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.
# 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.
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.
*Large Print readers are also eligible for Talking Books services.
# 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
Patrons can register for BARD to access digital downloads of books and magazines.
# More Questions?
- Phone 904-255-BOOK
- Email: JPLTBSpecialNeeds@coj.net
- Florida Relay: 711
# More Accessibility Options
# Get Library Materials Delivered to Your Home
Starting April 8, 2024, Jacksonville Public Library will begin testing a FREE Books by Mail service that delivers library materials to Duval County residents who cannot come to the library due to temporary or permanent disability or illness. Note: Applications are open. A limited number of participants will selected to take part in the first three months of this beta test (first-come, first-served). A full launch is expected later in 2024.
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:
- Zoomtext is available at Main Library and all branches at the ADA-compatible workstations. Windows has accessibility features on all the other computers. Call your nearest location for more information.
- Hand-held magnifying glasses are available throughout the Jacksonville Public Library system.
# For the hearing impaired:
Sorenson Video Relay System [10] is available at Main and all branches for people who want to use American Sign Language. The Florida Relay Service (711) is available on all standard telephones.
# 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.
