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.
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Online
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Health & Wellness
About this event::
This is a 30-minute meditation session led by Anna Salamone RN, LCSW, certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction teacher. MBSR is a means for reducing stress, improving our capacity for attention, boosting the immune system, reducing emotional reac...
This event is in the "Kids" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Award Winners Book Club

1:30pm - 2:30pm
Cancelled
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Kids, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Book Clubs, Classes and Workshops, STEAM
About this event::
Kids ages 9-13 are welcome to join this bi-monthly, in person book club that focuses on award winning books and authors! Each participant will receive a copy of the selected award winning book to keep and read in advance of our meeting. We will then ...
This event is in the "Adults" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Makerspace One-on-One

3:00pm - 4:00pm
Full
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.

TCPL Coding Club: Java Basics

4:00pm - 5:30pm
Open
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Digital Lab
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: STEAM, Technology Class
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 7
About this event::
TCPL is teaming up with My Learning Genie to provide free Java classes for teens! If you already know some Java and want to learn more see this link for the intermediate class: Intermediate Java Java stands as one of the most widely adopt...
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Fiber Arts Meetup!

5:30pm - 7:30pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Digital Lab
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Digital Lab, Makerspace, Meetings
About this event::
Do you like to knit, crochet, sew or make art with fiber? Join Josefine, a local knitter on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at TCPL! Bring your own project (consumable materials are not offered as part of this meet-up)  and come hang out a...
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Makerspace Open Hours

5:30pm - 7:30pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Makerspace
About this event::
Drop-in open hours, no registration required. Come for a short tour, or stay and work on a project - we have lots of art supplies and ideas to get you making! Visit the Makerspace to use the laser cutter, 3-D printer, Cricut, or sewing/embroidery ...