About the Talking Book Program:
The North Dakota State Library, in partnership with National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled at the Library of Congress (NLS), provides audio, Braille, and large print books and magazines to any North Dakota citizen who is unable to read standard print materials because of a visual, physical, or reading disability. Please go to the NLS website www.loc.gov/nls/about/eligibility-for-nls-services for the full eligibility terminology.
How to apply:
To apply for the Talking Book program, please print out and complete the Talking Book Service Application form Application form
Please note, the fifth page of the application must be filled out and signed by a professional who is familiar with the applicant’s condition. There is a list of eligible professionals on the certification page.
What happens after you have filled out and returned the application?
A reader advisor, who is a staff member at the North Dakota State Library specially trained to assist Talking Books patrons, will enter your information into our patron database. Staff will then call you or your designated contact and will ask some questions about what types of things you like to read. NLS has an extensive collection of popular fiction (both new releases and classics), non-fiction about a variety of subjects, music appreciation, and music scores. (Note: The NLS Music program does not provide recorded music for recreational listening.)
The staff member will ask questions about the desired age range of materials; adult, young adult, children’s including grade level. They will ask about favorite authors, series, and subjects or genre such as biography, mystery, science fiction/fantasy, history, romance, and westerns. They will also ask your preference about books that may contain strong language, violence, or sexual content. The reader advisor can include content filters in the patron profile but please note, no system is perfect, and patrons may occasionally receive books with stronger content.
Please start making a list of your favorite authors, genre, and subjects now. The more information we have about your reading preferences, the better we can match you up with books you will enjoy.
How do patrons choose books?
Patrons can select books in two ways, automatic selection and request only. The reader advisor will give you more information about the advantages and disadvantages of both selection methods.
All Talking Book patrons are welcome to search titles in the NLS Catalog
Other things to know:
All Talking Book library materials are sent directly to your home and returned to the state library free of charge via Free Matter for the Blind through the US Postal Service.
All materials from the North Dakota State Library circulate for two months, including Talking Books cartridges. We recommend returning cartridges as soon as you finish them. A cartridge can be loaded with a single book or multiple titles. A reader advisor will help you determine which is the best fit for your reading habits.
Please ask us about magazines. NLS has over ninety magazines available in audio and Braille.
The North Dakota State Library has recorded over 850 titles by North Dakota authors or North Dakota related subjects. The list can be found at https://www.library.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/publications/tbtitles.pdf. We can send you a print copy if you prefer.
NLS has a growing collection of titles in several international languages. Ask a reader advisor for more details.
We can also provide you with audio versions of sacred texts for most world religions. If you have a preferred Bible translation, please let us know. Please note, sacred texts are the exception to the two month circulation rule and do not need to be returned while a patron is enrolled and active in the program.
The most important thing to know, we are here to help and support you. If you ever have any questions or problems, do not hesitate to call (701) 328-1408 or 800-843-9948. You can also email us at tbooks@nd.gov