Playback equipment is loaned free to readers
for as long as they remain eligible for the talking book program
and continue to borrow materials from it on a regular basis.
Cassette machines are designed to play talking books produced by
the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
(NLS). A cassette machine designed primarily for persons with
limited manual dexterity is also available.
Talking-book machines are designed to play magazines and older talking
books on discs.
Accessories such as a remote-control unit for readers with
very limited mobility and an auxiliary amplifier for readers
with hearing impairments are available upon request.
Some talking book readers prefer to purchase
their own equipment, which may have added features such as recording
capabilities or increased portability. Some individuals need
the special speed playback equipment for use with another service,
such as recorded textbooks borrowed from Recording for the Blind
and Dyslexic. The National Library Service for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped has a list of "Sources
for Playback Machines Compatible with NLS Books".
Equipment Repair
NLS talking book equipment is repaired
by a local chapter of the Telephone Pioneers of America. Readers
whose equipment is in need of repair should contact
LITBL and return the broken machine to us by
mail or through a local public library. A replacement machine
will be issued upon receipt of the broken machine.
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