Welcome to the NJ State Library Talking Book and Braille Center (TBBC), a division of the NJ State Library (NJSL), affiliated with Thomas Edison State University (TESU).
Established in 1967, TBBC offers its patrons home-delivered services as a regional library of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), Library of Congress at no-cost.
We support New Jersey residents of all ages who have difficulty reading standard print or holding a book due to a visual impairment, physical limitation, or reading disability.
TBBC provides a wide range of accessible materials to eligible New Jersey residents, as well as to institutions and libraries that serve them. Supported with funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Access this page directly by using www.njstatelib.org/tbbc.
Apply for Service
Talking Book and Braille Center offers free access to over 100,000 titles and 40 magazines in accessible formats for New Jersey residents with reading disabilities.
Materials can be downloaded or delivered directly by mail. All items are shipped postage-free as “FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND OR PRINT DISABLED.” TBBC also provides audio and braille technology training at select libraries throughout the state.
To get started, new members must complete an application and have it certified to confirm eligibility. TBBC proudly supports New Jersey libraries and institutions serving eligible individuals.
Apply now online and discover a world of accessible reading at your fingertips.
Navigating Our New Website
Easily find what you’re looking for with the How-To page on searching our brand-new NJSL website. We also provide a TBBC Directory of our TBBC focused pages and posts.
Donation Opportunities
Support our work by making a donation to the Talking Book and Braille Center.
Community Engagement
I want you to know how much my “talking books” have meant to me. I have been a client for about 25 years and they have been my lifeline. Thank you so very much for giving me such pleasure.
Discover inspiring testimonials from our members and explore our partnerships with public libraries throughout the state of New Jersey.
Explore Our Digital Content
Visit our YouTube channel for additional content, and connect with us on social media through the logos below. We’re always looking for volunteers to help with a variety of tasks.
Our TBBC Blog
Empowering Accessible Reading in New Jersey
Here, you’ll find the latest in accessible technology, inspiring stories, and updates on new resources and programs. Whether you’re a longtime patron or just discovering TBBC, our blog connects you with tools and opportunities that make reading more accessible and enjoyable.
Our Quarterly Highlights Newsletter
Stay connected and informed by subscribing to our TBBC Quarterly Highlights Newsletter, designed with accessibility in mind.
Listen to the audio edition, explore our latest issue, or browse archived newsletters at your convenience.
Our Services
Accessible Media in Multiple Formats
TBBC offers a wide range of free, accessible reading resources for individuals of all ages with print disabilities. Tens of thousands of book titles, along with dozens of periodicals, are available through innovative tools and services.
For our members, TBBC provides books in several accessible formats:
- Audiobooks and Magazines
- Braille Books
- Large Print Books for Children, Teens and Young Adults
- Search the NLS Catalog online. Registered patrons can also visit our new Patron Page to browse and order books.
DID YOU KNOW: Surprising Things About Borrowing Books from TBBC
Apply online to enjoy these convenient home-based, and on the go, services and embrace the joy of reading.
Adult Services at TBBC
The Adult Services department at TBBC serves New Jersey adult residents who have difficulty reading because of blindness, a physical impairment, a reading disability or a vision challenge.
Audiobook Players
Individuals, places and libraries registered with the TBBC are eligible to receive a no-cost, long-term loan of an easy-to-use Digital Talking Book Machine (DTBM).
Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD)
BARD, offers downloadable books and magazines for patrons who are unable to read standard print due to a visual, print, or physical disability. These services are provided by the NLS.
Children and Teen Services at TBBC
The Children and Teen Services at TBBC provides free, accessible reading resources for children and teens in New Jersey who have difficulty reading standard print due to blindness, vision impairment, a physical impairment, or a reading disability or a vision challenge.
We offer a wide selection of children’s fiction, nonfiction, and educational materials in braille, large print, and audiobook formats, promoting literacy and accessibility for all.
Dedicated TBBC Resources for Library Staff
TBBC offers a valuable, no-cost service that your library can bring to your community. To increase the visibility of the services of the TBBC in our communities, we partner with fellow public libraries in several ways.
DID YOU KNOW: TBBC has a Traveling Educational Exhibit
TBBC offers a traveling display that your library can host, featuring both historical and current equipment, as well as materials used by individuals with print disabilities.
Library Equal Access Program (LEAP)
LEAP offers free technology courses for individuals aged 55 and above, who have some level of vision loss, to teach them how to use accessibility features available on Apple iPad and iPhone devices.
News Reading Service
Newsline offers access to hundreds of audio newspapers, grocery ad flyers and magazines via the internet, telephone access, on-demand emails, or via the NFB-Newsline mobile app for Apple devices. Are you already registered for Newsline? You can log in here.
TBBC Named 2023 Regional Library of the Year by the Library of Congress.
Contact TBBC
- 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.
Adult Services at TBBC
- Email: tbbc@njstatelib.org
- Phone: 800-792-8322 (hold the line to speak with a reader’s advisor)
Children and Teen Services at TBBC
- Email: tbbcyouth@njstatelib.org
- Phone: 800-792-8322 ext 823
Visitor Information and Access Requirements
- Street: 2300 Stuyvesant Avenue, Trenton NJ 08618
- Mailing: P.O. Box 501, Trenton NJ 08625-0501
All visitors to the NJ State Library, including the Talking Book and Braille Center, who are 17 years or older are required to present a photo ID to security upon entrance. This is a security protocol that will not be waived for any reason or any visitor.
Visitor Conduct Policies regarding library use.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this website do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.