Wisconsin Speaking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL)

Applications available on Applications and Eligibility web page.

Instructions for iOS (Apple) and Android apps for the BARD program available on nationwide Library provider site.

To find out more: NLS RTAG Charter 2020[MS Word (/ DOCX) 4 pages]

Special Statement

The Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL) provides audio books and brailled materials to persons, living in Wisconsin, who cannot see regular print or handle print materials as part of a national network cooperating with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled ( NLS. WTBBL patrons get and get back publications and equipment, postage-free through the U.S. Postal provider. WTBBL presently serves 6,800 patrons that are registered over 544 organizations ( e.g. libraries, schools, nursing facilities, veterans facilities). There have been 1,136 brand new registrations in 2019.

In addition, the WTBBL circulates books that are audio brailled materials about Wisconsin or by Wisconsin writers, in addition to audio-described DVDs read here.

The NLS speaking Book Program ended up being founded by the Act of Congress in 1931. WTBBL joined up with the NLS system in 1961. The present players that are digital cartridges replaced the cassette players and tapes in ’09. Specially-designed USB flash-drive cartridges hold a number of publications or publications. The electronic players consist of many different user-friendly options bookmark that is including settings, optional battery for portability, and a rest timer. Utilising the player’s amount, speed and tone settings, patrons enjoy easier listening. Direct downloading of digitized publications, publications and materials that are braille the NLS Braille and Audio Reading install (BARD) web site can be obtained. an application introduced in 2013 permits BARD downloads to iOS products. In 2014, NLS started magazines that are distributing digital cartridges.

These solutions are created available by NLS, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) together with Milwaukee Public Library.

Contact the WTBBL at:

Search the Online Catalog

That is Qualified To Receive Services?

Wisconsin residents, that have more than one associated with the reading that is following, as certified by a reliable authority, meet the criteria at no cost library services through the Wisconsin speaking Book and Braille Library:

• Artistic Handicap: failure to read through standard printing materials without unique helps or products apart from regular spectacles.
• Appropriate Blindness: Appropriate loss of sight is described as having a maximum of 10percent of normal eyesight into the better attention with maximum modification.
• Real Handicap: failure to learn print that is standard due to real restrictions, e.g., paralysis, lacking hands or fingers, numerous sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, etc.
• Reading impairment: natural disorder of adequate extent as to prevent reading in a normal way, as certified by a doctor.

Services may also be available to schools, hospitals, nursing facilities as well as other organizations which provide people who have qualifying handicaps.

Exactly Just Exactly What Solutions are offered?

Reading Material: The Wisconsin speaking Book and Braille Library provides publications and publications in 2 formats: Braille and audio books that are recorded. The collection numbers about 200,000 products and over 40,000 titles that are different. Bestsellers, romances, secrets, classics, activities and travel are simply a number of the numerous areas that are subject pick from. Materials are offered for grownups, adults and kids. The Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library additionally lends DVDs that are audio-described.

Gear and Accessories: The library provides playback devices along with add-ons when it comes to devices to incorporate:

• Headphones
• Pillow Speaker (given simply to visitors restricted to bed)
• USB breathing change (granted and then visitors that are not able to utilize the buttons from the player; contact the WTBBL for a credit card applicatoin)
• USB Digital speaking Book Cartridge Cable (used in order to connect a blank electronic speaking book cartridge to a USB slot on some type of computer)
• USB Flash Drive Adapter (enables you to work with a flash that is personal with all the player)
• High-Volume Player and Headphones
  • NLS is promoting a high-volume form of the electronic chatting book player for usage by clients with profound hearing loss. The ball player happens to be programmed to own an amplified volume up to 120 dB. The high-volume function just works while using the high-volume player and specialized NLS-supplied stereo headphones. This player that is new headphone combination replaces the amplifier/headset accessory currently being used. Patrons will need certainly to get back their present player that is digital receiving the high-volume player and headset. A return label is supposed to be incorporated with the player that is high-volume is going to be mailed right to you against NLS. To apply, contact the WTBBL for a high-volume and headphones application.

Selection: Catalogs and announcements of brand new publications are mailed to visitors in many different platforms (big print, audio and Braille). “speaking Book Topics” and “Braille Book Review” are bimonthly publications that inform patrons of brand new purchases and library that is related. Nearly all clients decide to have the collection “auto choose” their materials that are reading predicated on a profile they setup.

Trying: clients of this Wisconsin speaking Book and Braille Library get a publication, “The Bulletin Board,” which gives features, notices, resources and updates. If you wish a WTBBL representative to create a presentation concerning the chatting Books system or even to display at a vision that is low adaptive technology or other associated fair or show.

What’s the Cost of the provider?

All publications, gear and solutions, such as the mailing of materials, are absolve to those who cannot see or manage printed materials. Phone service when you look at the state of Wisconsin can also be free, making use of the Wisconsin speaking Book and Braille Library’s toll-free quantity (800) 242-8822. Reading materials, devices and accessories are delivered via usa Postal System free of charge to individuals within the program.

How do a person subscribe to this provider?

Down load and send the finished application into the Wisconsin speaking Book and Braille Library by mail, e-mail, fax or delivered in individual towards the WTBBL.

For more information, contact:

Applications available on Applications and Eligibility web web page.