For Library Staff

Welcome Public Libraries

The NJ State Library Talking Book and Braille Center (TBBC) is here to support public libraries in serving patrons with print disabilities. Whether you’re looking to enroll an individual, set up an institutional account, or collaborate on outreach, we’re excited to work with you.

We recommend that you review TBBC’s eligibility criteria, application certification process, and explore ways in which you can provide the services and market them in your community. On this web page you will find information that will be helpful to you.

Services Available through TBBC

TBBC is a library that serves New Jersey residents of all ages who are unable to read standard print due to blindness, visual impairment, physical impairment, perceptual impairment, or a reading disability.

TBBC provides these services as a division of the NJ State Library (NJSL) and as a network library of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress (NLS). More information about NLS can be found on the NLS website.

There is no cost for TBBC’s services. All materials are either downloaded or delivered by mail. Items that are mailed are shipped postage-free as “Free Matter for the Blind or Print Disabled.”

TBBC’s services include:

• Audiobooks and audio magazines
• Braille books and magazines
• Large print for children and teens
  • TBBC does not carry large print books for adults. TBBC has a large collection of books for grades three to YA. These are not available for interlibrary loan and must be borrowed directly by an individual patron. If you would like to know more about our youth services, contact TBBCYouth@njstatelib.org.
• Audiobook players on long term loan
• Braille eReaders on long term loan
• BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download service provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress) – download books and magazines anytime
• NFB-Newsline® service
  • NFB Newsline is an audio news service from the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). Only individual patron accounts may register for NFB Newsline.

Institutional Accounts

Public libraries can register for a TBBC institutional account to access materials on behalf of eligible patrons.

Libraries may have deposit accounts and can have:

• Long-term loans of audiobook players
• A collection of audiobooks
• A collection of braille books

To register as an institutional account, contact TBBC or download the NLS Institutional Account Application. The Institutional Account Application must be signed by the library Director or Branch Manager.

Completed applications may be submitted through: 

• Email – TBBC@njstatelib.org 
• Mail – PO Box 501 Trenton, NJ 08618 
• Fax – (609) 406-7181 

Libraries can also assist people with applying for an individual account.

All equipment is property of the U.S. government. Any unused equipment or audiobooks should be returned to TBBC. For more information on Institutional accounts visit the NLS Institutions webpage.

Signing Up Individual Patrons

Public library staff can help eligible individuals sign up for TBBC services. An application is required for each individual applying for the library.  Librarians may certify an individual’s application.

NLS develops the criteria for determining applicants’ eligibility. Applicants are eligible if they are unable to read standard print due to one of the following qualifying conditions:

• Blindness
• Visual impairment
• Physical disability that prevents holding or turning the pages of a book
• Reading or perceptual disability
• Deaf/blindness

Eligibility criteria are listed on the TBBC individual application for reference.

For full information about eligibility and certification, visit the Apply for NLS Services website.

For any questions about eligibility, please contact TBBC.

To register an eligible individual:

1. Complete the Individual Application Form
2. Have the application certified by a qualifying authority (e.g., librarian, therapist, social worker, doctor)
3. Submit the form by mail, fax, or email

BARD Public Library Program

The BARD Public Library Program (Program) allows public libraries in New Jersey full access to the audiobooks and braille books in BARD, provided certain conditions are met. The Program allows public libraries to download books and magazines from BARD on behalf of eligible TBBC patrons. 

Books are downloaded onto flash drives; and then patrons use audiobook players provided by TBBC, to play those books. 

To become a BARD Library, staff members from the library must participate in training provided by TBBC.  

Interested in becoming a BARD Public Library? Contact TBBC for details.

What Can We Do Together?

We welcome collaboration with public libraries across New Jersey. Here are a few ways we can work together:

Outreach

Invite us to participate in community events, open houses, or resource fairs. We can provide materials, information, and representation.

Library Displays

We offer ready-to-go displays about TBBC services. Displays are available for a one-month loan and can be delivered and picked up in person.

Do You Still Have Questions?

• Email: tbbc@njstatelib.org
• Phone: 800-792-8322 ext. 0
• Fax: 609-406-7181

TBBC is open to walk-in visitors Monday through Friday 8:00, a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and State Holidays.

Servicios Hispanos

• Llame gratis al 800-792-8322 ext. 822; o envíe un correo electrónico a tbbcspanish@njstatelib.org.
• TBBC abre cinco días a la semana, de 8:00 a. m. a 3:30 p. m., de lunes a viernes. Cerramos los sábados, domingos y días festivos estatales.