The Talking Book Program is a free Texas State Library service that is open to all patrons who are unable to read standard print material due to visual, physical, or reading disablilities.  This program is available to patrons with visual impairments - whether disabilities are permanent or temporary.

The Collection:

The TBP (Texas Book Program) loans books and magazines in digital cartridge, recorded cassettes, large print and Braille books. Like a public library, TBP has thousands of titles in a wide variety of categories, including classics, romances, science fiction, mysteries, westerns, children's selections, and more. The collection now includes over 80,000 titles and has reading materials for all ages from beginning readers to older adults.

In addition, TBP has magazines in special format.  Patrons may choose from more than 70 different magazines: Reader's Digest, Newsweek, Guidepost, and Texas Monthly, to name a few. Plus TBP has a special collection of books by Texas authors, books about Texas, and many books in Spanish.

The Equipment:

TBP will provide you with special equipment that is needed to listen to recorded books and magazines. The equipment is on loan to you for as long as you use the TBP service.

Book(s) Delivered Directly To You:

Best of all, our books are delivered right to your door. All of the items are sent and returned through the mail free of charge. Make your selection from a variety of catalogs, or let one of our reader consultants assist you. You may contact us by phone, mail, or e-mail.

Promotional Video:

This video filmed at the Rio Grande City Public Library explains the services provided by TBP and goes step by step through the process of signing up for, receiving and returning the FREE materials offered through TBP. To view the promotional video, click on: www.youtube.com

The Disability Reference Center - Available to Texas Residents:

The DRC (Disability Reference Center of The Talking Book Program) is available to assist the general public with questions about disabilities, the American with Disabilities Act, aids and appliances, rehabilitation services, advocacy and support groups, sources for large-print and braille reading materials, and adaptive technology. For more information, patrons can call the DRC toll-free: 1-800-252-9605.

Eligibility Requirements:

The Talking Book Program is available NOT ONLY TO PATRONS with visual impairments, but also to those who have physical or reading disabilities. The disability may be permanent or temporary.

Qualified patrons include Texas residents of all ages who:

* are legally blind (vision in the better eye is 20/200 or less after correction, or the widest diameter of visual field is no greater than 20 degrees).

* have prescription glasses, yet are unable to read standard print material without additional maganification devices.

* have physical limitations that prevent them from holding books or turning pages.

* have reading disabilities due to an organic dysfunction, as certified by a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.).

How to Register:

To begin using this free service, you need to complete an application and have it certified.

For more information about TBP or request an application:

Call toll-free: 1-800-252-9605 (Austin area call: 512-463-5458)

Write to us at:
Texas Talking Books Program
P. O. Box 12927
Austin, TX 7811-2927

-or-

e-mail us at:
tbp.services@tsl.state.tx.us

To download an application online, click on: www.TexasTalkingBooks.org

Comments or complaints:

Comments or complaints regarding programs and services of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission may be addressed to:

Director and Librarian
P.O. Box 12027
Austin, TX 78711-12927
Phone: 512-463-5460
Fax: 512-936-0685

The Talking Book Program is funded nationally and by the State of Texas. It is a division of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and part of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped - Library of Congress.

Click on: [ Talking Book Program ] to access and learn more about this FREE service.