Braille and Talking Book Program

The Roeliff Jansen Community Library is now a member of the New York State Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL), a free lending library available to individuals who have difficulty reading standard print due to blindness, a visual impairment, a physical disability, or reading disability.  TBBL is a regional library in a nationwide program coordinated by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS).

Eligible individuals can set up an account and have materials mailed to and from their homes at nobcharge. TBBL has thousands of fiction and nonfiction titles in audio format, as well as a large collection of children’s and adult Braille books, including Braille downloads. Over 70 magazines are also available to eligible borrowers. Registered borrowers are loaned special playback equipment free of charge.

In addition, borrowers can download digital audio and Braille books directly from the NLS Braille an Audio Reading Download (BARD) main page using the popular BARD mobile app, which makes it possible to play downloaded books on iOS, Android and Kindle Fire devices. Audio materials downloaded from BARD can be played directly on your device. To read braille materials, you will need to connect a refreshable Braille display to your device using Bluetooth. The Roe Jan Library can help eligible patrons establish TBBL and BARD accounts. We also have a playback device and sample books to familiarize patrons with the equipment and can also demonstrate use of the mobile app. Contact the library to learn more.

Other Resources:

  • NFB-Newsline – A free audio service for those who cannot read regular newsprint. Newsline offers access to newspapers, magazines and other news resources in many different formats.

  • Bookshare – Access to textbooks, bestsellers, children’s books, career resources, and more for individuals with reading barriers. Books available in ebook, audio, and braille formats.

  • Learning Ally – Provides access to a large audio library of popular books and titles for recreational reading and classroom use. If the person is affiliated with an educational institution, it may be free. If not, there is an annual fee.

  • Resource Center at the NYS School for the Blind and Visually Impaired – Provides assistance when requesting textbooks in braille or large print for eligible students.