| About Nevada Talking Book Services |
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****BARD Notice****BARD Notice****BARD Notice**** The BARD web site has moved. Delete your current BARD bookmark. Please update and save this new BARD link: https://nlsbard.loc.gov/nlsbardprod/login/NV1A Thank you for your understanding. For an application, choose the Registration link from the list on the left. For further information contact: Nevada Talking Book Services Nevada Talking Book Services (NTBS) is part of the Library of Congress' National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) network of libraries providing services to blind, visually or physically handicapped individuals. Books are available on cassette, digital cartridge, or through Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD). Magazines are available on cassette or through BARD; some materials are available in Braille. Recorded books and magazines and special playback equipment are loaned to eligible readers free of charge. All reading materials are sent to and returned by readers through postage-free mail. NTBS also provides reference and information services about sources of spoken-word recordings, special format materials, and other resources available to individuals unable to use regular print materials. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THESE SERVICES? Anyone temporarily or permanently unable to see or hold print material is eligible for library services for the blind. Eligibility includes certification as "legally blind," visually or physically impaired, and reading or learning disabled. An application form must be completed and signed by a professional trained in the evaluation of visual or physical handicaps such as a doctor of medicine, optometrist, physical therapist, etc. Nearly 23,000 Nevadans are estimated to be visually impaired and eligible for Talking Books. In FY 2010, NTBS served over 1,300 eligible readers. The NTBS collection covers a large variety of popular adult, young adult and juvenile reading interests. The collection of recorded books available is similar to that of any public library. It includes bestsellers, mysteries, westerns, science fiction, romances and biographies and more for all ages. Books in foreign languages and some reference books are also available. Readers may request specific titles and authors, or they may ask the NTBS staff to select books for them based on their reading interests. Readers can also choose from over fifty popular magazines recorded on cassette or in Braille or download them from BARD. Nevada's collection of talking books includes over 4,000 digital titles and over 56,000 cassette titles. In FY 2010, over 91,000 books were circulated to eligible Nevadans. We began receiving digital books in 2009, and our digital collection increases every day; production of books on cassette ceased in October 2010. Over 325,000 titles are available through interlibrary loan from the NLS network of libraries. LOCALLY RECORDED BOOKS The Nevada Talking Book Services records audio books and magazines about Nevada. Click here for a complete list. DO I NEED SPECIAL EQUIPMENT? The recorded books must be played on special machines designed specifically for this use as they are specially recorded to protect the copyrights of each book. These machines play cassette tapes or digital recordings. Once an application has been processed, the library loans a cassette and/or digital player to each patron. Several different playback machines and accessories are available to adapt the machines to an individual's needs. WHERE CAN I GET Braille BOOKS? Nevada Talking Book Services contracts with the Utah State Library to provide Braille books to eligible Nevadans. These books are loaned through postage-free mail directly to the reader. An application is required to receive this service. WHERE DOES ALL THIS COME FROM? NLS contracts for the manufacture of the Braille and recorded books and magazines and the special playback equipment and accessories. NLS provides the administrative support to coordinate the network of regional and sub-regional libraries around the nation. NTBS, as part of the Nevada State Library and Archives, coordinates services statewide. Federal grants through the Library Services Technology Act, Institute of Museum and Library Services help support the recording program in Carson City and the Outreach and Public Awareness office in Las Vegas. HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER? Nevada Talking Books has volunteer opportunities available. Tasks include shelving and cleaning books, quality assurance, mailings, and more. Volunteers are also needed for Recording Nevada which produces audio books about Nevada or by Nevada authors. For more information contact Hope Williams at 775.684.3381 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . |