Phone: 1-800-252-9605
or 512-463-5458
Fax: 512-936-0685
Email TBP
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday - Friday
Address:
Talking Book Program
Texas State Library and
Archives Commission
PO Box 12927
Austin TX 78711-2927
Get Ready to Color Your World This Summer with Reading!
Our TBP All-Ages Summer Reading Program is back on June 2, 2025! This year, we're exploring "Color Our World," celebrating art in all its forms for everyone, regardless of ability.
Stay tuned! The sign-up form is now available, and more program details will be available later this spring. The first 50 participants to register will receive a special summer reading goody bag!
What to Expect This Summer:
• June 2 - August 11: Dive into themed book lists and fun activities!
• Win Prizes! Review books throughout the summer for a chance to win a fantastic prize.
• Accessible for Everyone: Materials will be available electronically, in large print, braille, and Spanish.
• Special Virtual Events: The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled is joining us with exciting virtual events, including a kickoff party, live author talks, and more!
We're so excited to embark on this colorful reading adventure with you! Join us this summer!
Special Events
The National Library Services (NLS) is hosting several virtual events this summer. Visit the NLS website for more information at www.loc.gov/nls/services-and-resources/summer-reading/.
TBP Book Club: July 24 at 7:00 p.m.
ART THIEF by Michael Finkel (DB 115367; LB 14518)
Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/J0VWr64rTqiFHl413M-LQA
TBP Author Talk: June 19 at 7:00 p.m. - Author Talk: Lisa Fittipaldi
Reader’s Advisory Librarian Laura Jean talks with author Lisa Fittipaldi about her career and her book, A BRUSH WITH DARKNESS (DB 60724). Following the talk, there will be a Q&A session.
Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/HAbo1B42Qq-dTzzsp7n9ew
July 15 at 6:00 p.m. - Author Talk: Georgina Kleege
Reader’s Advisory Librarian Laura Jean and author Georgina Kleege discuss her career and her book, MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE: WHAT BLINDNESS BRINGS TO ART (DB 93533). Following the talk, there will be a Q&A session.
Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/MbHNidaeTx-c7sw4vClk0w
TBP End of Summer Show and Tell: August 9 at 2:30 p.m. via Zoom
Join us for a classic show and tell event to show off your summer activity creations. You will have one minute to describe your creation and answer a couple of short questions. It will be so fun to find out what we all created!
Join here (no registration required!) https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84833571464
One tap mobile +13462487799,,84833571464#
Dial In: +1 346 248 7799; enter meeting ID: 848 3357 1464
Other Network Library Events:
The Braille Institute’s Summer Reading Room Sessions: www.brailleinstitute.org/find-services/offerings/the-reading-room-sessions-author-talks-and-book-chats/
Join the Braille Institute this summer for weekly conversations, author discussions, and engaging book groups. Access specially curated reading lists through your local NLS regional library and receive personalized accessibility assistance from our expert library staff. Braille Institute Library is dedicated to serving blind, low-vision, and print-disabled readers.
To register for the summer reading program, email Nate Kurth at nkurth@brailleinstitute.org or call 323-210-2622.
New York Braille and Talking Book Library’s 7 Stories Up at Stavros Niarchos Foundation
Library on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.: Joshua Miele with Andrew Leland, Connecting Dots: A Blind Life. Scientist Joshua Miele joins us to share insights about life and disability from his extraordinary memoir, Connecting Dots: A Blind Life, with fellow writer and professor Andrew Leland.
Please register in advance for this event: https://www.showclix.com/event/connectingdotsmiele.
This event WILL be livestreamed.
Summer Reading Activities
Embellished Photo
Exploring with Clay
Fiddle Key Ring
Improv Games
Puff Paint
Weaving
Writing Prompts Extravaganza
FAQ's
Do I have to read from the book list?
No! You can read whatever you’d like.
Do I need to track my reading time or number of books?
Nope. You can do that if you like to, but not for us.
How do I win a prize?
By writing a book review for us. Follow the guidelines posted on our website and in the emails, you’ll receive this summer by signing up for the program. There is a limit of five reviews per person. A winner will be chosen by random drawing. 1 review = 1 entry.
What is the prize?
New accessible board game.
Will you send me craft and activity supplies?
No. We will give you detailed instructions you can try out at home though.
Can I still participate in my local library’s summer reading program?
Of course! We encourage all the reading and all the fun you can get!
How do I get these books?
You can have us mail them or you can download them on BARD.
Can you help me with using Zoom?
Yes. Call us to get help at 1-800-252-9605.