The Talking Book Center provides free audio books and other library services and resources to persons who are blind, print disabled, or unable to use standard printed materials.

These digital audio books are professionally recorded through the National Library Service (NLS) program, and they offer a wide array of subjects, both fiction and non-fiction, including bestsellers, classics, mysteries, westerns, biographies, history, health, science, and children's books. Audio magazines, braille magazines, access to braille books, and books in several foreign languages are also available.

Further information and printed forms are available by calling the Talking Book Center at 540-885-6215 during business hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Readers’ Advisory/Reference Service

Help in choosing or finding books and magazines is a phone call away. Reader advisors are available during hours of operation to help:

• Application Assistance
• Choose books according to patron preferences
• Find books in foreign languages
• Assist with issues or concerns about your service
• BARD Technical Support
• Assistive Technology Support
• Collection Management
• Reference guides and other information resources

Please call 540-885-6215 for assistance.

Walk-In Service

All area residents registered with the Talking Books Center are welcome to come to the second floor of the Staunton Public Library in person and check out Talking Books. A phone call beforehand is greatly appreciated to assist the patron promptly. Tours of the Talking Books Center Library and demonstrations of services and equipment are also available to the general public.

National Library Service Catalogs

Two bi-monthly magazines announce newly released titles and provide information on related Library services:

• Talking Book Topics (large print, audio cartridge, braille, and online)
• Braille Book Review (large print, Braille and online)
• You can also access the full NLS Online Catalog

BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download)

BARD is a web-based service that provides access to thousands of Audio and Braille books, magazines, and music scores produced by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), Library of Congress. The service also includes a growing collection of braille titles transcribed locally for cooperating network libraries. The BARD site is password-protected, and all downloaded audio books can be played on a supplied NLS book player, or a iOS or Android device.  Downloadable Braille titles require the use of special equipment for access.

iBill Currency Reader

The TBC is partnering with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing for a new pilot program that makes iBill readers more accessible to residents. iBill Readers are devices that allow blind and low vision community members to distinguish the difference in paper currency. Currently this free device is available through the BEP's national U.S. Currency Reader Program, and devices are available to qualified individuals from the Talking Book Center.

• iBill Currency Reader Application (PDF)

Magazines from NLS

The link at the bottom of this description gives access to lists of dozens of magazines produced or distributed by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), Library of Congress, through its FREE reading program. Individuals who are unable to read or handle conventional print materials because of a visual or a physical impairment are eligible for service.  Titles may be available in single or multiple formats, including audio, digital Braille, and digital text. Many of the audio and Braille magazine titles are available through BARD, a free Internet service available to eligible readers.

Website:  http://www.loc.gov/nls/braille-audio-reading-materials/magazines/

Call the TBC office to sign up for Magazines from NLS at 540-885-6215

Music Services from NLS

The Library has books about music, but not musical recordings. The Music Services division of National Library Service provides instructional books, braille and large print scores, and music reference services.

Outreach: Speakers, Displays & Exhibits

TBC staff is interested in sharing information about this program to interested community groups, schools, senior residences, libraries, and organizations. Speakers are available to talk to large or small groups. Also, promotional brochures, and display materials are offered that can be used by organizations to promote the Talking Book Center. Please contact the Talking Book Center to schedule an informative presentation on the Talking Book Program.

Additionally, the staff of the Talking Book Center is available to exhibit the Library’s program and services for agencies conducting resource or health fairs.