Talking Book Basics for Nursing Homes and Agencies
· Library service: Consists of audio and braille books and magazines that are mailed directly to and from the patron’s residence.
· Tax supported: There is no out of pocket expense to the patron. All postage is “Free Matter for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.”
· Eligibility: Illinois residents who have a visual or physical impairment that prevents the reading of standard print are eligible. Some reading disabilities also qualify.
· Applications: Call to request by mail or download them from our website. All applications must have the qualifying condition certified by an authorized professional. Mail, email, or fax applications back to the address or number on the reverse of this sheet.
· Equipment: Each patron receives a digital talking book machine to use with the book cartridges. Equipment is federal property and must be returned when no longer in use. Please keep the box the player is sent in and flip the mailing card over to return it for repairs or when ready to close the account.
· Materials: Our collection has a wide variety of popular fiction and non-fiction for adults and children. It currently includes over 84,000 digital audio books; 70 magazines; 15,000 braille books; 200 descriptive DVDs; newsletters and book lists.
· BARD: Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) is an online digital catalog that allows patrons to download materials to a flash drive, a blank book cartridge, or directly to the free BARD Mobile apps for iOS and Android devices.
· Ordering Books: Make requests by phone, email, through the online catalog, or by mailing in the order form found in the bimonthly Talking Books Topics catalog. Books can also be automatically selected for patrons based on general reading preferences. The loan period for each book is 6 weeks.
· Reader Advisors: Our Reader Advisors are available Monday–Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm. They’re like personal librarians and the point of contact for any questions or issues.
· Institutional Accounts: Agencies can receive a talking book player and books for training, demonstration, and short term use. Institutional applications can be downloaded from our website, and must be signed by the administrator of the facility. A designated staff person must be responsible for materials on loan to the account.
*Please see reverse side for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I close an account? If a resident dies or no longer uses the program, please call us and return the player and books on loan to that account. If a resident moves, please contact us with their new address.
Why can’t I give an unused player to another resident?
All patrons must register with us so we can track the equipment, which is federal property. Players must be returned when no longer in use so they can be cleaned and repaired. Please do not allow residents to use players that are not registered to them.
Is there a way to get books our facility can keep?
All book cartridges should be returned within six weeks. However, books downloaded from BARD can be kept and used by any registered patrons.
What if a resident doesn’t like the type or number of books they are getting?
Please call us to customize their account and adjust the number of books they receive. Patrons can request specific books or receive selections based on general preferences. They can receive multiple books at a time, but should not order more than they can read during the 6 week loan period.
Why are we are getting so many catalogs and newsletters?
All patrons are automatically subscribed to the Talking Book Topics catalog and the Illinois State Library Newsletter. If you are getting more than you need, let us know which accounts should be unsubscribed.
What if I need to return a book or machine but do not have a box?
If you no longer have the original box or plastic case to return a machine or book, please call us to request a new one. Please do not return books in the wrong case or multiple books in one case.
Illinois Talking Book Outreach Center
125 Tower Drive
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Phone: 1-800-426-0709
Fax: 1-630-734-5055
Email:
Website: www.illinoistalkingbooks.org
Funding for this grant was awarded by the Illinois State Library, a Department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).