The State Library of Ohio provides access to reading materials to individuals with disabilities through several programs. The State Library, along with the Cleveland Public Library and the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled provide audio, braille and downloadable books to eligible residents. In addition the State Library and the Ohio School for the Deaf partner to provide the Deafness Outreach Collection maintained at the State Library.
Library service for the blind and print disabled in the United States is delivered through a network of libraries and agencies coordinated by the Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS).
The Talking Book Program provides free recorded books, magazines and playback equipment to approximately 11,000 eligible blind, visually impaired, print disabled and reading disabled Ohio residents.
Our Talking Book Program coordinates the Ohio program and serves as the machine lending agency for the state. To help in this effort, we have signed formal agreements with 61 machine sub-lending agencies, local public libraries or social service organizations to lend the machines to eligible citizens in their areas. A network of volunteer repair persons work with the staff of the Talking Book Program to keep the equipment in good condition.
The talking books are circulated by the Ohio Library for the Blind and Print Disabled in Cleveland. Funding is provided by a combination of federal, state and local funds.
Applications
Please download the appropriate application to register for Talking Book services. The applications are portable document format (PDF) files, so Adobe Reader software or other PDF readers is required to view the documents.
Apply now for our Talking Book services:
Individuals
Any eligible Ohio resident
Institutions
Nursing homes, senior centers, hospitals, adult day care, etc.
Public and private schools with general enrollment (eligible and non-eligible students) will need to provide a list of active eligible students (PDF) for the current school year who will be using library materials and equipment issued to the school.
For more information
The State Library of Ohio Talking Book Program
1–800–686–1531 (Ohio only) or 1-614-644–6895
tbooks@library.ohio.gov
OR
Ohio Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
17121 Lake Shore Blvd.
Cleveland, OH. 44110-4006
1-800-362-1262
olbpd@cpl.org
https://olbpd.cpl.org
Promotional Display Materials
Display items for promoting the Ohio Talking Book Program and the Ohio Library for the Blind & Print Disabled:
- Brochures in plastic holder
- Container for mailing the book on digital cartridge
- 17” x 22” poster
- Digital Talking Book player
- Book on digital cartridge (inside player)
- 81/2” x 11” Tabletop easel
For More information About Display Items
Contact Will Reed, OLBPD Manager
17121 Lake Shore Blvd.
Cleveland, Ohio 44110-4006
1-216-623-2911 or Toll-Free: 1-800-362-1262
olbpd@cpl.org
Additional Resources
Want to learn more about the resources available for our blind and print disabled patrons? Visit the Online Public Access Catalog to browse available materials.
Learn more about the Consumer Advisory Committee for Ohio Library Service to the Blind and Print Disabled.
See our Disabilities Topic Guide for help finding journals, books, eBooks and other materials available at the State Library of Ohio.
NLS works to ensure that all may read by providing eligible patrons access to NLS materials regardless of age, economic circumstances, or technical expertise.
Read the latest news from NLS.
The Ohio Library for the Blind and Print Disabled was featured in this American Library Association video. See how public libraries make independence possible in our communities.
Visit http://www.ilovelibraries.org/librariestransform to learn more.