Talking Book and Braille Library

Talking Book and Braille Library

New York State Talking Book and Braille Library Logo

Did you know? If eligible, you or a loved one can access over 115,000 audio and braille titles from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) through the Library of Congress!

Material resources include cost and postage-free mailed loans of talking books, easy-to-use talking book players, physical braille books and magazines, and a digital app that provides immediate downloads of thousands of audio titles! The app, called BARD – Braille and Audio Reading Download – can be used on computers, smartphones and tablets. The app has no wait lists, no due dates, and unlimited downloads for registered users.


Who is eligible?

Any resident of the United States, or U.S. citizen living abroad who is unable to read or use normal print materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or physical disability may receive service through NLS. For more information about eligibility visit the NLS website.

Have questions or want more information? Complete the NLS request for information form and an NLS representative in your service area will contact you, or call 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323) to speak to a librarian in your area. TCPL reference librarians can also help you get started – stop by or call 607-272-4556.


How Can I Apply?

Individuals apply for the service through their home state's library. Applications are available on the New York State Library website.

The forms are PDF fill-in forms, which can be completed mainly on your computer or printed out and completed entirely by hand. Because an original signature is required, however, applications cannot be submitted online.

To confirm eligibility, the application must be signed by a professional person acceptable to the Library and familiar with the applicant's disability. If you have a reading or learning disability, the application must be signed by a Medical Doctor or a Doctor of Osteopathy.

 

Upcoming Events

This event is in the "Adults" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults, Teens
Program Type: Makerspace
About this event::
Drop-in open hours are back! Registration is no longer required. Visit the Makerspace to use the laser cutter, 3-D printer, Cricut, or sewing/embroidery machines.  All equipment will be available on a first come first served basis and machine...
This event is in the "Families" group.

Summer Family Storytime

11:00am - 11:30am
Open
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Families
Program Type: Storytimes
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 55
About this event::
Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to celebrate reading and build their early literacy skills every week at Family Storytime! Registration is not required. If you’d like to receive weekly email reminders for these storytimes, co...
This event is in the "Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers" group.
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Classes and Workshops
About this event::
Families with young children are invited to come play with an assortment of toys appropriate for infants and toddlers. The Finger Lakes Toy Library is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to toys and play while fostering a communit...
This event is in the "Adults" group.

One-on-One Tech Help

10:00am - 11:00am
Full
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Digital Lab
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Digital Lab, One-on-One Appointments, Technology Class
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
About this event::
Book a librarian or volunteer technology tutor for help with digital downloads, such as borrowing eBooks, or basic computer questions.  **Please visit the Adult Services reference desk at the time of your appointment.**  Appointments will b...
This event is in the "Adults" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Makerspace One-on-One

3:00pm - 4:00pm
Waitlist
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults, Teens
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Makerspace, One-on-One Appointments
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
About this event::
What do you want to make? Register for a one-on-one session in the makerspace with Library Assistant Josh to use our laser cutter, 3-D printer, or Cricut.  Sessions are one hour and a maximum of two people are allowed in the makerspace a...
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Maker Mondays

4:00pm - 6:00pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Makerspace, STEAM, Technology Class
About this event::
Let's Make Something! 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, Cricut, etc... Teens are invited to the Makerspace for two hours of open-making time. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and use one of our Makerspace machines:  3D Printers (M...