That All May Read BSBP Braille and Talking Book Library, Library of Congress Audio and braille books for people unable to read or utilize standard print materials. (photo of lady using talking book player sitting outside at a picnic table.) (Address panel) Eligibility You are eligible for BTBL service if: * You cannot see well enough or focus enough to read a regular print book, although you wear glasses or contact lenses. * You are legally blind—that is, your vision in the better eye is 20/200 or less with corrective aids, or your widest diameters of visual field are no greater than 20 degrees. * You are unable to handle print books or turn pages. * You are certified by a medical doctor as having a physically based reading disability. * Schools and institutions with eligible students or clients may also sign up for service with an institutional account. Patrons do NOT have to be blind to benefit from this service! People experiencing a variety of conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, Diabetes, Cerebral Palsy, Dyslexia, and even those currently reading large print materials because standard print has become too difficult, all potentially qualify for the BTBL service. Adaptive Technology BTBL offers devices such as reading machines, closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs), and speech output technologies for use in our public service area. We also offer group and one-on-one trainings on various assistive devices. Call the library to schedule a meeting. And More… BTBL is always looking for ways to expand and improve service to our patrons. We offer the following: Join a Club –we offer regularly scheduled events that patrons can join in person, over the phone or online (check with the library for the current offerings). Described Movies – DVDs with an audio description track are available for checkout (may require assistance from a sighted person to access this feature). Michigan’s Locally Recorded Digital Talking Books – BTBL runs a volunteer narration program to add Michigan-related books to the NLS collection. If you cannot see well enough to read regular print or cannot handle printed materials because of a physical disability, we can help! The Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL) provides library service in audio or braille format to eligible patrons free of charge. This program is a part of a national network of cooperating libraries made possible by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress. Materials and equipment are loaned free of charge via postage-free mail. Books and Magazines As a patron, you will have access to digital talking books (audio books on a special cartridge) and braille books from the national NLS collection that includes bestsellers, classics, mysteries, westerns, poetry, biographies, religious literature, children’s books, foreign language titles, and more. In addition, you may select from more than forty magazines in audio or braille, such as Consumer Reports, National Geographic, and People. BARD The Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) is another easy way to access books and magazines through our service. Download books to a flash drive to use with the Digital Talking Book Player, or go mobile with the BARD Mobile App for compatible devices such as iPads, iPhones and Android products. BARD allows patrons to get books without waiting for mail delivery! All that is required is internet access and log-in information. To sign up for BARD, visit www.nlsbard.lov.gov or call the library for more information. Ordering Books Patrons receive bimonthly periodicals that list newly released books available through BTBL. Talking Book Topics, available in large-print and audio formats, lists audiobooks. Braille Book Review, available in large print and braille, lists braille books. Patrons can also search the collection online. For all the ways to search and order books, visit our website at www.michigan.gov/btbl and click on the “Order Books” link. Or call and speak with a Librarian for book suggestions. Machines and Accessories Once enrolled in the program, you will receive on loan the portable Digital Talking Book Player required to read the audio books and magazines. This player has a simple and easy-to-use design, featuring a built in user-guide that can be accessed by turning the player on without an audio book inserted. The machine has been specially designed to accommodate people of all skill and ability levels. No technology experience is needed. Should the equipment fail to operate properly at any time, BTBL will replace it at no cost to you. Eligible individuals may borrow headphones, pillow speakers, or a high-volume player (amplifier system for the hard of hearing). Music Services In addition to books and magazines, patrons have access to music scores and music books in braille and large print, music-appreciation materials, and instruction materials for various instruments. These materials come directly from NLS, but can be requested through BTBL. Request an Application for Free Library Service Please send me an application package for the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP), Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL). (fill in the blank panel) Name Address City State Zip Code For more Information: Toll Free: 1-800-992-9012 Website: www.michigan.gov/btbl Email: btbl@michigan.gov Library Hours: Open for calls: M – F, 8am to 5pm Lobby Open: M – F, 10am to 5pm The library is closed on all recognized state holidays. Braille and Talking Book Library, Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, is an equal opportunity employer/program.