Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Office of Library & Information Services An agency of the Department of Administration

Questions? 

Contact Talking Books Staff at (401) 574-9310 or email us at talking.books@olis.ri.gov.

You can also contact:

Alicia Waters
Library Services Coordinator
alicia.waters@olis.ri.gov

Neshmayda Calderon
Information Services Technician: Talking Books
neshmayda.calderon@olis.ri.gov

Kelley Lima
Information Services Technician: LORI Services
kelley.lima@olis.ri.gov

Talking Books Library for the Blind and Print-Disabled

The Rhode Island Talking Books Library (TBL) program began in 1967 and is administered by the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS). With funding provided by the Library of Congress, National Library Service, print disabled Rhode Island residents receive audio and braille books, magazines, music materials, descriptive DVDs and equipment free of charge.

  • Eligibility
    Digital audiobooks, braille books and other reading materials and equipment are provided free to Rhode Island residents who are visually impaired, blind or physically handicapped and unable to read standard print materials.
  • Applications
    Today the Talking Books Library has patrons of all ages. TBL provides individual memberships as well as institutional memberships to libraries, nursing homes, senior centers, schools, etc. 
  • BARD
    Once you become a member of TBL, you may also apply for a BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) account which allows you to download your digital books in a matter of minutes to your cartridge or mobile device.
  • Resources
    Here members can view the Talking Book Topics catalog to help with selecting titles, find the schedule for our Book Discussion Group as well as information about the Summer Reading program.  Newsletters and other reading list are also available. 
  • Services
    RI Veterans receive priority for services and resources provided by the Library of Congress, National Library Services though the TBL program. Please take a look at all of the services and resources TBL has to offer.

The Talking Books Library staff is here to assist you Monday - Friday from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. If you would like to speak to a member of the TBL staff, contact us at (401) 574-9310 or email the Talking Books Library. We are closed on major holidays.

For current news and information visit the Talking Books Library Blog.

Frequently Asked Questions
Individuals | Institutions

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