Our services

TBBL provides free public library service to Louisiana residents of all ages who cannot easily read standard printed materials due to a visual impairment, who have a physical disability that prevents them from holding a book or turning its pages or who have a reading disability. Eligible disabilities listed above may be either permanent or temporary to qualify.

The library collection consists of audio books and magazines, Braille books and magazines, and large print books.

Postage is free for all materials that we send to you or that you send back to TBBL.

DIGITAL TALKING-BOOK PLAYERS

TBBL loans these machines to playback the audio book cartridges which are loaded with audio books. They are free and can be loaned to eligible readers for as long as needed. Audio book cartridges from TBBL will only play on the equipment provided. This special format protects the copyright.

BARD MOBILE APP

BARD stands for Braille and Audio Reading Download. This web-based service that allows you to download audio books and braille files directly to your smart phone or device.

BARD Mobile delivers braille and talking books to your iOS or Android devices or your Amazon Fire tablet.

REFRESHABLE BRAILLE DEVICES

TBBL also loans refreshable braille displays, or eReaders, to eligible Braille readers. These are devices with small pins that electronically move up and down through holes representing a braille cell. Users move their fingers across the cells as if they were reading braille on paper. Braille notetakers are portable devices with built-in refreshable braille displays that connect to software applications. The Braille eReader allows patrons to read electronic braille files (BRFs) as well as Word files, HTML files, DAISY files, and PDFs. It connects to Wi-Fi so braille files can be downloaded directly from BARD and has Bluetooth capability so patrons can connect directly to a smartphone and read the info on the screen in braille. It also can connect to a computer so that the information on the screen will be displayed on the braille display. Other features include a braille translation application and settings to display files in uncontracted and contracted braille. It can connect directly to NFB Newsline. Its navigational capability includes searching for a passage and moving by sentence, paragraph, and volume.

READER ADVISORY SERVICES

TBBL has a great team of reader advisors who work closely with library patrons to assist them in finding interesting books. TBBL patrons are assigned to a reader advisor when their library service is started. Reader advisors are assigned patrons based on a range of the alphabet and the first letter of your last name determines your reader advisor. Children and teens through the age of 18 receive reader advisory services from the Children and Teen Services Librarian.

Reader advisors are familiar with the TBBL collections and stay aware of patron reading interests and publishing trends. They use a variety of print and online tools to make suggestions for titles, authors and subjects that might be appealing to patrons. They provide personalized service to each TBBL reader, answer reference questions, maintain computer records and patron files, and keep a steady flow of library materials between the patron and TBBL.

SERVICES FOR CHILDREN, TEENS, AND SCHOOLS

The Children and Teen Services Librarian works with young people up to 18 years old and learns about their specific reading needs in order to provide the best service possible for this important school age group. There is no set minimum age to start services with TBBL.

The library maintains a well-rounded book collection that includes many of the books on school reading lists, including Accelerated Reader and Reading Counts as well as a wonderful selection of books for recreational reading.

FROM CRIB TO CRAYONS

This early literacy program is designed for children from birth to 6 years old who are blind or have a vision impairment. In addition to loaned materials, six literacy packets will be sent during this one-year program to children and their parents. Each bi-monthly kit will be themed to focus on one of six early literacy skills: print awareness, print motivation, phonological awareness, narrative skills, letter knowledge, and vocabulary. Each packet will contain tips and strategies for developing pre-reading skills, including lists of resources and follow-up activities for parents. There will also be props, craft instructions, and a carefully selected child’s book with tactile graphics or twin vision Braille targeting the specific early literacy skill for the child to keep.

SUMMER READING FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS

Each summer, TBBL offers a free summer reading program for children and teens. Each participant is mailed fun activities and a free T-shirt and other prizes for completing the program.

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

SUMMER READING

Each year from May to August, adults can participate in a summer reading program. Readers are challenged to read 20 books or magazines. For those who complete the challenge, their name will be entered into a drawing to receive a prize.

BOOKTALKS

Four times a year, TBBL holds a book discussion group via an email discussion list. Members comment on the book by sending an email to the discussion list. All members then see the comments and have the ability to respond by email to the group. When you join BookTalks, you will automatically receive a digital book copy of the newest selection.

SERVICES FOR NURSING AND RETIREMENT HOMES, HOSPITALS, REHABILITATION CENTERS, AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS

Nursing homes and other institutions can request services through an institutional application for services. Residents need to be signed up by using the individual applications. This way, each resident can receive books by the authors and subjects they prefer, and each resident gets individualized service.

SERVICES FOR PRISONS

To ensure that TBBL meets the requirements of Louisiana prisons, applications for service and all book requests must come from approved prison librarians or other approved employees who will make sure that requests conform to their institution's guidelines.