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.

One-on-One Tech Help

12:00pm - 1:00pm
Full
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Digital Lab
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Digital Lab, Technology Class
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 1
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
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: 1
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...
This event is in the "Teens" group.
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Schwarz Jacobson Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Book Clubs
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 5
About this event::
Join us each month to discuss a book that we've all read! We will be meeting in-person in the Schwarz Jacobson room this year; snacks and drinks will be provided. This month we will be discussing the award-winning When the Angels Left the Old Coun...
This event is in the "Adults" group.
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: BorgWarner West
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Other
About this event::
Nature on the Doorstep reveals the simple pleasures of paying attention to the natural world in one's own backyard. In this talk and discussion, Angela E. Douglas will share highlights of the collection of 52 short essays, and will discuss what she&n...
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Queer Craft Meetup

6:00pm - 8:00pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Digital Lab
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Classes and Workshops, Community Groups, Digital Lab
About this event::
Join other LGBTQIAP+ adults to do arts and crafts, hang out, and have fun. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own craft project, such as knitting, crochet, felting, embroidery, drawing, or any other craft that does not involve liquids (including...