For people who can not read printed materials, there is the Talking Books program. Applications can be picked up at the Adult Programs Department or Reference Department, requested by phone or printed from the website. Applicants can receive braille materials or digitally recorded books and a player delivered by postage-free mail directly and returned the same way. The program is run by the New York Public Library, Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Books Library. Call 212-206-5400 or 212-206-5458 TDD with any questions.
Further Resources
Talking Books Application
(One application for all age groups) As per a new mandate from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), in Washington D.C, (starting Tuesday, October 1, 2024) all patrons who are under the age of 18 must now have a signed parental acknowledgement on file to be registered for NLS services. Patrons OVER the age of 18 can leave that page blank.
Braille Resources
The National Federation of the Blind offers many programs and resources to help children and adults learn and have fun with Braille.
Braille and Audio Reading Download Information
BARD, the Braille and Audio Reading Download from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), is a web-based service that provides access to thousands of special-format books, magazines, and music scores.
BARD makes available books and magazines from the vast NLS collection selected on the basis of their appeal across a wide range of interests. More than 115,000 audio and braille fiction and nonfiction titles are available, including some in languages other than English. Issues of more than ninety magazine titles are also available. Digital audio and ebraille materials are also available through the BARD Mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
All active NLS patrons with an email account are eligible for BARD service. NLS patrons may visit nlsbard.loc.gov and follow the link to “BARD application instructions” to complete an online application. They will be contacted by their local cooperating library after submitting the application. Eligible readers may call 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323) or Apply for NLS Service