Residents of Colorado who are blind and visually impaired or who cannot read print because of a physical disability can receive braille, large print or audio books and magazines through the mail, free of charge.

People who cannot see to read a regular print book or who cannot manipulate a book because of arthritis, paralysis, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome or other physical disabilities, or who have a reading disability such as dyslexia, qualify for services. They may borrow audio Talking Books or braille books through special libraries that are part of a Library of Congress program called the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS).

All kinds of books are available through the national collection, from mysteries to fantasies to biographies to cookbooks to children's books. Thousands of titles are in the collection for every reading taste. Magazines are also available in braille and on tape.

The patron calls the Talking Book Library and requests books, or a reader advisor selects books for him. Books are sent through the mail free of charge, and when the patron is finished with them, they are returned, again postage-free. Magazines are also sent through the mail, but do not need to be returned.

In addition to the national collection, the Colorado Talking Book Library has volunteer-produced books about the state and audio described movies for children and adults. Be sure to ask about these special titles.

The Colorado library provides instant access to Windows Media-based content for blind and visually impaired library patrons. Audio books can be enjoyed on PCs with Windows Media Player, or transferred to portable CD or MP3 players or other WMA-enabled devices.

Some NLS libraries use interlibrary loan to make audiobooks and other commercially-produced materials available to their patrons. Be sure to ask how to access this service free of charge.

The Colorado Talking Book Library serves the entire state. To find out more and request an application, call the library (see contact information below). Request and complete the application and start reading today!


Colorado Talking Book Library
180 Sheridan Boulevard
Denver, CO 80226-8097
Telephone: (303)727-9277
Toll-free (In-state): (800)685-2136
FAX: (303)727-9281
Email the Colorado library or visit the website