Digital Talking Books and Talking Book Machines

The Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL) provides talking books and talking book playback equipment through the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress. Talking books are currently available in both digital and audiocassette formats. Although books on audiocassette have been the primary media for decades, the NLS began distribution of digital media in 2009. Talking book machines such as the Digital Talking Book Machine (DTBM) and, its predecessor, the Standard Cassette Book Machine (CBM) are also available. Veterans and centenarians are given priority consideration in the initial assignment of digital books and players. Materials are assigned to all eligible individuals thereafter on a first-come, first serve basis. Talking books and machines are shipped as "Free Matter for the Blind" at no cost to our patrons.

Digital Books 
Digital books (DB's) are contained on a cartridge similar in size to an audiocassette. The cartridge can only be inserted into the player in one direction which makes insertion and extraction easier. Unlike books on audiocassette that require multiple tapes to house a single book, each digital book is contained on one cartridge. Since there is only one cartridge, there is no need to flip or change the cartridge while listening to the book. NLS is currently producing a limited number of DB's, so our library is circulating a minimal number of DB's at this time. The loan period for each book is four weeks from the date of shipment. Digital books may also be downloaded from the BARD Web site. For more information about BARD, please visit the BARD site. After receiving a digital player, individuals are encouraged to retain their cassette book machine until books on audiocassette are discontinued.

Digital Talking Book Machines 
Digital Talking Book Machines, also known as digital players, are available in standard and advanced models. Both machines have basic operations similar to the cassette player. The advanced player is enhanced which allows the reader to set bookmarks for reference purposes. Please view the NLS factsheet for an overview of these features. For additional information, or to request a digital player, please contact us at (517) 373-5614, or toll free (800) 992-9012. Also, please indicate your preference for the standard or advanced player.

Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) 
The NLS provides downloadable books and magazines through the BARD Website. These books are the electronic versions of the same digital books that NLS produces on cartridge. Eligible users may register at the BARD site and download books and magazines to a computer and listen to them on a digital player. Downloadable books cannot be played on a computer or MP3 player, but the NLS digital player can play the books and files from an MP3 player. Multiple books may be downloaded and played on the player from a thumb drive on any digital player that has received the NLS Firmware upgrade. If your player has not been upgraded, and you are a BARD member, you may upgrade your player for free at the BARD Web site. Membership to BARD is available to all individuals who are eligible for talking book services. Please view the BARD Web site to register and download books. You may also obtain instructions and upgrades for your digital player from the BARD site.

Accessories 
Headphones and headphone adaptors, as well as USB adaptors, are also available for loan. If you prefer to purchase a pair, we encourage you to take your machine with you to ensure proper fit and the correct adaptor (if needed). Remote Control Units, that turn the players on and off only, are also available through the National Library Service for the severely physically disabled. NLS also provides Amplifier Headphones for patrons with severe hearing loss. To obtain an application for these materials, please contact us at 1-800-992-9012.

NOTICE 
Talking Book Machines remain the property of the Federal Government and are loaned only to eligible, active library patrons. Machines may not be:

• Loaned to other individuals
• Sold or traded
• Thrown away or dismantled

Defective machines may be returned to us by reinserting them into the original packaging, affixing the postage-free label contained in the box, and taping the box shut. Please enclose a note detailing the nature of the malfunction, if known. To order a replacement, please contact the Braille and Talking Book Library at 1-800-992-9012. Please do not repair equipment yourself or take equipment to a local repair shop.

View more information about Audiocassette Books and Machines