The Talking Books Library loans audiobooks and magazines, along with a player, FREE by mail to persons who have difficulty reading or using printed books and other materials because of blindness, or visual, physical, or reading disabilities.
Talking Books Library customers can also request Braille books for free.
Talking Books are full-length, unabridged books on digital cartridges (or in Braille) available for loan to eligible readers of all ages and interests, beginning with pre‑school. The Talking Books collection includes current bestsellers, romance, and mystery novels, literary fiction, non‑fiction such as science and history, print/Braille books for young readers, and over 70 current magazine subscriptions.
Once you are registered, you can also apply for BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download). Digital materials may be downloaded at no cost directly to a smartphone or tablet or transferred from a computer to a USB drive (to be played on a Talking Books player).
Eligibility Requirements
Any United States resident of any age who meets one of the following criteria is eligible for Talking Books services. The eligibility criterion is established by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.
- Legal blindness.
- Visual disability that makes it difficult to read or use standard printed materials*.
- Physical disability that makes it difficult to hold a book or turn pages.
- Reading disability (such as dyslexia).
- Institutions that serve eligible individuals.
*Large Print readers are also eligible for Talking Books services.
Please note: For persons who are blind or have a visual or physical disability, a doctor, nurse, social worker or other authority must certify eligibility. For persons with a reading disability, only doctors of medicine or osteopathy can certify eligibility.
Cost
All Talking Books services are free—including the loan of books, magazines, a special digital player, and all postage.
Registering
To register with Talking Books, you must fill out the application form and have it certified for eligibility.
To get an application form:
- Call us (904) 255-BOOK
- Visit any Jacksonville Public Library location
- Download and print the Talking Books Application
Mail or bring the completed application to the Main Library (303 Laura St. N, Jacksonville, FL 32202). For alternative formats of the application form, please contact us.
Ordering Materials
The Talking Books catalog is available online at the Florida Bureau of Braille and Talking Books Library and in large print, audio, and Braille format. Staff is available to discuss reading preferences and assist with book selections.
Registered Talking Books customers can request books and magazines:
- Via the Online Catalog with their ID and password
- By mailing, calling, or e‑mailing the Talking Books Library
More Questions?
- Phone 904-255-BOOK
- Email: JPLTBSpecialNeeds@coj.net
- Florida Relay: 711
The Florida Relay Service (711) is available on all standard telephones.
# More Accessibility Options
Get Library Materials Delivered to Your Home
If you or someone you love are unable to come to the Library due to disability or illness, Jacksonville Public Library now offers a FREE service that delivers books and other library materials to Duval County residents via the United States Postal Service.
Available materials include regular print books, large print books, audiobooks on CD, magazines, music CDs and DVDs. Note: We are unable to send Traveling Tales Kits or lendable technology (such as Chromebooks or hotspots) through the mail.
3 Ways to Apply for Books by Mail
- Complete the online Books by Mail Application
- Contact us by phone at (904) 255-2665.
- Request a paper application be sent to you (or someone you know) in the mail.
Learn more at jaxpubliclibrary.org/booksbymail.
Technology for Customer Assistance
The Library has many technologies available to assist the visually or hearing impaired.
For the visually impaired:
- The Merlin Ultra is a full-color, auto-focus magnifier system that enables individuals with low vision to read, write, and view photos. It offers full high-definition color and high-contrast positive or negative viewing modes. With easy-to-use buttons that are also distinguishable by touch, you can enlarge or reduce the image in seconds and change viewing modes for easier visibility. Donated by the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library, it is available for public use any time the Beaches Branch Library is open.
- Zoomtext and high-visibility keyboards are available at all library locations on ADA-compatible workstations. Windows also has accessibility features (Magnifier, Narrator, color filters, etc.) available on all other public computers. Call (904) 255-BOOK for more information.
- Hand-held magnifying glasses are available throughout the Jacksonville Public Library system.
For the hearing impaired:
Sorenson Video Relay System makes primary-language communication easy and convenient between Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing connections. It is available at all library branches for people who use American Sign Language. The Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund was established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Note: You must have a Sorenson account to use Sorenson Video Relay. However, once you sign up for a Sorenson VRS number on their website (under "Get Started"), you can make a call to a hearing person through Sorenson Video Relay using any product, even products from other VRS providers.
Requesting Accommodations at Public Programs
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request for public library programs. Please allow 1–2 business days to process. Last-minute requests will be accepted, but may not be possible to fulfill. Please ask for Learning Services at 255-2665 or email JPLPrograms@coj.net.
