Welcome to the Talking Book Program!

The Talking Book Program (TBP) is a division of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) in Austin, Texas, and serves as a regional library for the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) in Washington, DC, a program administered by the Library of Congress. TBP provides books and magazines in alternative formats for Texans of all ages who are unable to read standard print material due to a qualifying visual, physical, or reading disability. This service is provided free of charge. Priority services are given to veterans.

If you have any questions, please contact us:

Talking Book Program
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
PO Box 12927
Austin, TX 78711-2927

1-800-252-9605 (toll-free in Texas)
512-463-5458 (Austin area)
tbp.services@tsl.texas.gov (e-mail)
512-936-0685 (fax)

OUR COLLECTION

Our collection consists of more than 175,000 titles, including bestsellers (fiction and nonfiction), classics, mysteries, westerns, science fiction, children’s books, biographies, and more. Our collection also contains hundreds of titles in Spanish, and some in French, German, Russian, and other languages.

TBP also offers more than 70 different magazines, such as Newsweek, Spider, Sports Illustrated, Conundrum, People, National Geographic, Guideposts, and Texas Monthly.

NLS provides most of the materials in our available collection. Our volunteer studio in Austin records books by Texas authors, books about Texas, and books in Spanish to supplement the national collection. TBP does not provide textbooks.

CATALOGS

Our collection is too extensive to be included in a print catalog; however, the most comprehensive catalog of books in our collection may be found online at nlscatalog.loc.gov. Please note, this catalog contains books from many other libraries as well, some of which may not be immediately available in Texas.

NLS publishes bimonthly catalogs containing current releases: Talking Book Topics for books on digital cartridge, and Braille Book Review for books in braille. These two catalogs are available in audio formats as well as online. You may view them electronically at the following locations: 

        www.loc.gov/nls/tbt
        www.loc.gov/nls/bbr
        www.loc.gov/nls/new-materials/magazines/

Some catalogs include titles in more than one format. To assist you, each book has a prefix code indicating its format. For example:

Medium (Format) - Prefix(es)
Digital audio book - DB
Braille - BR
Large print book - LB

Not every title is available in every format.

Braille and large print bibliographies are available to patrons at www.tsl.texas.gov/tbp/bibliographies. Customized bibliographies for specific subjects, authors or series are available upon request.

Ordering Books

FOR ALL BOOK ORDERS, PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS.

There are five ways to order books:

        1)    By telephone:    1-800-252-9605 (toll-free in Texas)
                        512-463-5458 (Austin area)

        2)    By e-mail:  tbp.services@tsl.texas.gov

        3)    By mail:    Talking Book Program
                                Texas State Library and Archives Commission
                                PO Box 12927
                                Austin, TX 78711-2927

Do not put handwritten order forms or letters in with books or magazines you are returning; this is against postal regulations and may delay your order.

         4)    By fax:     512-936-0685

5)    Online Patron Access Catalog (OPAC): readsopac.loc.gov/WebReadsOPAC/

The OPAC is available for all TBP patrons and contains the books in TBP’s collection. Through the OPAC, you can search the collection, view your contact information, view request lists, current loans and reading history; create book requests, delete requests, and email your request list, current loans, and reading history to yourself.

Need Help Deciding What to Read? TBP’s Reader’s Advisory Service is available to you. Our Reader’s Advisory Librarians work with readers to help you find the books you want to read. They can even help you venture out into new reading directions based on your current and past interests, preferences, and reading style.

EQUIPMENT

Our digital talking books can be read on the digital talking book machine (DTBM) with special software from NLS or on selected commercial players. Also, refreshable braille displays are available to our braille readers. TBP provides this equipment to you on loan for as long as you are an active patron in the program.

Equipment must be returned if you become ineligible or no longer use our service. TBP may also recall equipment for repair, maintenance, audit, inactivity, or for other reasons.

Do not lend, sell, or give playback equipment or accessories to other people. This playback equipment is federal and state property and maintained by the State of Texas.

All equipment may be returned via Free Matter to:
Machine Lending Service
Talking Book Program
4400B Shoal Creek Blvd
Austin TX 78756-3213

NLS BRAILLE AND AUDIO READING DOWNLOAD (BARD)

The NLS BARD and the NLS BARD Mobile app allow you to download and read books and magazines yourself. BARD gives you FREE access to download any NLS book or magazine you want, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No wait lists, no due dates, no mailing.  Get more information about BARD at: www.loc.gov/nls/how-to-enroll/sign-up-for-bard-and-bard-mobile/welcome-to-bard-version-2-0/.

How does it work?
Once you are a registered patron of the Talking Book Program, you are eligible for a free BARD account.

Get your BARD account:  
•    We can create a BARD account for you on request. 
•    Your username/login ID is your full email address.
•    After your BARD account is created, you will get an email with a temporary password and the link to the BARD website.
•    Log in with your email address and the temporary password provided in the email.
•    BARD will prompt you to create a permanent password of your choice.

Choose your download method:

BARD Website
•    Books and magazines may be downloaded from the BARD website to a flash drive or blank cartridge and played on our digital player or on a registered purchased player.

•    Zipped files must be unzipped before being read.
•    Use this link to log into the BARD website: www.nlsbard.loc.gov/index.html.

BARD Mobile
•    Download books and magazines directly to a mobile device for portable, instant, and easy listening. 
•    The app is compatible with iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire smartphones or tablets. You can download the free BARD Mobile app from the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store, or the Amazon Appstore. Direct links to the app download stores are available at this link: www.loc.gov/nls/how-to-enroll/sign-up-for-bard-and-bard-mobile/welcome-to-bard-version-2-0/.
•    Internet connectivity from a wireless carrier or an internet provider is required while downloading material from BARD but is not required while reading books or magazines.

BARD Express
•    This method uses a Windows PC to download audio books or magazines to a cartridge or flash drive to play in your DTBM. You can also listen to the audio book directly from your computer using this software.
•    To download, you will need a blank cartridge or a flash drive. A blank cartridge is available by request. 
•    Download and install the BARD Express software at www.loc.gov/nls/braille-audio-reading-materials/bard-access/welcome-to-bard-express/ 
•    Log into BARD Express using the permanent password you created.
•    Search for and download a book.
•    Connect your flash drive or blank cartridge to your computer.
•    On the Bookshelf screen, select the title and click the button called ‘Copy to Cartridge’ to move the book from your computer to the flash drive or cartridge.
•    Unplug the flash drive or cartridge from your computer and plug it into the DTBM machine. Play your book on the DTBM machine.
•    Here is the link to the full BARD Express User Guide: www.loc.gov/nls/braille-audio-reading-materials/bard-access/bard-express-user-guide/

Braille downloads using BARD Website or BARD Express:
•    Braille files may be read online or may be downloaded for offline reading or embossing with a braille display, braille-aware notetaker, or braille embosser.
•    A braille-aware device does not need to be authorized in order to read BARD downloads.
•    The file type is: .brf.  Zipped files must be unzipped before being read.

FREE MATTER MAILING

No postage is required to borrow or return materials; the costs are covered by the Postal Service’s Free Matter for the Blind and Physically Handicapped service. When returning materials, place them in your mailbox or take them to the Post Office. Mail carriers are not required to pick them up from your doorstep.

YOUTH SERVICES

The Texas Talking Book Program offers engaging programming and services geared towards children under 18. Sign up for our monthly electronic newsletter that includes book lists, BARD tips and tricks, activities, and other fun things. The newsletter is available in large print and braille as needed. A Spanish version is also available.

More information can be found at www.tsl.texas.gov/tbp/youthservices.

DISABILITY INFORMATION AND REFERRAL CENTER

TBP’s Disability Information and Referral Center (DIRC) staff provides disability and disability related information and resources to our patrons and to the public, including teachers, counselors, family members of persons with disabilities, and other interested people. Need information on adaptive technology, accessible games, or local, state, and national support groups? This department can answer questions or direct you to the right resources on these and many related topics.

For information contact the DIRC at 1-800-252-9605 (toll-free in Texas) or 512-463-5458 (in Austin) or email to dirc@tsl.texas.gov.

Use of Government Property: NLS program equipment, materials, and products, both online and physical, are federal property. Users shall acknowledge the purpose for which these items were intended and accept responsibility for accessing these items. All materials and equipment (including digital talking book cartridges, hard-copy braille books, playback machines, and accessories) must be returned when no longer needed.

LOAN POLICY

All materials and equipment are loaned to patrons and must be returned as described in this policy.

Who Can Borrow?
•    Only active, eligible borrowers may check out materials. Do not share items with others.
•    To keep your account active, borrow at least one (1) book or magazine yearly (digital or physical).

Ending Your Service?
•    Call us to let us know.
•    Return all materials immediately if you no longer wish to use TBP services.

Damaged, Broken, or Defective Items?
•    Call us to let us know.
•    Return defective materials to TBP right away.
•    All returns are free! No postage required.

Late or Lost Items?
•    Lost Mailing Container? Contact TBP for a free label/envelope.
•    Lost a Book? Notify TBP so we can remove it from your account.
•    Renewals: Books can be renewed once. Re-borrow the same title anytime!
•    No late fees for overdue, lost, or damaged items.
•    However, repeated issues (e.g., losing items, not returning them) may suspend your borrowing privileges.

BOOKS AND MAGAZINES

Loan Details
•    Loan Period: 60 days for books, magazines, and games.
•    Start Date: Loan period begins when the item leaves the library. Allow ~1 week for mail delivery and returns.

Returning Books and Magazines
•    Flat Mailing Card: Flip it over to reveal TBP’s return address.
•    Folded Mailing Card: Remove and discard the card. TBP’s address is on the cartridge case.

Important Magazine Notes
•    Late Returns: May delay receipt of the next issue.
•    Braille and Large Print Magazines: Yours to keep or recycle—no need to return.

PLAYBACK EQUIPMENT

Borrowing Rules
•    Individuals: May have one (1) machine type at a time.
•    Institutions: May have multiple machines for multiple patrons, based on availability.

Care and Returns
•    Keep the original box and mailing card for future returns.
•    Never repair or modify machines. Contact TBP for help with malfunctions.
•    Return promptly if you’re no longer using the machine (others may be waiting!)

TBP Recalls
•    TBP may ask for your machine back for maintenance, audits, or inactivity.
•    Failure to return a recalled machine may suspend your service.

MISUSE OF TBP SERVICE

Please don’t misuse or abuse your service. It is our pleasure to serve the patrons of the Talking Book Program. Please treat our devices and staff with the care and respect we afford you.

Your borrowing privileges may be suspended if you:
•    Damage or deface machines or materials.
•    Repeatedly lose devices or materials.
•    Use obscene, harassing, degrading or threatening language or behavior toward TBP staff.
•    Loan books, magazines, or equipment to others.
If it appears that you have misused service, our staff will discuss the problem with you by telephone and send you a letter that states the problem and provides an opportunity for you to respond.

Extreme violations, such as threatening staff, will result in immediate suspension without notice.

HELPFUL CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE TALKING BOOK PROGRAM:

General information, order books or to report a problem: 1-800-252-9605

Toll-free information line: 1-866-388-6397

Disability Information and Referral Center: 1-800-252-9605 or dirc@tsl.texas.gov

Program Engagement and Outreach: 1-512-463-5452 or tbp.info@tsl.texas.gov

To send email to anyone in the Talking Book Program: tbp.services@tsl.texas.gov

To ask for assistance using BARD: 1-800-252-9605 or tbp.bard@tsl.texas.gov

Ask a librarian: 1-800-252-9605 or tbp.ral@tsl.texas.gov

Talking Book Program website: www.texastalkingbooks.org

TBP blog: www.tsl.texas.gov/texastalkingbooks/

TBP book club schedule: www.tsl.texas.gov/tbp/tbpbookclub/index.html

Talking Book Voices podcast: www.tsl.texas.gov/podcasts