Providing free recorded books to visually and physically impaired patrons in Grand Traverse, Antrim, Benzie, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee and Wexford Counties.
Open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Contact us by calling (231) 932-8558 or send us an email.
About the Talking Book Library
The Traverse Area District Library (TADL) Talking Book Library provides qualified people with visual and physical handicaps with best-sellers, mysteries, westerns, biographies, how-to books, and other types of materials found in a public library. The only difference is that the books are digitally recorded on cartridges or printed in Braille and mailed to patrons’ homes through the regular U.S. postal service.
This convenient mail return system makes it easy for you to send your books back and get more. You can request specific books and authors you want, or you can have us select books for you based on your interests — or a combination of both!
Just like standard print books, these publications are unabridged (not condensed) and contain all of the information found in the print version – right down to the book jacket. And best of all, this service is FREE – there is not even a charge to mail materials to or from the library.
How to Become a Talking Book Library Patron
You do not need to be legally blind to use our services. If standard print has become difficult to read for you, a friend, or a family member, please call 1-877-931-8558.
You will need to complete an application for this service (this is not the same as a the Traverse Area District Library card application). Click here for a printer friendly PDF of the TADL Talking Book Library application.
Fill out the application and have it certified by a doctor, nurse, therapist, or other individual who is qualified to sign the application (see application for complete list of certifiable individuals). Send the application back to us by mail, or bring it to the Talking Book Library office located at the Main Branch of the Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Ave., Traverse City, MI 49686.
BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download)
Once you are a registered TADL Talking Book Library patron you will also have permission to download books directly from the National Library Service for the Blind website to your assigned digital talking book player or another compatible player. There are more than 20,000 digital books and over 40 magazines available for download from this site, and new titles are constantly being added. You or a family member, friend or assistant will need:
- a high speed internet connection
- an active email address
- blank NLS cartridges
- knowledge of how to download, unzip and extract files.
Please stop by the Talking Book Library if you have any questions. BARD applications are available online by clicking here. Select either “Individual” or “Institution” then on the next screen select “MI – The Grand Traverse Area Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped” from the Library pull down menu.
The TADL Talking Book Library program is made possible by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. in partnership with the Michigan Commission for the Blind’s Braille and Talking Book Library and the Traverse Area District Library and its supporters.
1609 Park Drive The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan (AAANM) is a place to turn when you need assistance with the complex issues facing older adults and their caregivers. They can connect you to a variety of resources that will help you or those you care for live as independently as possible in a community setting. They serve residents in Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee and Wexford. Service from the National Library Service 415 E. Eighth Street Staff provide information, assistance, and support to people of all ages with a wide variety of disabilities. They also work on a larger scale, helping governments, businesses, and other organizations make changes that improve life for everyone in the community. 520 W Front Street Provides services are structured to help seniors remain living in their own home. The Senior Center Network provides many social, wellness and educational programs that are specially designed to meet the interests and needs of the 50 years and over generation in Traverse City. 20 Roszel Road National non-profit dedicated to helping blind, visually impaired and dyslexic students succeed in education. Offers extensive collection of human-narrated audio textbooks and literature as well as solutions, support and community for parents, teachers and students. 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. 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. Library of Congress 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. Main Office NMCAA helps individuals and families achieve greater economic security through assisting residents in solving community problems as well as meeting their individual needs through case management counseling, advocacy, group participation, and service provision. NMCAA serves Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Missaukee, Roscommon, and Wexford counties. Please visit their website for the office closest to you. Leanne Baumeler, Disability Support Specialist Offers a wide range of services for NMC students who have disabilities and/or need accommodations in order to achieve academic goals. PO Box 3007 Provides library service for individuals unable to use standard print materials. Grand Rapids Office 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. 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.
Traverse City, MI 49686
Phone: 231-947-8920
Traverse City, MI 49686
Phone: 231-922-2359
Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone: 231-922-4688
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
Phone: (800) 221-4792
Washington, DC 20542-4962
Phone: 800-424-8567
E-mail: nls@loc.gov
3963 Three Mile Rd.
Traverse City, MI 49686
Phone: 231-947-3780
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49686
Phone: 231-995-1929
E-mail: lbaumeler@nmc.edu
Lansing, MI 48909-7507
Phone: 800-992-9012
E-mail: BTBL@michigan.gov
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.gov