The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) is "a free braille and talking book library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical, perceptual, or reading disability that prevents them from using regular print materials." The Mississippi Library Commission's (MLC) Talking Book Services (TBS) is the local network NLS library in Mississippi. That means that MLC staff are here to help set you up with NLS, troubleshooting your BARD and equipment problems, and assisting with finding books you want to read. That's not all they do, though! Here are just a few of the extra services we provide.
The Reading Light Newsletter
The Reading Light is published several times a year and is available in both print and audio. Braille copies are available on request. Produced by TBS staff, this newsletter covers important updates on the service, tips on how to get the most out of the service, and a selection of recommended reads from your trusty TBS Readers Advisors.
Recording Booth
We're very proud of our recording booth here at MLC. It's used to record the Mississippi Magazine and Mississippi Outdoors for Mississippians who cannot read the standard print copies of these magazines. We also continue to record books by local authors on a case-by-case basis. The recording booth was originally conceived of back in 1973 when volunteers created books-on-tape using cassette recorders, but the quality left something to be desired. The Friends of Handicapped Readers (FOHR) bought Talking Book Services their first recording booth and equipment back in 1981.
Friends of Handicapped Readers (FOHR)
Speaking of Friends of Handicapped Readers, this group was formed to support the Talking Book Services Department, much like a Friends group does for a regular public library. This helpful group of people meets quarterly at the Mississippi Library Commission to discuss changes in the department, new information, and fundraisers. Contact JD Burns at 601-432-4140 if you're interested in joining.
Check this spot--and, of course, The Reading Light--for news about our Talking Book Services Department. And don't forget: if you know someone who is cannot read standard print, they may be eligible for our service. Give us a call toll-free at 1-800-446-0892.
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