New York State Library | Talking Book and Braille Library
TBBL Tour: Capital Region teachers attending a workshop on our services get a glimpse of
the automated line that processes thousands of cassette books each day.
TBBL now has almost 40,000 patrons throughout the 55 upstate NY counties.
The teacher workshop was sponsored by the Greater Capital Region Teacher
Center.
Schools in upstate New York may register to borrow books in braille, books on tape and cassette players if they have eligible students enrolled. This includes students who are reading or learning disabled as well as those with visual or other physical disabilities. Schools may borrow library books on tape and cassette players for use in the school building. Each school building in a school district must register separately.
Books which may be borrowed include fiction and nonfiction, required school reading (excluding textbooks), and recreational reading.
Student Certification Forms
Schools may contact the Library for a special educator's registration and information packet, which includes an application for school service, student certification forms, School Guidelines, information for parents, sources of textbooks in special format, and a sample braille alphabet card. If your school is already registered and you need additional student certification forms, you may download them here in PDF or HTML format.
Phone: (518) 474-5935 or (800) 342-3688
E-Mail: tbblkids@mail.nysed.gov
Children (age three and up) and young adults may register and receive free library service at home even if they are already using materials from the NYS Talking Book and Braille Library during the day at school. Parents may register their child for home service in order to:
Parents who request an application will also be offered help on how to get required school reading in special format - including information on sources of textbooks - for their child.
Download an application and student certification form.. The application form is available on line, but it must be printed out and returned to the Library by mail. It cannot be submitted electronically or faxed because an original signature is required.
Request an application. Alternatively, parents can call or e-mail the Library to request that an application be sent. If calling, please ask to speak to a member of the School Services staff.