Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL)

Application forms available on Applications and Eligibility web page.

Guidelines for iOS (Apple) and Android apps when it comes to BARD system available on nationwide Library provider internet site.

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

Special Announcement

As an element of a nationwide community cooperating with all the nationwide Library provider when it comes to Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), the Wisconsin speaking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL) provides sound books and brailled materials to people, surviving in Wisconsin, whom cannot see regular printing or handle printing materials. WTBBL patrons get and get back publications and equipment, postage-free through the U.S. Postal Service. 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 registrations that are new 2019.

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

The NLS speaking Book Program had been 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 more than one publications or magazines. The electronic players consist of a number of user-friendly options bookmark that is including settings, optional battery for portability, and a rest timer. Utilising the player’s amount, tone and rate settings, patrons enjoy easier listening. Direct downloading of digitized publications, mags and braille materials from the NLS Braille and Audio Reading install (BARD) internet site can be obtained. an software introduced in 2013 permits BARD downloads to iOS products. In 2014, NLS started circulating mags on electronic cartridges.

These solutions are manufactured available by NLS, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) therefore the Milwaukee Public Library.

Contact the WTBBL at:

Search the Online Catalog

That is Entitled To Services ?

Wisconsin residents, who’ve more than one of this following reading disabilities, as certified by a reliable authority, qualify for free collection services through the Wisconsin speaking Book and Braille Library:

• Visual Handicap: failure to learn print that is standard without unique aids or products aside from regular spectacles.
• Legal Blindness: Appropriate loss of sight is understood to be having a maximum of 10percent of normal eyesight when you look at the better attention with maximum correction.
• Real Handicap: incapacity to read through standard printing materials because of real restrictions, e.g., paralysis, lacking hands or fingers, numerous sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, etc.
• Reading impairment: natural disorder of enough extent as to prevent reading in a manner that is normal as certified by a doctor.

Services will also be available to schools, hospitals, assisted living facilities along with other organizations which provide people who have qualifying handicaps.

Just Exactly Just What Solutions are offered?

Reading Material: The Wisconsin speaking Book and Braille Library provides publications and mags in 2 platforms: Braille and audio recorded publications. The collection figures about 200,000 things and over 40,000 titles that are different. Bestsellers, romances, secrets, classics, recreations and travel are only a number of the numerous areas that are subject select from. Materials are offered for grownups, adults and children. The Wisconsin speaking Book and Braille Library additionally lends audio-described DVDs.

Gear and Accessories: The library provides playback devices also add-ons for the devices to add:

• Headphones
• Pillow Speaker (given simply to visitors restricted to bed)
• USB Breath change (given simply to visitors who will be not able to utilize the buttons in the player; contact the WTBBL for a credit card applicatoin)
• USB Digital speaking Book Cartridge Cable (used in order to connect a blank electronic book that is talking up to a USB slot on some type of computer)
• USB Flash Drive Adapter (enables you to make use of a personal flash drive because of the player)
• High-Volume Player and Headphones
  • NLS is promoting a high-volume form of the electronic book that is talking to be used by clients with profound hearing loss. The gamer happens to be programmed to possess a volume that is amplified to 120 dB. The high-volume function just works while using the high-volume player and specialized NLS-supplied stereo headphones. This brand new player and 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 will undoubtedly be added to the high-volume player that will likely be mailed right to you against NLS. To apply, contact the WTBBL for a high-volume and headphones application.

Selection: Catalogs and notices 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 clients of the latest purchases and library that is related. Nearly all clients decide to have the collection “auto choose” their researching materials, predicated on a profile they put up.

Reaching Out: clients regarding the 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 in order to make a presentation concerning the speaking Books program or even display at the lowest eyesight, adaptive technology or any other associated fair or show.

What is the price of the Service?

All publications, gear and solutions, like the mailing of materials, are liberated to individuals who cannot see or manage printed materials. Phone solution into the state of Wisconsin can be free, utilising the Wisconsin speaking Book and Braille Library’s toll-free quantity (800) 242-8822. Reading materials, devices and add-ons are delivered via usa Postal System free of charge to individuals within the system.

Just how can a person subscribe to this provider?

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

For extra information, contact:

Application forms available on Applications and Eligibility page.