Texas Talking Books Program

Program description 

The Talking Book Program provides free library services to Texans who are unable to read standard print material due to visual, physical, or reading disabilities-whether permanent or temporary.

Books and magazines are available in different formats, mainly on digital cartridge, but also digital audio, and in braille and large print. Best of all, books are delivered right to your door. All of the items are sent and returned through the mail free of charge. The program offers more than 80,000 titles in fiction and nonfiction, plus 80 national magazines for adults and children.

Demo 

Librarians are available to demo the Digital Talking Book Machine (DTBM) that will be loaned to you by the Talking Book Program if you are eligible for the services.

How to apply

Call or email Texas Book Program (TBP) reader consultants to apply for service and instructions on how to complete an application and send it in. TBP will call you to set up an account after the application is sent in.

TBP reader consultants are available to assist you from 8 am - 12 pm and 1 pm - 5 pm Monday - Friday. Call toll free in Texas at 1-800-252-9605, or 512-463-5458 (Austin area) or email , or fax to 512-936-0685.

Certifying Authority

Your application form will need a professional to sign off as the certifying authority before you submit it to the Texas Book Program. Any of the four professional librarians at the Schertz Public Library are authorized to sign the application form. Other "certifying authority" options include doctors of medicine and osteopathy, ophthalmologists, optometrists, registered nurses, therapists, professional staff of hospitals, institutions, and public or welfare agencies (e.g., social workers, case workers, counselors, vocational rehabilitation counselors, home teachers, and superintendents). 

BARD

The Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) service made available through The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped is also available for eligible readers. BARD has downloads accessible for iOS devices, Android devices, and Fire tablets.

BARD Application for Individuals