 This year, we celebrate 35 years of continuous, direct Talking Books Library Service to the Blind and Physically Disabled in Palm Beach County. On July 17, 1973, the Palm Beach county “subregional” library facility opened for service as part of the Central Library’s audiovisual section. Today, there are 10 Talking Books libraries in the state, as part of a network of 150 libraries nationwide that make up the Library of Congress’ National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Disabled.
Back at the end of the first year of service, 389 patrons received 15,376 Talking Books, or roughly 31.5 books read per patron. Currently, the Palm Beach County subregional circulates an annual average of 126,000 items to 2,700 patrons, or 46.6 books per patron.
Talking Books Service has always provided recorded books for adults and children, with special playback equipment furnished or replaced free of charge. Within the next three years, Talking Books cassettes and players will be replaced by digital books and players.
Talking Books are available in several foreign languages. An extensive Spanish collection is available. Described feature films and documentaries available on VHS and DVD formats include subtle background voiced descriptions of action, wardrobe, and scenery that help enhance the movie experience for the blind and visually impaired.
An accessible computer workplace, located in the Talking Books Library, provides access to the Internet for the visually impaired with screen reading software.
Talking Books are available to anyone who is legally blind, visually impaired, physically disabled so that they cannot hold a book, or reading disabled due to an organic dysfunction such as dyslexia. Disabilities need not be permanent for one to qualify for the service.
Applications for Talking Books Service are available in English and Spanish. Visit any library location, download an application from the “Special Services” link on the web page (www.pbclibrary.org), or phone the Talking Books Library at (561) 649-5500, greater West Palm Beach area, 1-888-780-5151 (toll-free) between the service hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Talking Books Library is located in the Library Annex at 4639 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth. |
