What are your hours?
We are available to assist you 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (Eastern Time Zone) Monday – Friday.
Please see the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives calendar for notification of holiday or other closings:
Calendar of Events.
If you call and reach our voicemail, please leave a detailed message including your name, phone number, and reason for calling.
What does this service cost?
The Kentucky Talking Book Library is a free service paid for by your tax dollars.
Can I volunteer to help at the Kentucky Talking Book Library?
To learn about volunteer opportunities visit our recording studio page: Volunteer for the KTBL Recording Program.
Do you have an audio Bible?
We have a variety of Bible translations available to check out on digital cartridge or download via our Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) service in both audio and braille. We can also obtain a permanent copy for you to keep from an organization that makes audio Bibles that are compatible with our players. A full list of accessible Bibles and sacred texts is available from the National Library Service: Bibles and Other Sacred Writings in Special Media.
Do you have magazines and newspapers?
We offer magazines on digital cartridge, in Braille, and for download. A full list of accessible magazines is available from the National Library Service:
Magazines in Special Media.
If you would like to listen to the newspaper, the Kentucky Talking Book Library partners with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) to offer access to newspapers. NFB Newsline® has many national newspapers and ten newspapers from around Kentucky. For more information about accessible newspapers visit their website:
NFB-Newsline®
How long are my talking books and Braille books on loan?
The Kentucky Talking Book Library has a loan period of thirty days for our digital cartridges and Braille books. Talking books and magazines downloaded from our Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) service have no due date and do not need to be returned to the library.
How do I return books?
Digital cartridges and Braille books are both mailed to you and should be returned by the United States Postal Service. To return them remove the white shipping card that is tucked in the case and discard it. There is a permanent return label affixed to the case underneath.
You do not need to pay postage to return materials to the Kentucky Talking Book Library; they ship as Free Matter for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.
How long is my digital player or braille eReader on loan?
The digital Talking Book players and braille eReaders are on loan as long as you are using the service. If you decide to cancel the service, all materials including the player and eReader need to be returned. If you decide to exclusively download your books and use the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) mobile app, BARD Express, or a third-party player then please return them for someone else to you. All materials should be returned as Free Matter for the Blind so you will not have to pay postage.
Please keep the box your player comes in; you can use the same box to return the player. It is already marked with Free Matter for the Blind postage, and we have provided a pre-printed card with our address in the plastic sleeve on the box. Before mailing, flip the card over so that our address is showing and reinsert it into the sleeve.
How can I get a replacement player?
If your player is damaged or does not work correctly, please contact the library, and we will be happy to replace it for you.
Can I drop off my talking books or player at my local public library?
No. All materials must be returned directly to the Kentucky Talking Book Library by mail or in person at our office in Frankfort.
What do I do if I get a defective book, damaged book, or a case missing a cartridge?
You can always call or email the library to let us know that a book you received has a problem. If you would like a replacement copy we will be happy to send one. Do not put a note in with the returned book to indicate a problem, as we may not find your note.
Does the Kentucky Talking Book Library have books and magazines available for download?
The Kentucky Talking Book Library offers the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) service to our registered users. BARD books may be accessed in several ways, including the free BARD Mobile app for iOS, Android, and some Kindle Fire devices, a computer using BARD Express software, or with an Amazon Smart-Speaker with Alexa. You may also download digital braille books from BARD directly to the braille eReader and some Talking Book Players provided by the National Library Service. To use BARD, you will need high speed internet access and a working email address. For more information about downloading books from BARD contact us or visit our information page: BARD: Braille and Audio Reading Download.
How do I change my address if I am moving, or hold my service while I am temporarily away from home?
Please contact the library to update your contact information whenever it changes, including your mailing address, phone number, and email address. If you are moving out of Kentucky, we can transfer your service to the talking book library serving the state you move to.
If you need to temporarily pause your service, contact the library so that we can put your account on hold. Accounts can be put on hold for up to six months at a time.
I don’t like the books I have been receiving – what should I do?
If your reading preferences have changed or you would like to request a specific title, please contact us. We will be happy to go over the reading interests we have listed for you and make any necessary changes. If you would like to request a book by title or books by an author you enjoy, we can search our catalog for you and add books to your request list. We can also offer book suggestions if you aren't sure what you want to read.
How do I find books available from the Kentucky Talking Book Library? I want to choose my own books - do you have a catalog I can search?
The National Library Service has a catalog with all available materials. They also provide Talking Book Topics, a bimonthly publication that features new additions to the collection. For more information about finding books visit: Find Talking Books, Braille Books, and Magazines.
How do I change the number of books the library is sending me?
If you want to increase or decrease the number of books you receive contact the library. To stay an active member of our service you need to receive at least one book every six months. Books are checked out for thirty days and we are happy to send as many books as you want as long as you are returning them regularly.
Contact us by mail at:
Kentucky Talking Book Library
PO Box 537
Frankfort, KY 40602
Please do not put a note in with a book you are returning. Putting a note in with a book voids the free matter shipping and may be missed by our staff.
Contact us by phone:
800.372.2968
502.564.5791
Contact us by email:
For all inquiries about the Talking Book program, or for general
assistance with your Talking Book service, please email us at ktbl.mail@ky.gov.