Talking Book Library
The Broward County Talking Book Library, located in the Main Library, provides audio and Braille reading material to people of all ages who cannot use print books because of a visual, physical, or reading disability. Audiobooks and audio magazines as well as Braille materials for adults and children can be checked out at the Talking Book Library or mailed postage-free to and from customers’ homes. Whether you enjoy fiction or nonfiction, bestsellers or classics, the Talking Book Library has something for you.
How to Apply
There are several ways to get an application:
- Apply online
- Visit any Broward County Library branch
- Call 954-357-7555 and request that an application be mailed to you
- Email your request for an application to talkingbooks@broward.org
You must include a note from a doctor or other qualified person, or have them sign the application, certifying that you cannot use ordinary reading materials because of a visual, physical or reading disability.
How it Works
Talking books require a special machine, which is provided free of charge. The machines are ordered from the regional library in Daytona and mailed directly to you. Headphones can be ordered as well.
INBOUND
Talking book machines and books are mailed as “Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped.” The talking books are mailed in small mailing containers.
RETURNS
When you are finished with a book, simply turn the mailing card over to display the return address. You can then drop the talking book in a mailbox or give it to your mail carrier, and it will be returned to the library. You can also return talking books to any Broward County Library branch .
Ordering Books
Once you are registered, there are several ways to order books:
- Call 954-357-7555 to request specific titles or to get recommendations from a staff member based on your reading preferences
- Email your request to talkingbooks@broward.org
- Mail your request to: Talking Books Library, 100 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Call 954-357-7555 to request access to the online catalog and order books yourself.
- Download talking books to your personal device. Call 954-357-7555 for instructions.
About the Talking Book Library
Broward County Talking Book Library is a cooperating library in the Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled Network, a partner with the Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services in Daytona Beach, and is a member of the Florida subregional Talking Books Library network.
The first Talking Book Library in Florida opened in 1950 in Daytona Beach. Florida’s Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Service (which provides books and materials to Talking Book customers statewide) serves more than 31,000 Floridians.
The Broward County Talking Book Library opened in 1977. In 2020, we provided 76,117 talking books to over 2,000 Broward County customers. All services and materials are provided free of charge.