Services
Registered adults and children may borrow a variety of recorded books and
magazines plus the necessary playback machines, large print books, and described
videos. Braille books and magazines are also available.
Recorded books and magazines
- Cassette books. Our collection includes thousands of cassette books
on many different subjects such as poetry, politics, religion, and sports.
Bestsellers, mysteries, romances, and westerns are also available. The cassette
books are are recorded at 15/16 ips (inches per second) on four-track cassette
tapes. A special cassette player for use with these tapes is available on
free loan.
- Cassette magazines. More than 40 magazines are available on cassette,
ranging from Good Housekeeping to Sports Illustrated. Our
collection also includes magazines for children and young adults. The National
Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) provides
a complete list
of the recorded magazines on its website.
- Playback equipment. As noted above, the library lends players for
use with the library's recorded materials. Accessories including
key extenders, amplifiers, and puff switches, are available for use with
the equipment on loan. A full description of the
playback equipment and accessories is provided on the NLS website.
- Digital Talking Books
The National Library Service (NLS) has begun to offer digital talking books and players to our readers. Frequently Asked Questions: Digital Talking Books provides more information about this new format. Photos and a detailed description of the digital player and cartridge are available on the NLS website. If you are interested in digital talking books, call your library today!
Large print books
The typesize on the books in our large print collection is 14-point or larger.
These books are available to individuals who have visual impairments that
make reading standard print difficult. In addition to the Regional Libraries'
collections, many public libraries throughout the State have large print books.
Described videos
These videocassettes include narration of the visual elements of the movie
without interfering with dialogue or sound effects. A standard VHS player
is needed to play these videos.
Braille books and magazines
Braille materials are available for both adults and children. The children's
braille collection also includes print/braille combinations. The Philadelphia
Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped provides braille
services to the entire state of Pennsylvania as well as West Virginia and
Delaware.
Return to LBPH Home
Return to the top