Long Island Talking Book Library

Information for Parents and Educators

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LITBL makes reading a reality for hundreds of students throughout Long Island who cannot use regular printed books because of a visual or physical disability. The general informational FAQ will tell you about this program, who is eligible, and how it operates. This section is intended to address specific questions about the talking book program which are frequently asked by parents and educators.

Eligibility

How old do you have to be to borrow talking books?

Although there is no minimum age, talking books are best begun at the same time you would introduce any child to the world of literature. We do not have musical recordings, board books, or other materials for babies or toddlers. These are often available from your local public library. We do have preschool reading material such as Dr. Seuss books and fairy tales.

 

Are students with reading disabilities eligible for talking books?

Students who are certified by a doctor of medicine or osteopathy as having a reading disability, due to an organic dysfunction, that is severe enough to prevent reading in the usual manner, are eligible to receive talking books. The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped has a fact sheet with more information about this topic.

 

Are students with developmental disabilities eligible for talking books?

Under federal law, talking books are intended for individuals who cannot hold, handle, or see well enough to read regular print because of a visual, physical or reading disability as discussed above. Students with developmental disabilities are not eligible unless they also meet one of these criteria.

 

Can schools receive talking books?

Schools where eligible students are enrolled can receive talking books and equipment for use by those students only. A certified list of eligible students must be submitted on an annual basis. We cannot supply equipment for each student unless they receive individual service from their homes.

 

Materials and Equipment

Does LITBL have textbooks?

LITBL has many books of interest to students for background material, supplemental reading and book reports, as well as leisure reading. However, we do not have textbooks. Recorded textbooks are available from another agency called Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic. For additional information, request our comparison of LITBL and RFB&D.

 

Will LITBL lend playback equipment for use with textbooks?

LITBL lends special playback equipment for use with its own talking books. Schools and students who need special equipment for textbooks only must purchase it. However, schools or students who borrow talking books regularly from LITBL may also use the playback equipment for other materials.

 

Will LITBL record books that are not available?

LITBL has volunteers who will record pamphlets, articles, and other short materials. They do not record books. This service is available from Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic.

 

Does LITBL have large print or braille books for my child/student?

LITBL has a small, rotating collection of print/braille books for younger readers which is used primarily for demonstration purposes. In general, however, Long Island residents obtain large print and braille books from other sources.

 

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