Congress accepts in the circumstances. The NLS FAQ adds psychologists to the list. For a child with a reading disability, a school psychologist, certified reading specialist or educator is on the list, so a doctor is not the only person who can sign.
How to apply, step by step
- Check that you fit one of the groups above. The helper in the tool uses the same wording as NLS.
- Get the application. Use the Apply online link in the finder, ask your network library for a paper form, or call 888-NLS-READ (888-657-7323) to be connected to the library serving your area.
- Have it certified. A competent authority signs to confirm the disability.
- Send it to your network library. You can reach the library by email, phone, fax or mail. The library then contacts you with next steps or news that you are enrolled.
- Start reading. NLS says the goal of network libraries is to send a player and a first shipment of books within five working days of receiving a properly certified application.
Americans living abroad apply to the NLS overseas program instead of a state library. They need a copy of a U.S. passport ID page or a birth certificate as proof of citizenship, and NLS does not accept a Social Security number as proof. Dependents of active-duty military or diplomatic staff send the service member's orders instead. Schools, hospitals, assisted living communities and other facilities that serve several eligible readers can apply as an institution.
How books reach you: mail, players and BARD
There is no cost to eligible readers. NLS says the program is paid for by federal, state and, where appropriate, local government or private agencies. You can use one delivery method or mix them.
- By mail. Books, magazines and equipment travel as "Free Matter for the Blind," and you send them back the same way. Materials come with a removable address card: turn it over, put it back, and it shows the library's address for the return trip. One talking book cartridge can hold several books.
- On an NLS player. Patrons can borrow a free talking book player on long-term loan. The standard model has eight controls, and the advanced model adds bookmarks and chapter navigation. The newer DA2 player adds Wi-Fi for connecting to BARD, Bluetooth and 28GB of storage, but NLS says quantities are limited, so ask your library. Readers with significant hearing loss can ask for a high-volume player with headphones.
- Through BARD. Once your library signs you up for BARD, you can download audio and electronic braille books and magazines. The free BARD Mobile app runs on iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets and Kindle Fire. On a Windows PC, BARD Express plays titles directly. BARD needs a high-speed internet connection, and your phone plan may charge for data.
- In braille. Braille comes as hard-copy volumes by mail or as electronic braille for a refreshable braille display, which NLS can lend. In many states the braille collection is handled by another state's library, most often Utah, and the finder shows where that applies.
What you can read: bestsellers, classics, mysteries, westerns and romances, books for children and teens, books in Spanish and other languages, and dozens of magazines. NLS does not offer music for listening, but it lends music scores and instructional recordings for learning instruments. It does not produce large-print books either, though some network libraries lend them.
Talking book libraries by state
The main talking book library for each of the 54 states and territories in the NLS directory. The finder above lists all 94 libraries, including local ones, with service areas and online application links.
Show all 54 states and territories
| State | Main talking book library | Phone (toll-free in state where listed) |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled | (800) 392-5671 |
| Alaska | Alaska State Library Talking Book Center | (888) 820-4525 |
| Arizona | Arizona State Braille and Talking Book Library | (800) 255-5578 |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Library for the Blind and Print Disabled | (866) 660-0885 |
| California | California State Library, Braille and Talking Book Library Braille Institute, Library Services | (800) 952-5666 (800) 808-2555 |
| Colorado | Colorado Talking Book Library | (800) 685-2136 |
| Connecticut | Connecticut Library for Accessible Books | (800) 842-4516 |
| Delaware | Delaware Library Access Services | (800) 282-8676 |
| District of Columbia | Center for Accessibility | (202) 727-2142 |
| Florida | Florida Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services | (800) 226-6075 |
| Georgia | Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled | (800) 248-6701 |
| Guam | Guam Public Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped | (671) 475-4753 |
| Hawaii | Hawaii State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled | (800) 559-4096 |
| Idaho | Idaho Commission for Libraries Talking Book Service | (800) 458-3271 |
| Illinois | Illinois State Library Talking Book and Braille Service | (800) 426-0709 |
| Indiana | Indiana Talking Book & Braille Library | (800) 622-4970 |
| Iowa | Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled | (800) 362-2587 |
| Kansas | Kansas Talking Books Regional Library | (800) 362-0699 |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Talking Book Library | (800) 372-2968 |
| Louisiana | Talking Books and Braille Library | (800) 543-4702 |
| Maine | Library Services for the Blind and Print Disabled | (800) 762-7106 |
| Maryland | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled | (800) 964-9209 |
| Massachusetts | Perkins Library | (800) 852-3133 |
| Michigan | Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library | (800) 992-9012 |
| Minnesota | Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library | (800) 722-0550 |
| Mississippi | Talking Book Services | (800) 446-0892 |
| Missouri | Wolfner Talking Book and Braille Library | (800) 392-2614 |
| Montana | Montana Talking Book Library | (800) 332-3400 |
| Nebraska | Nebraska Talking Book and Braille Service | (800) 742-7691 |
| Nevada | Nevada Talking Book Services | (800) 922-9334 |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire State Library, Talking Book Serv. | (800) 491-4200 |
| New Jersey | New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center | (800) 792-8322 |
| New Mexico | New Mexico Library for the Blind and Print Disabled | (800) 456-5515 |
| New York | Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library New York State Talking Book and Braille Library | (855) 697-6975 (800) 342-3688 |
| North Carolina | State Library of North Carolina - Accessible Books and Library Services | (888) 388-2460 |
| North Dakota | North Dakota State Library, Talking Book Services | (800) 843-9948 |
| Ohio | Ohio Library for the Blind and Print Disabled | (800) 362-1262 |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped | (800) 523-0288 |
| Oregon | Oregon Talking Book & Braille Library | (800) 452-0292 |
| Pennsylvania | LAMP - Library of Accessible Media For Pennsylvanians - Philadelphia LAMP/Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians | (800) 222-1754 (800) 242-0586 |
| Puerto Rico | El Servicio Nacional de Bibliotecas para Ciegos | (800) 981-8008 |
| Rhode Island | Talking Books Library | (401) 574-9310 |
| South Carolina | SC State Library/Talking Book Services | (800) 922-7818 |
| South Dakota | South Dakota Accessible Library Services | (800) 423-6665 |
| Tennessee | Tennessee Library for Accessible Books and Media | (800) 342-3308 |
| Texas | Texas State Library and Archives Commission | (800) 252-9605 |
| Utah | Utah State Library Division | (800) 662-5540 |
| Vermont | ABLE Library | (800) 479-1711 |
| Virgin Islands | Virgin Islands Library for the Blind and Physically Challenged | (340) 718-2250 |
| Virginia | Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired | (800) 552-7015 |
| Washington | Washington Talking Book & Braille Library | (800) 542-0866 |
| West Virginia | West Virginia Talking Books Library | (800) 642-8674 |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library | (800) 242-8822 |
| Wyoming | Wyoming Dept of Education, Vision Outreach | (307) 265-8818 |
Source: NLS Find Your Library directory, archived copy of September 16, 2026. Phone numbers change, so the NLS line 888-NLS-READ (888-657-7323) is the fallback.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a talking book library?
It is the library in your state that runs the free National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) program. It lends audiobooks, braille, magazines and playback equipment to people who cannot read regular print because of low vision, blindness, a physical disability or a reading disability, by postage-free mail or through the BARD download service.
Is the talking book program free?
Yes. NLS says there is no direct cost to eligible readers. Books and players are mailed as Free Matter for the Blind, you return them the same way, and the talking book player is lent free of charge.
Who can sign the NLS application?
A competent authority: doctors of medicine or osteopathy, ophthalmologists, optometrists, registered nurses, therapists, or professional staff of hospitals, institutions and welfare agencies such as teachers, social workers, counselors, reading specialists, school psychologists and librarians.
Can I listen to talking books on my phone?
Yes. After you enroll and your network library signs you up for BARD, the free BARD Mobile app lets you download and play books and magazines on an iPhone, iPad, Android phone or tablet, or Kindle Fire.
How long does it take to start getting books?
NLS says the goal of network libraries is to send playback equipment and a first shipment of books within five working days of receiving a properly certified application.
Do people with dyslexia qualify for talking books?
They can. NLS serves people with a reading disability such as dyslexia when a competent authority certifies that it keeps them from reading regular print to substantially the same degree as a person without a disability.
Sources
Every rule, fee and figure on this page comes from the official page listed here. We read each one on September 25, 2026. The Library of Congress site blocks automated requests from our server, so we read archived copies of these NLS pages made between June and September 2026 on the Internet Archive; the dates are in our source log.
- NLS: Find Your Library (network library directory; archived copy of 2026-09-16): https://www.loc.gov/nls/find-your-library/
- NLS: Apply for NLS Services (eligibility and certifying authorities): https://www.loc.gov/nls/how-to-enroll/apply-for-nls-services/
- NLS: Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.loc.gov/nls/who-we-are/faq/
- NLS: Who We Serve: https://www.loc.gov/nls/who-we-serve/
- NLS: Family, Friends, Caregivers: https://www.loc.gov/nls/who-we-serve/family-friends-caregivers/
- NLS: Veterans: https://www.loc.gov/nls/who-we-serve/veterans/
- NLS: Network Libraries: https://www.loc.gov/nls/who-we-are/network-libraries/
- NLS: Sign up for BARD and Accessing BARD: https://www.loc.gov/nls/how-to-enroll/sign-up-for-bard-and-bard-mobile/
- NLS: Equipment for NLS Materials: https://www.loc.gov/nls/services-and-resources/equipment-for-nls-materials/
- NLS: Overseas Services: https://www.loc.gov/nls/services-and-resources/overseas-services/
- NLS: Overview: https://www.loc.gov/nls/who-we-are/overview/