FAQs

1. Who can use Talking Books service?

Kansans who are unable to read or use standard printed materials due to visual, physical, or reading disabilities; e.g. blindness, low vision, lack of muscle coordination, prolonged weakness, dyslexia, are eligible. Potential patrons must provide a complete application, certified by a competent authority.

2.What types of material are available?

Talking Books provides books, magazines, audio descriptive movies, playback equipment, equipment accessories and access other accessible information resources for eligible Kansas residents. Books and magazines are available in digital audio, digital braille, and hard copy braille formats. View equipment information and collections.

3.How do I send a request?

Readers can make requests by phone 1-800-362-0699, by email, by postal mail, or in person. Requests are accepted outside of business hours, leave a voicemail after calling 1-800-362-0699.

Kansas Talking Books
1 Kellogg Circle
PO Box 4055
Emporia KS 66801

4.How will I receive material?

Reading material is delivered directly to your home via the U.S. Postal Service and/or downloaded to your computer, tablet, or smartphone through BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) service. New patrons who opt for home delivery will receive a book cartridge and playback equipment in the mail when service starts. To return books, place the cartridge in the mailing container they arrived in, remove the mail card and place in the mail. All containers have pre-addressed postage free mailing labels for easy return. Typically new books are sent as old books are checked in; however, this varies according to everyone's needs.

Users can also download books from BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download), an online collection of digital audio and braille books and magazines, and braille music scores. Please contact Talking Books staff if you are interested in BARD or fill out the short online application to sign up.

5.How long can I keep books or equipment?

Books and magazines are checked out with no due date. New books will be sent when cartridges are returned and checked in by Kansas Talking Books. Scriptural texts, playback equipment, and accessories can be kept as long as they are needed.

6.What if I do not enjoy the books I receive?

Contact Kansas Talking Books staff. They can help you customize your user profile, make selections and suggest other titles, authors, or subjects you might like.

1-800-362-0699
ktb@ks.gov

7.Are book catalogs available?

Yes. Talking Book Topics (TBT) lists the newest books available in Kansas Talking Books collection. TBT is available on BARD, as an audio magazine and online in HTML or accessible PDF formats. TBT is issued every two months.

Braille Book Review (BBR) is a bimonthly magazine that highlights many of the latest braille books added to the NLS collection. BBRs are available on the BBR landing page in HTML and ebraille (BRF). Patrons can also download BBR in ebraille from BARD or receive it by mail in hard-copy braille.

International Language Quarterly (ILQ) lists popular international language books recently added to the NLS collection. ILQ is available online. All books listed in TBT, BBR, and ILQ are available for immediate download from NLS BARD, the Braille and Audio Reading Download service.

8.Will my Talking Books cartridge play on my computer?

No. For security and copyright reasons, NLS Digital Talking Books will not play on a personal computer.

9.What happens if equipment or book stops working?

Do not attempt to repair Talking Books equipment. A replacement is sent in exchange for an inoperable player or book. Please contact Kansas Talking Books to report errors with your player or books.

1-800-332-0699
ktb@ks.gov

10.Are there videos available?

Movies with descriptive audio tracks are available on DVD and VHS. Descriptive audio tracks provide movies and television programs enhanced narration that describes the actions, settings, gestures, and other key visual elements. Titles range from the Nova Series to Disney movies. Movies are checked out for two weeks. A current list of videos is available. To update your request print the order form and mail to the library or call to Order 800-362-0699 ext 3.

11.Does Talking Books provide textbooks?

No. While some books may be obtained through Kansas Talking Books, textbooks are not provided. The Kansas Instruction Resource Center provides accessible educational materials to schools across the state for students who are blind/visually impaired. Print disabled students can access free textbooks and other reading materials through Bookshare or Learning Ally

12.Can I suggest titles or authors to be recorded on Talking Books?

General book recommendations can be submitted to NLS on your behalf by Kansas Talking Books staff. However, final decisions regarding book production will be determined by NLS. Books or magazines about Kansas or by Kansas authors will be considered for local production by Kansas Talking Books. While we will consider your suggestion the library retains the final task of determining whether or not a book will be produced locally. Any books you send will remain the property of Kansas Talking Books.

1-800-362-0699
ktb@ks.gov

13.If I move out of Kansas, can I take my Talking Book player?

Yes. Simply contact Kansas Talking Books to update your address and contact information. If moving out of state, staff will transfer your account information to your new Talking Book library. There is no requirement to return the player if you plan to continue service. Books, magazines, and videos should be returned to Kansas Talking Books.

1-800-362-0699
ktb@ks.gov