Good morning,

One of the questions we often receive from public library staff is: Can we certify applications? The answer is absolutely YES! Your library staff can confidently certify patrons with visual, physical, or reading disabilities for our free Braille and Talking Book Library service.

 

Offering BTBL as a supplement to the audiobooks you already provide can open up hundreds of thousands of additional reading opportunities for your patrons in accessible formats. Our large collection of audio and braille books can be mailed on cartridge and played using our free digital talking book player, or patrons can download the free BARD Mobile app to access books directly on their personal devices.

 

Perks of BTBL service?

 

If at any time your staff feels unsure about certifying an application, please call us at 1-800-992-9012. We can certify the application over the phone based on your patron’s self-report of eligibility.

 

Are you looking for a refresher on what the Braille and Talking Book Library offers? I’m always happy to talk one-on-one or present to your staff about this service. You can reach me directly at wambaughs@michigan.gov.

 

Remember - patrons do NOT need to be legally blind to use our service, and library staff CAN certify our applications.

 

Thank you for making a difference in your communities by spreading the word about BTBL!

#ThatAllMayRead

Stephanie Wambaugh, Librarian 12

Team Lead and Outreach Services

Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL)

Bureau of Services for Blind Persons

P.O. Box 30007

702 W. Kalamazoo St.

Lansing, MI 48909

Phone: 1-800-992-9012

Fax: 1-517-284-2885

wambaughs@michigan.gov

 

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