In 2008, Talking Books celebrated its 77th year of delivering specially recorded audio books and magazines to the homes of individuals with visual or physical impairments. It’s an impressive legacy, underwritten by the Library of Congress and the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.
To kick off 2009, Kansas Talking Books has updated and improved its website, http://www.kslib.info/talking/, including downloadable applications and other materials for use by Kansas libraries. Kansas Talking Books circulated more than 250,000 items in 2008 to approximately 8,000 readers. We know there are more Kansans out there who can benefit from these services and we encourage participation with the tag-line, “Enjoy! The Reading Experience.”
In a few months, the Talking Books program will undergo dramatic changes with the introduction of new digital equipment distributed by the National Library Service. All current users will eventually receive a new machine, and books will be transitioned over to digital format and a smaller cassette.
Surveys tell us that Talking Books users are primarily over the age of 65 and read an average of 30-40 books a year. Book selections are personalized with reader’s advisory assisting patrons with book choices.
Contact the Regional Office in Emporia for more information. Call 1-800-362-0699 or send email to talkingbooks@kslib.info.
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