Hours
Formerly Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
Catalog
BARD login
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.
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
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Catalog for the Talking Books and Braille Center
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BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) download our talking books. BARD login
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Audio-described DVDs enhanced with a supplementary sound track which describes the film's important visual elements during gaps in the dialogue
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A braille display and an embosser read computer braille and produce braille on paper
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Talking library catalogs with voice output and screen magnification
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CCTVs (closed-circuit televisions) magnify books, letters, etc.
In the TBBC and other Main Library Locations
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Reading machines scan printed material and read the text in a computer voice.
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Computer workstations with screen magnification and voice output/screen readers, (ZoomText and JAWS) scanners with OCR, and printers
In Branch Libraries
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Laptop computers with screen magnification and voice output/screen readers (ZoomText and JAWS) and some computer workstations with screen magnification (ZoomText)