Kentucky Talking Books Library

The Kentucky Talking Book Library is a free service that provides audiobooks and Braille books through the mail or for download. Anyone who is unable to use standard printed materials because of a visual or physical disability is eligible for our service. The disability may be permanent or temporary, and includes those who are:

• Blind
• Visually impaired
• Physically unable to hold a book or turn pages
• Reading disabled due to an organic dysfunction

Patrons can expect to borrow the same types of books as they might find in print at a medium to large public library. We provide the special Talking Book player on which to play our recorded materials, or patrons can use a number of third-party players for downloading books. A free app for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch is available, as well as an app for Android products.

The collection consists of over 60,000 titles for all age levels, including:

  • Digital Talking Books — recorded on flash cartridges to be used with digital talking book players; also available for download
  • Braille books
  • Print/Braille books — picture books with a Braille overlay, so both a blind and sighted person can read together.
  • Digital Kentucky books — by Kentucky authors or of local interest; recorded by volunteers in our own digital studios
  • Magazines on digital cartridge and in Braille or for digital download
  • Other audiobooks and Braille of regional interest produced by Talking Book and Braille libraries around the country—a network known as the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS).

Many people don’t realize this free service exists—help us spread the word! Download applications, brochures, and flyers from the Kentucky Talking Book website.