About Talking Books

The New Hampshire Talking Books Services is a member of a national network of cooperating libraries that provide free library service to those unable to read standard print materials. This may be due to a temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical, perceptual, or reading disability that prevents them from using regular print materials.

The network was established in 1931 by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Disabled (NLS) of the Library of Congress. The New Hampshire LBPH was established in 1969, with 500 books checked out and mailed to patrons in 1970.

The Library circulates more than 70,000 items to more than 2,000 residents of NH, as well as institutions, including schools, nursing homes, and public libraries. The materials circulated include print/braille books, digital audiobooks, descriptive videos, and Playaway Books. In October 2018, the library began utilizing a duplication-on-demand circulation system. This allows the library to load multiple book copies onto one audio cartridge. Patron book requests and order forms, requests for applications and replacement playback equipment, and questions about the service and eligibility may be made by phone, letter, email, fax, and walk-in visits. Materials are sent through the mail postage free. Books, magazines, and the player needed to read the talking books are provided at no cost. Audio and braille library materials may also be downloaded to a personal device.

The first step is to complete an Individual Application, have it properly certified, then send it to the library. We will establish you as a patron, send you a welcome packet, player to read the books, and an audio book cartridge. Remember: there will be multiple books on each book cartridge. Easy to use, and you can enjoy reading several books before you return the cartridge and then receive a replacement.

Agencies, schools, and care facilities may also apply for the service by filling out an Institutional Application. This allows staff and teachers to request services for eligible residents or students. We will provide a player and deposit collection for you to use as a demonstration of library services. We encourage each eligible student or resident to complete an Individual Application so we may better meet their reading needs.

Braille Readers

Are you a braille reader? When you register for services with the New Hampshire Talking Book Library, braille books will then be available to you, on loan, from the Perkins School for the Blind Library.

Also available will be a braille e-Reader, on loan, from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.  Link to video clip showing a person using the braille e-Reader: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1452029948995850

Please contact the New Hampshire Talking Books Library for more information about braille services.