Updates

Large Print Talking Book Topics and Large Print Braille Book Review End

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) has informed us that, due to significant supply chain issues and worldwide paper shortages, they are discontinuing production of the large print issues of Talking Book Topics and Braille Book Review. If you are signed up for the audio version of TBT, you will receive your Talking Book Topics issue as always. If you download audiobooks from BARD, you will continue to be able to download the audio version of TBT. For those of you who are currently signed up for the large print format of TBT and would like to switch your TBT subscription from large print to audio, please contact the library.

New App Brings Audio and Braille Books to Talking Book Library BARD Readers

BARD readers may now download audio and braille books to their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch through a new free mobile application. BARD users will need to download the BARD app from the Apple App store. With BARD Mobile, patrons can play talking books and magazines on their iOS devices. Patrons may also read electronic braille books, magazines and music scores using a refreshable braille display connected to their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch through Bluetooth. Patrons will be able to receive their reading materials faster and won’t have to be weighted down with bulky volumes or playback equipment. BARD contains nearly 50,000 books, magazines and music scores in audio and braille formats, with new selections added daily.

Application Signatures

While we still prefer original applications through the mail, we are now permitted to accept faxed or electronic applications for library service. The application still must be signed (not stamped) by a "competent authority" certifying that the applicant has a qualifying condition. (For the definition of "competent authority" please see the Individual Application.) The information must be legible.

Change of Certifying Authorities

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) has implemented a long-awaited change to make it easier for people with reading disabilities to enroll for library services. Now reading specialists, educators, librarians, and school psychologists will be able to certify the eligibility of applicants with reading disabilities. The legal language regarding the certifying authorities for any NLS applicant now reads as follows: “Eligibility must be certified by one of the following: doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, ophthalmologist, optometrist, psychologist, registered nurse, therapist, and professional staff of hospitals, institutions, and public or welfare agencies (such as an educator, a social worker, case worker, counselor, rehabilitation teacher, certified reading specialist, school psychologist, superintendent or librarian).

New Hampshire Downloadable Books through your Public Library

Talking Books patrons are invited to participate in the NH Downloadable Books service. You will need to have a valid library card from your local public library and in some cases you might need additional login information. If your local library is not a member of the NHDB consortium, contact Talking Books to have an account set up for you.