NH State Library – Talking Book Services – Concord, NH

Accessible Reading for All Residents

The NH State Library – Talking Book Services is a specialized division located in the Dolloff Building on Pleasant Street in Concord. This essential program provides free library services to New Hampshire residents who are unable to read standard print materials due to visual, physical, or reading disabilities . As part of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled network, it ensures that all citizens have equal access to information, literature, and educational resources regardless of their physical limitations.

Audio and Braille Materials

The library maintains an extensive collection of audiobooks and magazines on digital cartridges, which are mailed directly to patrons at no cost. To facilitate this, the service lends easy-to-use digital audio players specifically designed for those with visual impairments. In addition to audio formats, the library provides access to Braille books and descriptive videos . Patrons can also utilize the BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) system to download books directly to their personal devices, offering immediate access to thousands of titles.

Eligibility and Enrollment

Services are available to anyone with a qualifying disability, including blindness, low vision, or physical dexterity problems that prevent holding a book or turning pages. Applications must be certified by a medical or competent authority. The Talking Book Services team is dedicated to personalized assistance, helping readers select genres, authors, and specific titles that match their interests . The facility at 117 Pleasant Street serves as the administrative hub, handling the distribution of equipment and managing the statewide circulation of materials.

• Digital Audiobooks: Fiction and non-fiction on cartridges.
• Equipment Lending: Free digital players and accessories.
• BARD Access: Downloadable audio and braille content.
• Free Delivery: Materials mailed as ”Free Matter for the Blind”.