Am I eligible to borrow materials?
Anyone who is certified as physically unable to read standard print or physically unable to hold a book can borrow materials from N KY Talking Book Library. If you represent an institution, hospital, nursing home, library, school or health and welfare agency that serves people with qualifying handicaps, you are eligible.
Some examples qualifying conditions are:
Visual -
Blindness
Cataracts
Macular degeneration
Diabetes complications
Eye surgery
Physical–
Loss or paralysis of hand or arm
Crippling arthritis
Stroke
Multiple Sclerosis
Print allergy
Dyslexia or other reading disabilities may qualify an individual for service as long as the condition is the result of an organic dysfunction. A statement signed by a medical doctor is needed to certify these patrons as eligible.
A completed application, along with doctor certification, will qualify a person to borrow cassettes and a player for home use. Drop in visits to our library are welcome but everything can be handled either over the phone or through the mail free of charge.
How can I obtain this free service?
To take advantage of our service, the reader must complete an application and have it endorsed by a competent authority, such as a doctor, nurse, counselor, teacher, or librarian that knows you well. A person with a reading disability resulting from organic dysfunction may receive the service only after a doctor of medicine has certified the application.
** Download and print an application** (You’ll need the free Adobe Reader) or Download the Microsoft Word Version.
How will I get the books and magazines?
Our library will mail, postage free, containers of talking book cassettes for a loan period of 60 days. At first, we will send 2 books and a catalogue of recorded titles. The catalogue contains order forms that you may use to select books and magazines. Following the initial shipment, you may ask to receive more than 2 books at a time. You may be a “request only” reader or our Reader Advisors may select books for you. It may also be helpful for you to talk with your public librarian in order to make selections. Every two months the Library of Congress will mail you a copy of Talking Book Topics, a publication that contains the latest books and magazines produced. This publication is available in large print, audiocassette, Braille or on computer disc. Each reader should submit a list of 30-40 tiles as this ensures them of receiving books in which they are interested. Requests can be made in person, by phone, mail or emailed. Our email address is nktbl@kentonlibrary.org.
 
How often may I receive books?
The reader may choose “turnaround” service, where new books are sent as those read are returned. Or the reader may set up a “calendar” service by day of the month or number of days between service. We can tailor this to any need or schedule.
How will I return books when I have finished listening to them?
On the front of the container lid is a mailing card. Turn the card over and you’ll see our return address. Just reinsert the card with our address showing. No postage is required.
What do I do if my player breaks down or the book cassette breaks?
If you encounter a problem with your cassette player, just let us know and we will send you a replacement free of charge. If a cassette breaks, just send it back. There will be no charge for damaged tapes.
Links to Library Resources for the Blind, Deaf and Physically Handicapped:
NLS Catalog Quick Search
National Library Service Homepage
National Library Service Fact Sheets
National Library Service Frequently Asked Questions
Kentucky Office for the Blind
American Printing House for the Blind
National Federation of the Blind
American Council of the Blind
Kentucky Assistive Technology Service Network (KATS)
Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Division of Exceptional Children Services (Kentucky Department of Education)
Protection and Advocacy
Audio Studio for the Reading Impaired, Inc.
National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky
Kentucky Association of Blind Students
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