Show All Answers

1. Who may use the service?

Persons who are unable to read or use standard printed materials due to visual or physical impairments, reading disabilities, or other print disabilities (such as blindness, low vision, lack of muscle coordination, prolonged weakness, or dyslexia) are eligible. An application signed by a certifying agent is required. Please send the original application via the mail or scan and email the full application to us at KTB@ks.gov

2. What types of materials are available?

Talking Books provides books, magazines, and descriptive videos for eligible Kansas residents. Books and magazines are available in digital audio, digital braille, and press braille formats. A list of audio book titles is available online.

3. How do I send in my requests?

Readers can make requests by mail (no special forms are necessary, any sheet of paper will do), in person, by phone, or by email. After hours, request lists can be left on our voice mail system by calling 1-800-362-0699.

4. How do I receive books from my library?

You should receive a starter cartridge of book(s) when you first begin the service and receive your playback equipment. To return books, put the cartridge back in the container, remove the mail card as a mailing label is attached to the container,  and drop into the mail. Generally, the library automatically mails replacement books back to readers; however, this varies according to everyone's needs.

Kansas Talking Books patrons can also download books from BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download), an online collection of digital audio and braille books produced by NLS and network libraries nationwide, magazines, and music scores and books. Please contact our office if you are interested in BARD or fill out a short online application to sign up.

5. How are the books sent and how long may they be kept?

Books are sent postage free, through regular U.S. mail, and are returned in the same manner. All have pre-addressed postage free mailing labels on the container for easy return. Books are checked out with no due date; however, you will not receive new books until one of your multiple book cartridges are returned..

6. What if I do not enjoy the books I am receiving?

Contact a library staff member. The Talking Books staff can help you customize your user profile, make selections, and give you ideas for other titles, authors, or subjects you might like.

7. Are book catalogs available? How often will I receive catalogs?

Information about access to the Talking Book Topics (TBT) catalog is provided in the welcome packet. This catalog is issued every two months and lists the newest books available through our collection. Catalogs are available in l digital book, HTML, or accessible PDF formats.   

Braille Book Review lists braille books and magazines recently added to the NLS collection and available through a network of cooperating libraries. NLS publishes Braille Book Review bimonthly in braille and HTML. Contact Kansas Talking Books to subscribe to this publication.

8. Will my Talking Books play on my computer?

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

9. What happens if my playback machine or books stops working?

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

10. Are videos included in the collection?

Descriptive videos and DVDs with descriptive audio tracks are available. 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. A current list of videos is available. To update your request list print the available order form and mail to the library.  

11. Does Talking Books provide textbooks?

While some books teachers and professors may assign can be obtained at Talking Books, textbooks are not specifically provided by Talking Books. Students receive many textbooks from Learning Ally, located in Princeton, New Jersey. For more information on textbooks, contact Learning Ally at 1-800-221-4792 or visit their website. Bookshare is a free source for students with over a million books in large print, audio, braille, highlighted text, and other formats. For more information, visit their website.

12. What if I want to make suggestions about titles or authors to be recorded on Talking Books?

If there are some books or authors you would like to suggest for production especially those about Kansas or by Kansas authors, please contact the regional library. 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 the library.

If the book is not Kansas-related (about Kansas or by Kansas authors), we can make a recommendation to NLS. However, final decisions regarding book production will be determined by NLS.

13. If I move out of the area or out of state, can I take my Talking Book player(s)?

Yes. Simply contact your local Talking Book library with your new address and contact information. The staff will transfer the player serial number to your new serving library. There is no requirement to return the player if you plan to continue service at another library. Books and magazines, however, should be returned to their issuing library.

Updated 08/04/2022