Talking Book Library

Providing free audio and Braille materials to visually and physically impaired patrons in Grand Traverse, Antrim, Benzie, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford Counties.

Open for walk-ins Monday and Wednesday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and by appointment.

Service hours: Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Contact us by calling our toll free number (877) 931-8558, our local number (231) 932-8558, or send us an email at tbl@tadl.org.

About the Talking Book Library

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, or a physical disability that prevents them from reading or holding the printed page.

TADL 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.

To get started, fill out a Talking Book Library application, which you can download by clicking on the following link: Download Application. 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, or other individual who is qualified (see application for details). Then, either mail or hand-deliver your application to:

Traverse Area District Library
Talking Book Library
610 Woodmere Ave.
Traverse City, MI 49686

BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download)

BARD is a direct access downloadable book service specifically for Talking Book Library patrons. Access requires a separate application which you will fill out online. On the application, 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 pull down menu. Please click on the following link to be taken to the website where you will fill out that application: Link to BARD Application. 

Downloading from BARD requires an email address, a computer with a high-speed Internet connection, a digital cartridge or USB/flash/thumb drive, and an NLS-issued or NLS-compatible Digital Talking Book Machine. Alternatively, the BARD app may be used with an Android or iOS device, just download the app from your device’s respective store.

To be taken to the website for answers to Frequently Asked Questions about BARD, please click on the following link: BARD Frequently Asked Questions.

If you have any further questions, or need help using BARD, please email us at tbl@tadl.org, or call us at (231) 932-8558 or (877) 931-8558.
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