Skip to main content
close
font 1 font 2 font 3
Reset to standard size
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Yellow on Black White on Black Soft Greys Black on Linen Black on White
Reset to default contrast
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.


Kentucky Talking Books Library

Download audiobooks and braille books or get them delivered via mail through the Kentucky Talking Book Library!

Any resident of Kentucky who has difficulty reading standard print material or who is unable to hold a book and turn the pages is eligible for our service.

The KTBL provides free library service to individuals who cannot read traditional print due to a visual, physical or reading disability. A special Talking Book player is provided on loan, or patrons can use a number of third-party players for downloading books. A free app for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch is available, as well as an app for Android products.

Examples of qualifying conditions are:

  • Visual:
    • Blindness​
    • Cataracts
    • Diabetes complications
    • Eye surgery
    • Macular Degeneration
  • Physical:
    • Loss or paralysis of hand(s) or arm(s)
    • Arthritis
    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Print allergy
    • Stroke
  • Reading:
    • Dyslexia
    • Dyscalculia
    • Dysgraphia
    • Developmental aphasia

To apply, call 800.372.2968 or download an application from kdla.ky.gov/talking-books. The service is completely free to apply for and to use. The collection consists of over 60,000 titles for all age levels, including:

  • Digital Talking Books — recorded on flash cartridges to be used with digital talking book players; also available for download
  • Braille books
  • Print/Braille books — picture books with a Braille overlay, so both a blind and sighted person can read together.
  • Digital Kentucky books — by Kentucky authors or of local interest; recorded by volunteers in our own digital studios
  • Magazines on digital cartridge and in Braille or for digital download
  • Other audiobooks and Braille of regional interest produced by Talking Book and Braille libraries around the country—a network known as the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS).

Many people don’t realize this free service exists—help us spread the word! Download applications, brochures, and flyers from the Kentucky Talking Book website.