The Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library

This week’s topic is inspired by someone very special in my life – my dad, Nick Colovos. Not only is it Father’s Day on the 15th, but it is also his birthday on the 17th, and I am so grateful to have him as my dad.

Several years ago, my dad, a long time Lions Club member, began volunteering to read for the Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library (MBTBL). Several days a week he heads into the recording studio in Lansing and creates audio recordings of books and some magazines for the organization. He put me in touch with Betsie Branch, the Reader Advisory Librarian for the Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library since 2012. I spoke with Betsie recently about everything this service provides for all Michigan residents, and I am excited to share it with you.

Who?

Any Michigan resident who has trouble holding books, turning pages, or has reading disabilities or visual impairments is eligible to receive services. There is an application that can be accessed online here, or you can pick a paper copy up at Wickson and mail it in. The MBTBL currently has about 8,000 residents registered for this completely free service. Qualifying is not prohibitive. If you or someone you know struggles to hold or read physical books or can only read large-print books, they likely qualify for services.

What?

The MBTBL used to get their talking book materials from a national service that recorded all the audio. However, with the increased commercial market for audiobooks, they now partner with commercial publishers, so their collection includes the same content you can find on Libby or Amazon. This means the options have grown exponentially! Most content is for recreational reading, including books and magazines. They even have special events such as a summer reading program!

Where?

The Michigan Braille and Balking Book Library, which is a service of the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, Labor and Economic Opportunity, is headquartered in Lansing. There are some regional advisory outreach centers that provide local programming such as visiting nursing homes or schools to share information and help get people registered. However, all public libraries such as Wickson can provide information and support in the application process.

How?

The methods for reading through the MBTBL are always expanding. The first option is using a Digital Talking Book Player. This player is free for as long as the person wants to use it, and it is shipped free as well. People check out cartridges of audiobooks that are mailed to them, then returned the same way – all for free! People can also check out hard-copy braille books. Another option is to use the BARD app. This works much the same as Libby or Audible – the user accesses the database on a mobile device such as a phone or tablet, then downloads what they want to read/listen to. A third option is a braille e-reader. This is a device that allows the user to download a braille book and read it on a refreshable braille display. This is amazing to me!

So, in honor of my dad this Father’s Day, I encourage you to share this information with others who might benefit from the free services offered by the MBTBL so that even more people can keep the joy of reading in their lives.