Welcome to the Kentucky Talking Book Library! This patron guide will introduce you to how our service works; please keep it for future reference.
Contact KTBL to:
- Request books
- Ask a question or report a problem with your service
- Change your name, address, phone number, or email address
- An address change may be temporary or permanent
- We can transfer your service if you move out of state
- Temporarily hold your service for up to 6 months
- Cancel your service
- Get help downloading books from the BARD website
- Change the types of books that are sent to you
- Increase or decrease the number of books you receive
- Add or cancel magazine subscriptions
- Change the format of catalogs and newsletters you receive
- Request an application for a friend or family member.
Borrower Responsibilities:
As a KTBL patron, you have certain responsibilities. You can view those at: Kentucky Talking Book Library Policies.
General Information:
The Kentucky Talking Book Library (KTBL) is located within the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives in Frankfort. Our service hours are 8 AM through 4 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
KTBL is part of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), which is a branch of the Library of Congress. You may receive some Talking Book materials referring to NLS or the Library of Congress, but you should contact KTBL about your service.
NLS provides most of our braille, talking books, and magazines, all our playback equipment, the BARD download site, and guidance and support for Talking Book libraries in every state.
Types of Service
Kentucky Books
KTBL has a studio with two recording booths where we can record books by, about, and for Kentuckians that would not normally be recorded by NLS in Washington or a commercial publisher.
Talking Books and Magazines on Cartridge by Mail
Audiobooks and magazines on cartridge are sent “Free Matter for the Blind and Physically Handicapped" through the mail in plastic containers. Cartridges are on loan for 30 days and may be renewed by phone or through email.
Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD)
Audio and braille books may be downloaded through the BARD website, BARD Express software on Windows PCs, or the BARD Mobile App on Apple iOS, Android, and Amazon Kindle Fire devices.
Braille Books and Magazines by Mail
Braille books and magazines can be sent “Free Matter" through the mail just like our cartridges can.
Electronic Braille
Braille can also be distributed electronically for use on our braille eReader, which features a refreshable braille display for easy, on-the-go reading.
KTBL Book Club
Meets virtually once per month. Call KTBL for more information.
Braille On Demand
If you have a favorite book that you would like to keep permanently, you may request up to five books per month in hard copy. To request these, please contact us at
800-372-2968 or
502-564-5791.
NLS Music Section
Offers large print and braille music scores, as well as audio books on music instruction. It does not include music for recreational listening. Materials are provided directly by NLS.
NFB-NEWSLINE®
All KTBL patrons qualify for NFB-NEWSLINE®; a free audio news service provided by the National Federation of the Blind. It is accessed by telephone, internet, mobile app, or Amazon Alexa smart speaker.
Includes more than 500 publications including 10 from Kentucky, as well as access to weather alerts, job listings, TV listings, and national retail ads.
Book Selection
To request a book, call, email, or mail a list to us. Any books you order will be added to your request list where they will automatically be sent to you on a regular basis according to your individual circulation pattern.
Specific Requests
May be requested by book number, title, author, series, or subject.
Catalogs
You may receive
Braille
Book
Review (for braille and audio books) in braille.
Talking Book Topics is available online in both print and audio.
Librarian
Your librarian will use a computer program to select books for you if you run out of your own requests. The program will look at the types of books you said you were interested in and find books that match. If you have favorite authors, the program can add those books to your request list as well.
Online
You may search the NLS online catalog at: NLS Catalog.
BARD
You may search for and download talking books from the NLS BARD website at: NLS BARD. You will need to sign in.
Equipment
Digital Talking Book Player
- Please keep the box your player comes in; in case you have to exchange or return the player.
- The battery will last 20 to 30 hours depending on model. The machine will alert you when the battery is low. To charge the player, plug its power cord into a working outlet. You may use the player while it charges.
- The player has built-in instructions, press any button before putting in a cartridge to hear what each button does.
- The player has a standard jack for headphones or earbuds.
- The player has a USB port for playing BARD books off of a flash drive, just remove the cartridge in the player.
- Call KTBL if you feel your player is not working properly, or if the battery holds a charge for less than 10 hours. We will exchange it for another.
High-volume player
Available for those with profound hearing loss. A separate application must be signed by a physician or audiologist.
Headphones
For patrons with hearing difficulties or that live in group facilities.
Remote Control
For users with physical disabilities. Call KTBL for more information.
Elbow adapter
An adapter that allows better accessibility to the flash drive port on the side of the machine.
Braille eReader
A refreshable braille device for those who want to read electronic braille. Call KTBL for more information.
Social Media (Facebook)
KTBL uses our Facebook page to share reading recommendations, news about our service, as well as news or services from related organizations that may be of interest to you.
Find us on Facebook at: KTBL Facebook.
Contact Information
Kentucky Talking Book Library
PO Box 537
Frankfort KY 40602
800.372.2968
502.564.5791
KTBL.Mail@ky.gov
We are available to assist you 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (Eastern Time Zone) Monday-Friday.