Library of the Year!
2024 Subregional Library/Advisory and Outreach Center of the Year
National Library Service for the Blind and Print-Disabled - Library of Congress
- Library of Congress Announcement
- July 18, 2024 Record-Eagle Article (Text Only, Provided with Permission of the Traverse City Record-Eagle)
Upcoming Events
Join us for an introduction to Tai Chi. During the winter months, we'll meet in the McGuire Community Room and when the weather gets nicer, we'll move out to the Library's Front Lawn.
Looking to practice your Spanish language skills, but don't have anyone to talk to? Please plan to join us every first Saturday for a casual conversation group. All levels are welcome!
The book is always better but movies are so very entertaining. Join us and watch a movie based on a book or real life. Once in awhile we may show one just for the fun of it that is not based on anything but just pure enjoyment.
Location Details
The Larry Gorton Talking Book Library is located on the first floor of the Main Library in Traverse City. To find it, turn immediately to the right once you are inside the second set of double doors.
Curbside service is available by appointment, please call to schedule 231-932-8558.
Address:
610 Woodmere Ave.
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 932-8558
(877) 931-8558
Services Provided
The Larry Gorton Talking Book Library provides free audio and Braille materials to visually, physically and reading impaired patrons in Grand Traverse, Antrim, Benzie, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford Counties. We also help patrons use assistive technologies like screen readers and mobile devices, and work with area nursing homes and senior organizations to hold outreach events.
Eligibility
If you or someone you know is unable to read standard type print, unable to hold a book in your hands, or has a learning disability like dyslexia that prevents reading, you qualify for this free audio and Braille book service. Administered by the National Library Service, this program is available for people of all ages with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, reading disability or a physical disability that prevents them from reading or holding the printed page.
The Larry Gorton Talking Book Library supports our patrons who qualify and are interested in checking out audiobooks and magazines on cartridge or for download, Braille books and magazines, and descriptive video. Materials are delivered directly to your home through the U.S. Postal Service, postage free. If required, special equipment is provided to you at no charge.
BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download)
BARD is a free library service of downloadable braille and audio reading material for those who are unable to read or use standard printed material because of visual, physical or reading disabilities.
BARD provides access to thousands of special-format books, magazines, and music scores. The site is password-protected. All files are downloadable as compressed audio or formatted ebraille files. BARD is a partnership between NLS and its network of cooperating libraries. NLS maintains the website, uploads titles, and supplies libraries with circulation statistics.
Three steps to begin using BARD:
Step 1) Become an NLS patron.
Step 2) Register for BARD. Access the instructions to do so at the NLS website: https://nlsbard.loc.gov/login/NLS, OR call or email Anita Chouinard at Traverse Area District Library. You can also call us at 231-932-8558 or 1-877-931-8558.
When asked which application you would like to fill out, you will want the Individual Application. Then, the library you will choose is the MI- Grand Traverse Area Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (in Traverse City, Michigan).
Step 3) Get a device that will play the books. You can get a free talking-book player on long-term loan from your network library, buy a commercial model on your own if there are features you prefer, or download the free app to your smart device. BARD Mobile is available at the App Store for iOS or the Play Store or Amazon Appstore for Android.
To get started, fill out a Talking Book Library application, which you can download by clicking on the following link:
This application is not the same as a Traverse Area District Library card application. Fill out the application and have it certified by a Talking Book Library librarian, or a doctor, nurse, therapist, teacher, social worker or other individual who is qualified to sign (see application for details). Then, either mail, email or hand-deliver your application to:
Traverse Area District Library
The Larry Gorton Talking Book Library
610 Woodmere Ave.
Traverse City, MI 49686
- BARD: Braille and Audio Reading Download (Edit) Service from the National Library Service
Service from the National Library Service
- Lions Club District 11-E1 (Edit) Lions clubs are recognized for their service to people who are blind and visually impaired, hearing impaired, or diabetic.
Lions clubs are recognized for their service to people who are blind and visually impaired, hearing impaired, or diabetic. Please visit the District website to find the Lions Club closest to you.
- Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library Catalog (Edit) The On-Line Public Access Catalog (OPAC) provides complete access to information about every book available through the Michigan Network of Regional and Subregional Libraries with the exception of those held in Wayne County. Anyone can browse the OPAC.
The On-Line Public Access Catalog (OPAC) provides complete access to information about every book available through the Michigan Network of Regional and Subregional Libraries with the exception of those held in Wayne County. Anyone can browse the OPAC.
- National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (Edit) Through a national network of cooperating libraries (including TADL’s Talking Book Library), NLS administers a free library program of braille and audio materials circulated to eligible borrowers in the United States by postage-free mail.
Library of Congress
Washington, DC 20542-4962
Phone: 800-424-8567
E-mail: nls@loc.govThrough a national network of cooperating libraries (including TADL’s Talking Book Library), NLS administers a free library program of braille and audio materials circulated to eligible borrowers in the United States by postage-free mail.
- State of Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library (Edit) Provides library service for individuals unable to use standard print materials.
PO Box 3007
Lansing, MI 48909-7507
Phone: 800-992-9012
E-mail: BTBL@michigan.govProvides library service for individuals unable to use standard print materials.
- State of Michigan Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (Edit) If you live in Michigan and you're blind or visually impaired, the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons will work with you to define your goals and identify appropriate training and other services.
Grand Rapids Office
State Office Building, 4th Floor
350 Ottawa Ave., N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Karyn Silky, CRV, VRT
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor/Teacher
Phone: 616-356-0185
E-mail: silkyk@michigan.govIf you live in Michigan and you're blind or visually impaired, the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons will work with you to define your goals and identify appropriate training and other services. Funded by federal and state taxes, BSBP provides counseling and training in skills for daily living without vision. Depending upon your needs and eligibility for specific services, BSBP may also provide some types of adaptive equipment, computer software, and postsecondary education.