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3.01.2026

Nevada Talking Book Services: A Free Resource for Families

Did you know that Nevada offers a free reading service for children and adults who have trouble reading regular print? It’s called Nevada Talking Book Services (NTBS), and it is part of the Nevada State Library. The program is designed to help people with low vision, blindness, physical disabilities, or reading disabilities enjoy books and magazines in a way that works best for them.

Who Can Use the Program?

Children (and adults) of any age can qualify if they have a temporary or permanent condition that makes reading printed books difficult. This includes conditions such as:

• Legally blind
• Visual disability
• Physical disability
• Reading disability

These services are available at no cost to families.

For children under 18, a parent or guardian must sign a form acknowledging that their child can access the full library of materials.

What Does the Program Offer?

NTBS gives families 24/7 access to more than 150,000 audio books and magazines, plus thousands of Braille titles through the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) service.

Families can:

• Download books directly to a smartphone, tablet or Kindle
• Receive audio books or Braille books by mail
• Borrow a digital talking-book player for free
• Request help from staff who can suggest books based on your child’s interests

There are no waitlists, so books are always available when your child is ready to read or listen.

How It Works

You can choose how your child reads:

• Download books anytime using the BARD app
• Receive cartridges in the mail and play them on a free digital player
• Request Braille materials if your child prefers or needs them

Children can keep downloaded books as long as they want, and mailed books simply get returned when you’re ready for the next ones.

This program helps make reading fun and accessible. It supports children who need different formats and helps build a love of stories, even when reading print is challenging. With many options—audio, Braille, and more—families can choose what works best for their child.

How to Sign Up

You can apply online, by mail, or by email:

Nevada Talking Book Services
100 N. Stewart Street
Carson City, NV 89701
Phone: (775) 684-3354 or (800) 922-9334
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://nsla.nv.gov/ntbs