Talking Books Program

Talking Books is a Federally-funded program which provides recorded books and special players free to persons who are blind, visually impaired, physically handicapped (cannot hold a book) or who have a doctor-certified reading disability. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)

This program is administered by the Maine State Library and funded by the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

How does a person register?

  • Fill out an application for individuals [PDF, 809 KB] at the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). Note: applications must be signed by an appropriate certifying authority - please read the instructions carefully!
  • Print and mail this application to:
    Outreach Services
    Maine State Library
    64 State House Station
    Augusta, Maine 04333

How does Talking Books work?

  1. Once a patron or institution is registered, he or she will receive a digital audio player with controls for varying the sound, along with instructions on how to use it.
  2. Registered patrons and institutions may use the NLS Catalog - Simple Search for specific titles, or they may ask to have them sent automatically, based on pre-selected categories.
  3. How to request Talking Books: 5 different ways:
  4. See Frequently Asked Questions for more information.