The Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (SBPH), through the National Library Service, provides Standard Cassette Book Machines, Easy Cassette Players, and Disc Players . The Easy Player is for use by the severely disabled and we encourage all who are able to use the Standard Cassette Book Machine. If you are unsure about which machine to order, start with the Standard Cassette Book Machine and move on to the Easy Player if needed. The Disc (Record) Players are slowly being phased out; neither magazines nor books are produced in this format any longer. We also carry a limited number of Combination Players, which combine a Disc Player with an Easy Player.

Headphones are also available for loan. If you prefer to purchase a pair, we encourage you to take your machine with you to ensure you get a good fit and proper adapter (if needed).

Available through the National Library Service directly are Remote Control Units for the severely physically disabled which turn the players on and off only. NLS also provides Amplifier Headphones for patrons with severe hearing loss. To obtain an application for these materials, please contact us at 1-800-992-9012.

All of our books are recorded at a speed of 15/16 (standard tape speed is 1 7/8), on FOUR sides. This allows us to fit six hours of recorded speech onto each cassette. At the end of each side, the narrator will instruct you on how to continue with the book (i.e., "Turn the cassette over" or "Flip the side selector switch and turn the cassette over"). Cassettes are labeled according to the first SIDE of the tape (1, 5, 9, etc.). You can adjust speed, tone and volume according to your tastes.

To get the best performance from your player, keep it in a cool, dry area, recharge the batteries regularly by plugging the machine in overnight, and clean the heads with isopropyl alcohol (not rubbing alcohol) after every twenty hours of use.

If your machine goes on the blink, first try the following remedies:

1. Test several cassettes to determine whether it is the tape or the player that is malfunctioning
2. Plug the machine in to recharge it (Machines can be left plugged in at all times. If you run your machine on battery power, be sure to plug it in at night, or when you begin to notice a loss of volume or slower speech.)
3. Shake the machine gently (Yes, we actually recommend this!)

If these remedies do not work, you may return your player by reinserting it into the original packaging, affixing the postage-free label that came with the machine, and taping the box shut. A note on the nature of the malfunction is appreciated by our repair personnel! To order a new machine, phone your Reader Advisor at 1-800-992-9012.

Machines are repaired by one full-time staff member and a group of volunteers made up of retired Bell telephone workers known as the Telephone Pioneers.

Notice

Talking Book Machines remain the property of the Federal Government and are loaned only to eligible, active library patrons. Machines may not be:

• Loaned to other individuals
• Sold or traded
• Thrown away or dismantled

If you have any problem with your talking book machine, please contact the Library of Michigan Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped at 1-800-992-9012 for specific instructions on the return, replacement and repair of equipment. Please do not repair equipment yourself or take equipment to a local repair shop.

See here for contact information
Telephone, Fax, Hours, Directions, Holidays, and E-mail