Library News, News Stories

Burlington Public Library Unveils Digital Talking Book Player for Patrons with Disabilities

Leaders at the Burlington Public Library said they are pleased to announce that they have partnered with the Perkins School for the Blind’s Braille and Talking Book Library to make a Digital Talking Book Player and books on cassette available to borrow as part of the Library of Things program.

The Digital Talking Book Player and books on cassette were made available beginning in early June. The Talking Book Player is the latest technology used for playing Talking Books, special audiobooks designed for people who are unable to use print books because of a disability.

The Talking Book Player features large, easy-to-use buttons and verbal assistance. Patrons can borrow the Talking Book Player and accompanying books on cassette to try out the technology for themselves or their loved ones.

Those who qualify to borrow the Talking Book Player include anyone unable to read print books due to a disability such as blindness, arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), complications from stroke, and learning disabilities such as dyslexia.

The Talking Book Player and cassettes are on permanent loan to the Burlington Public Library courtesy of Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library. Those who qualify can also apply to Perkins to be mailed a free Talking Book Player and cassettes for personal use. Applications are available at the Burlington Public Library Reference Desk, or online here.

“This is a great way to make our collection more accessible to all in our community, and we are excited to partner with the Perkins School to make this possible,” Wick said.

Those looking for more information are asked to contact Shelley Sloboder at ssloboder@burlingtonpl.org, or at 781-270-1691.