Talking Books and Braille Center

Talking Books And Braille Center - 2nd Floor

Address

100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

Phone

Hours

Formerly Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

Catalog

BARD login

 

Current Newsletter
 

We’re getting in touch to let you know that the Talking Books and Braille Center, also known as the TBBC, at the Main Library is undergoing an exciting renovation to serve you better in the future. The new TBBC will be a community space for individuals who are Blind, have low vision or are otherwise print disabled. We will be closed for onsite service starting August 15. Don’t worry, we’re here to serve you at the Main Library through the renovation period.

Find out more about the renovation.

  • Frequently asked questions in English
  • Frequently asked questions in Chinese
  • Frequently asked questions in Spanish 

 

Free Talking Books and Talking Book Player

The Talking Books and Braille Center (TBBC), formerly known as the Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, provides a collection of more than 100,000 digital "talking book" titles for all ages as well as the special player needed to listen to them. The books can be mailed for free to San Francisco residents who have difficulty reading standard print. Learn about our services and programs for yourself, for a family member, or a friend.

Sign up for Talking Books

The TBBC is part of the national network run by the Library of Congress the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). If you live outside San Francisco, we can put you in touch with your network library.

Regular TBBC programming includes technical help with devices and software, art exhibitions, "sneak preview" book talks, yoga, audio-described film showings, a book club, and more.

 

Collections and Services Available

In the TBBC and other Main Library Locations

  • Reading machines scan printed material and read the text in a computer voice.

  • Computer workstations with screen magnification and voice output/screen readers, (ZoomText and JAWS) scanners with OCR, and printers

 

In Branch Libraries

  • Laptop computers with screen magnification and voice output/screen readers (ZoomText and JAWS) and some computer workstations with screen magnification (ZoomText)

 

Helpful Resources