Long Island Talking Book Library

  Braille Materials

[braille symbol]Although the number of braille readers on Long Island is relatively small, Long Island Talking Book Library supports braille literacy and provides information and resources for those who wish to learn or read it. We maintain a small collection of print-braille children's books which is used primarily for demonstration purposes and emergency loans, braille writers and transcription equipment, and informational materials.

Long Island residents can borrow or purchase braille books for leisure and educational purposes from the following sources:

[bullet]Braille Books for Leisure Reading (for loan)

The Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library lends braille books, including popular fiction and nonfiction for adults and children, to eligible residents in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Materials are lent by postage-free mail and are returned the same way. Contact the library at 40 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011 or call (212) 206-5400.

[bullet]Braille Books for Leisure Reading (to download)

A free service of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, "Web-Braille" features more than three thousand braille books that can be downloaded by individuals, schools, and libraries with Internet connections and braille output devices such as braille embossers or refreshable braille displays. Braille readers on Long Island can register for Web-Braille through the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library.

[bullet]Braille Textbooks (for loan):

Students on Long Island can borrow braille textbooks through Helen Keller Services for the Blind Braille Library, 320 Fulton Avenue, Hempstead, New York 11550; telephone (516) 485-1234. Arrangements for this service are generally made by the student's school or itinerent teacher for the blind.

[bullet]Braille Religious textbooks (for loan):

Religious textbooks are available from Catholic Charities' Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Persons, 143 Schleigel Boulevard, Amityville, New York11701; telephone (631) 789-5213.

[bullet]Braille textbooks (for purchase):

Braille textbooks may be purchased from the American Printing House for the Blind, 1839 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, KY 40206; telephone (800) 223-1839.

Another source is the National Braille Association - Braille Materials Production Center, Three Townline Circle, Rochester, NY 14623-2513; telephone (716) 427-8260.

[bullet]Additional Sources

Sources of Braille Reading Materials, a reference circular from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, lists many other sources of braille books and magazines for loan, purchase, rental, or free distribution.

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