Talking-Book Program Breaks Barriers, Allowing All to Read
(NewsUSA) - Curling up with a good book is a pleasure some people forgo as a result of blindness or physical handicaps that make reading difficult.
Many individuals facing such challenges assume that they must rely on friends and family to access information in written materials and give up reading altogether. But these conditions do not have to isolate your loved ones or keep them from losing themselves in their favorite books. NLS Talking Books can help.
Administered by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), part of the Library of Congress, the free service brings reading materials straight to the mailboxes of its patrons. Books and magazines and special audio equipment are sent to patrons via the U.S. mail at no cost. NLS's national network of libraries helps coordinate the distribution.
"Talking Books offer a wonderful opportunity for anyone who cannot read standard print because of blindness or a physical handicap," says NLS director Frank Kurt Cylke. "The service is a priceless resource that family and friends can offer loved ones who have trouble seeing print."
Indeed, some bookworms read by sound and touch instead of sight, and the collection of more than 400,000 titles of bestsellers, classics, biographies and romance novels delights even the most selective readers. Magazine lovers enjoy free subscriptions to U.S. News & World Report, National Geographic, Sports Illustrated for Kids and nearly 70 other magazines on audiocassette and in braille.
NLS Talking Books also keeps pace with the latest titles. Patrons can learn of new releases through two bimonthly magazines: Braille Book Review and Talking Book Topics.
Beginning with just 19 libraries in 1931, today the extensive NLS network includes 57 regional and 77 subregional libraries located throughout the United States and its territories. Congress appropriates funds annually to NLS, while regional libraries receive financial support from federal, state and local sources.
Any U.S. citizen whose blindness or physical disability makes standard, newspaper-size text difficult to read is eligible to participate in Talking Books. Special priority is given to U.S. veterans.
Those interested in learning more or signing up can call 888-NLS-READ or visit www.loc.gov/nls. The signature of a doctor, caregiver or other authority is required for approval. Once accepted, the special audio equipment is sent within a few days.
