Thanks to a partnership with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), the Mississippi Library Commission serves as a free public library service for eligible Mississippi residents of all ages and for institutions that serve these individuals, such as schools, hospitals, or living facilities. This free library program allows patrons to receive digital audio, braille, and large print materials directly at their homes. Patrons also have the option of downloading books and magazines directly to their smartphones or tablets in audio or braille format.

Eligible individuals may:

• have blindness, low vision, or be unable to comfortably read standard print books
• have arthritis or other conditions that make it difficult to hold books or turn pages
• have dyslexia or other reading disabilities
• have ADHD or other conditions that make focusing on a standard print book difficult

Click here for more information on applications and eligibility.

Talking Books Collection

The Talking Books collection offers a wide range of popular fiction and nonfiction titles for adults, teens, and children.  The collection holdings may be searched by anyone using the online catalog, but only registered Talking Book Services patrons may place requests.

Materials include:

• audio books and magazines on digital cartridge
• braille books and magazines
• books in large print

Specialized Talking Book Players are also provided on loan at no charge to patrons.  Equipment includes:

• Digital cartridge playback machines
• Adaptive devices such as remote control units and headphone adapters
• Headphones and pillow speakers

Materials are mailed directly to the individual’s home in special returnable packaging and may be returned to the Commission without cost through the U.S. Postal Service under the “Free Matter for the Blind and Physically Handicapped” privilege.

Patron Resources

Borrower’s Handbook 2024

BARD: Braille & Audio Reading Download

The BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) service allows Talking Book Services patrons with internet access and an email address to search for and download titles to their smartphones or tablets for immediate listening. New titles are frequently added to this service. Talking Book Services registered patrons need to register separately for the BARD service.

Large Print Direct

Talking Book Services registered patrons may also receive Large Print materials mailed directly to their homes with our Large Print Direct service. A monthly catalog is mailed to Large Print Direct patrons, who then choose the books they’d like to receive. New patrons can receive four books and established patrons can receive up to 10. To learn more about this service, contact Gloria Jimerson, Large Print Direct Advisor, at 601-432-4047.

The Reading Light

Talking Book Services publishes a quarterly newsletter, The Reading Light, that is available in PDF and audio formats. Beginning in 2024, patrons can choose between an emailed version, a printed and mailed version, or an audio version.

National Library Service (NLS): That All May Read

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled at the Library of Congress administers this free national library program. Established by an Act of Congress in 1931 to serve blind adults, the program was expanded in 1952 to include children, in 1962 to provide music materials, in 1966 to include individuals with other physical disabilities that prevent reading regular print, and in 2016 to permit NLS to provide refreshable braille displays. The NLS program is funded annually by Congress, and books and materials are mailed as Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped through a separate appropriation to the United States Postal Service. Network libraries like MLC’s Talking Book Services are funded through a combination of state, local, or federal sources.

Outreach

Our TBS staff is available to come talk to your group about the service, where we can also sign up eligible patrons on the spot. Whether it’s a school, library, assisted living facility, veterans group, civic group, or other meeting, contact us today to get a visit scheduled.

For more information:

Call:
1-800-446-0892 (toll free) or 601-432-4151

Fax:
1-601-432-4476

Email:
talkingbooks@mlc.lib.ms.us

Mail:
Mississippi Library Commission
Attn: Talking Book Services
3881 Eastwood Drive
Jackson, MS 39211-6473