Talking Books Plus, the Rhode Island Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, provides a free library service to anyone in Rhode Island who is unable to read standard print because of a visual or physical handicap. As part of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Talking Books Plus lends reading materials and specially designed equipment free of charge. Books and magazines recorded on cassettes are mailed postage free through the U.S. Postal Service to individuals qualifying for this service. Talking Books Plus also connects readers with materials in other formats, such as:
- Braille materials, through the Perkins School for the Blind
- Descriptive videos, through the Lincoln Public Library
- Large Print books, through the East Providence Public Library, Anne Ide Fuller Branch
- State government documents in alternative formats, provided through an agreement with TechACCESS of RI
The Talking Books collection contains over 80,000 titles, ranging from popular novels and bestsellers to classics, fiction and nonfiction. Materials are available for both children and adults. Descriptive catalogs listing the most recent additions to the collection are provided to enable individuals to select their own reading materials, or a reader’s advisor can help individuals select materials based on their reading interests. A selection of popular magazines in special formats is also available. Children enrolled in Talking Books Plus are eligible to participate in the Summer Reading Program sponsored by the Office of Library and Information Services.
Regional Libraries are located in all states in the United States. The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped is a program sponsored by the Library of Congress, which provides all talking books and the equipment on which they are played. Talking Books Plus is administered by the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services. If you are a Rhode Island resident and wish to apply for service from Talking Books Plus, print out and mail the application form on this Web site. Please check the eligibility criteria first.
Talking Books Plus
One Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908-5803
Phone: 401-574-9310 TTY 711
Email: tbplus@olis.ri.gov
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday
