Sec’y of State Jesse White announces New Digital Talking Books and Players

 

Available to Talking Book Service Patrons

 

Springfield, IL —Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White announced that new easy to use digital Talking Books and players are now available to patrons who use the Illinois Network of Talking Book and Braille Libraries.

“We are very excited about the availability of these new easy to use digital players,” White said.  “I strongly encourage anyone who qualifies, or who knows a friend, family member or loved one who may qualify, to sign up for this outstanding free service. The Talking Book and Braille Program has the ability to greatly enhance the lives of citizens who cannot read regular printed material because of a visual or physical disability.”

More than 28,000 Illinoisans use the wide variety of materials provided by the Illinois Network of Talking Book and Braille Libraries.  Users can choose from a large collection of digital audio books, braille materials, descriptive videos, magazines and other services.  With the cooperation of the U.S. Postal Service these materials are mailed free of charge to participants, and users return materials free of charge.

Participation eligibility includes anyone who needs large print or who has macular degeneration, arthritis, dyslexia, cataracts, cerebral palsy or any other type of visual or physical impairment that limits reading.  The program is available to all ages.  Schools, nursing homes, hospitals and other organizations may use the service.  

Persons interested in more information, or wanting to sign up, may contact the Illinois State Library Talking Book and Braille Service at 1-800-665-5576, option 5, or visit www.ilbph.org.  The Talking Book program is administered by the Secretary of State, and is a division of the Illinois State Library.  The Illinois network consists of the Talking Book and Braille Service regional library in Springfield; Mid-Illinois Talking Book Center in East Peoria; Voices of Vision Talking Book Center in Geneva; Chicago Public Library Talking Book Center and the Illinois Machine Sub-lending Agency in Carterville.