North Dakota State Library Talking Book offers an array of services for citizens of North Dakota who are unable to read standard print materials because of a visual, physical, or reading disability.
The Talking Book program provides patrons with free access to audio books and magazines. The Talking Book program is administered by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), a division of the Library of Congress.
Eligibility
- Persons who are totally or legally blind.
- Persons with visual disabilities who are unable to read standard print clearly and comfortably for a reasonable length of time.
- Persons with physical disabilities who cannot hold a book, turn pages, or focus on printed material due to muscle or nerve deterioration, paralysis, or some other disabling condition.
- Persons certified as having a perceptual or reading disability and unable to read printed works to substantially the same degree as a person without an impairment or disability.
- Eligibility must be certified by one of the following: doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, ophthalmologist, optometrist, psychologist, registered nurse, therapist, and professional staff of hospitals, institutions, and public or welfare agencies (such as an educator, a social worker, case worker, counselor, rehabilitation teacher, certified reading specialist, school psychologist, superintendent, or librarian).
- Persons unable to read due to a temporary visual/physical disability (such as recuperation from surgery) for the duration of the disabling condition.
If you would like to apply for the Talking Book program, please complete and print the Talking Book Service Application form, ask a certifying authority to complete and sign their section, and mail to the address on the top of the form.
Please complete the Magazine Order Form mail, fax or email to:
North Dakota State Library Talking Book
604 East Boulevard Ave. - Dept 250
Bismarck, ND 58505-0800
Fax Number: 701-328-2040
Email: tbooks@nd.gov
Please contact us if:
- you have a question about your service
- your name, address, or telephone number changes
- you need to transfer your service to another state or country
- you want to order books by phone
- your player is broken, lost, or stolen
- you need a replacement for a damaged or incomplete book
- you wish to discontinue service temporarily or permanently
Related Information
Talking Book Patron Handbook
Talking Book Titles Recorded at the North Dakota State Library
Search the NLS online catalog
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS)
NLS Talking Book Topics
Duplication on Demand
Duplication on Demand is a service in which multiple books are downloaded onto one cartridge, each cartridge is created especially for each patron. In order to access the multiple books on the cartridge, the patron will need to use the "Bookshelf Mode". Click on the link below to access the Bookshelf directions.
How to Use Bookshelf to Access your Multiple Books
Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD)
BARD Application
BARD Mobile Application User Guide
BARD Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About BARD and BARD Mobile for iOS Devices
BARD Express: Tips & Tricks (25 videos)
Services Available
- Recorded Books on Digital Cartridges, Large Print Books, and Braille Books
The book collection consists of popular fiction, non-fiction general informational and recreational materials for all ages and tastes, similar to that found in a public library. Patrons may also request books by North Dakota authors, as well as books about North Dakota.
- Magazines
There are more than 70 magazines available in cassette format.
- Digital Player
North Dakota State Talking Book Library lends a digital player for use with talking books.
A number of accessories, such as headphones, are available upon request.
- High-Volume Digital Player with headphones
North Dakota State Talking Book Library lends a high-volume digital player with headphones for use with talking books.
- BARD
Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) is a service offered through NLS that allows patrons to download books off a NLS website to a computer. The books can then be transferred to a blank cartridge similar to the ones NLS uses, or to a USB flash drive and then played on the NLS digital player.
- Smart device Accessibility
Patrons may now download audio and Braille books to their iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or android device, if they are registered at the North Dakota State Library for the Library of Congress free library service. The BARD Mobile app is now available through the Apple App Store and Google Play. The app, which is free, allows readers to download audio and Braille books from their NLS BARD accounts.
- Free mailing
Books, magazines, players and catalog book orders may be sent and returned via the US Postal Service without cost, thanks to a Free Matter for the Blind and Handicapped mailing privilege.
- Reader Advisory
Talking Book staff offers patrons a variety of services, including helping to choose books and subject bibliographies, solving service problems, locating and obtaining books from other states, referral to alternative resources and reference services.
Related Information
North Dakota Vision Services
North Dakota Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
North Dakota Assistive
Service Dogs for America
Understanding Visual Conditions
