Skip to main content

Braille &
Talking Books Library

Hands Reading Braille

Reading Never Sounded So Good!

Email Talking Books Library
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled logo

The Talking Books Library loans audio and Braille books 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. An outreach service of the Miami‑Dade Public Library System and the Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, the Talking Books Library serves all of Miami‑Dade and Monroe counties.

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 .

  1. Legal blindness.
  2. Visual disability that makes it difficult to read or use standard printed materials; large print readers are also eligible for Talking Books services.
  3. Physical disability that makes it difficult to hold a book or turn pages.
  4. Reading disability.
  5. Institutions that serve eligible individuals.

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 Talking Books
  • Visit the library
  • Print out the Talking Books Application in english , or in spanish 

Mail or bring the completed application to the Talking Books Library (2455 NW 183 St., Miami Gardens, FL 33056). For alternative formats of the application form, please contact the Talking Books Manager.

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 patron can request books and magazines:

  • Through the online catalog with their ID and password
  • By mailing, calling, faxing or e‑mailing the Talking Books Library
  • By visiting the Talking Books Library

Patrons can register for BARD to access digital downloads of books and magazines. Contact Talking Books for more information.