DC Talking Book and Braille Program (NLS)

The DC Talking Book and Braille Program, part of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), provides braille and audio materials to eligible District residents who cannot read standard print due to a disability. Registered patrons can also access the NFB Newsline to listen to newspapers and magazines over the phone.

Audio materials can be sent on a cartridge to be played on a Talking Book player provided by the library, or accessed via the free BARD app on your mobile device or tablet. Braille material may similarly be received via mail through the Perkins Library or accessed through the BARD app to read on your braille eReader, also available for loan through Perkins Library.

Who is Eligible?

Any person who lives in the District of Columbia who cannot read standard print due to a visual, physical, or reading disability. If you don't live in DC, we can refer you to your local NLS-affiliated library for service.

How to Apply?

Apply for the DC Talking Book and Braille Program by using our Google form, which is split in 2 parts. Part 1, will ask for your identifying information and must be completed by a Certifying Authority to determine eligibility. Part 2, requires your reading interests and preferences.

Part 1 of Application
Part 2 of Application (Complete after Part 1)

You may also apply by printing out our paper form. Once the form is filled out by hand, please return it to:

Center for Accessibility

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

901 G St. NW, Room 205

Washington, D.C. 20001

Or scan and email the completed form to DCPLaccess@dc.gov

If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to the Center for Accessibility at 202-727-2142 or at DCPLaccess@dc.gov.

DC Talking Book Recording Services

For items not already available through the National Library Service (NLS), including books, magazines, or articles, items may be submitted for consideration for recording with our DC Talking Book Recording Services. As an NLS member, you can fill out our form to make a formal request for review. As we cannot guarantee recording of each request depending on availability of the material and compliance with our recording guidelines, please read over our Collection Development Guidelines before making your request.

Here is our online request form.

If you have any question feel free to reach out to Ryan Maher, our Audio Specialist, directly at the Center for Accessibility at the MLK Memorial Library @ 202-727-2142 or email him directly at ryan.maher@dc.gov.