Kansas Talking Books provides Free Reading Services for those unable to use standard print and personalized library support and materials in a specialized format to eligible Kansas residents to ensure that all may read.
This is a free service that provides:
-books and magazines in audio and braille formats mailed directly to the patron, with return postage included
-special equipment to access books and magazine format, mailed directly to the patron. If the player stops working, it may be sent back in the original box free of charge; a replacement one will be sent.
-collection of material across a variety of genres, fiction and non-fiction, for patrons of all ages
-reader advisory service via phone 800-362-0699, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
-digital access to books and magazines from Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) via BARD website or BARD mobile app
An application may be picked up at the Library or downloaded online.
Send the completed original form to Kansas Talking Book Library Services, 1 Kellogg Circle, Box 4055, Emporia, KS 66801 or email a scanned copy of the handwritten application to KTB@ks.gov
Search the Kansas Talking Book Library Catalog for a list of available titles.
Talking Books Contact information:
Website: https://library.ks.gov/talking-books
E-mail: KTB@ks.gov
Phone: 800.362.0699 (toll free) M-F 8am-5pm
Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) is a service of the National Library Services for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) which is available to Kansas Talking Books patrons. BARD offers more than 150,000 accessible titles for a variety of devices including Chromebooks, BlindShell, HumanWare, Kindle Fire, Google/Android, Apple/iOS, and Windows.Â
BARD users must be current, active Kansas Talking Books patrons, have a valid email address and internet connection. Below are details on the many ways and devices you can use BARD to download titles to play on digital talking book machines (DTBM) or on mobile devices. For more information on BARD go to https://library.ks.gov/talking-books/bard
For more news, updates, and reading suggestions you can read the full newsletter on the Talking Books Talk Blog.