Kansas Talking Books

Kansas Talking Books provides personalized library support and materials in a specialized format to eligible Kansas residents to ensure that all may read. This is a free service that provides:

• books and magazines in audio and braille formats mailed directly to the patron, with return postage included
• special equipment to access books and magazine format, mailed directly to the patron
• collection of material across a variety of genres, fiction and non-fiction, for patrons of all ages
• reader advisory service via phone 800-362-0699, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• digital access to books and magazines from Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) via BARD website or BARD mobile app

Eligibility

Talking Books service is available to any resident of Kansas who has difficulty reading or handling traditional print materials as a result of a permanent or temporary visual impairment, physical impairment or reading disability. View details on eligibility then sign up for service.

Sign Up for Service

Download the Talking Books application then complete online or by hand. Review the certifying authority information in step 2 to ensure your application is complete before submitting via email or by U.S. mail.

Equipment

Talking Books provides machines and cartridges with books and magazines for free. This page shares some basic information on this, other equipment available like a Braille eReader and banknote identifier, plus a link to National Library Service page with information on third-party or commercial players.

Collections & Services

Any resident of Kansas who has difficulty reading or handling traditional print materials as a result of a permanent or temporary visual impairment, physical impairment or reading disability. Some facilities and organizations, such as schools and nursing homes, qualify for services as an institution. Talking Books staff share news and updates on the Talking Books Talk blog.

BARD Resources

Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) is a service of the National Library Services for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) which is available to Kansas Talking Books patrons. BARD offers more than 150,000 accessible titles for a variety of devices through online and mobile app access. BARD users must be current, active Kansas Talking Books patrons, have a valid email address and internet connection.

Programs

Join the quarterly book discussion, by phone, to socialize with fellow Kansas Talking Book patrons. For youth patrons, 17 and under, there is a reading club to encourage a lifelong love for reading. Every summer there is a themed program for youth and adults to explore a topic through reading.

Other Resources

A collection of agencies, organizations, websites and other resources offering services to Kansans with visual or physical impairment.

Volunteers

Kansas Talking Books seeks volunteers to assist in making written material accessible for the visually and physically impaired. Volunteers are matched to activities depending on need and the individual's skills. Talking Books is actively seeking volunteers to edit audio.

This project is made possible by the State Library of Kansas and the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.