Talking Book & Braille Center
The Summit Free Public Library offers the services of the New Jersey State Library Talking Book & Braille Center (TBBC) for patrons who have difficulty reading standard print or holding a book. Eligible individuals can choose from the following no-cost services:
• Accessible Audiobook player
• Audiobooks
• Braille books
• Downloadable audiobooks, audio magazines and Braille files for Braille readers
• Access to BARD Mobile, an app for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch
• News reading services, such as Audiovision and Newsline
Who is eligible for TBBC's services?
New Jersey Residents are eligible: A New Jersey resident of any age (including children, teens and adults) who cannot read standard print, hold a book in his/her hand or turn the pages of a book due to the following difficulties may be eligible for these services. This includes those whose ability to read is affected by:
- a physical impairment
- a reading disability
- a vision impairment
How can you apply?
- An individual must apply for TBBC's services and have his/her eligibility certified. An application can be found here, or by calling TBBC at 1-800-792-8322 for an application to be sent by mail.
- The application must be certified (see second page of application).
- The original signed and certified application can be scanned and emailed, faxed, or mailed to:
- Email: This email address is being protected from spambots.
- Fax: 609-406-7181
- Mailing address: New Jersey State Library Talking Book & Braille Center, P.O. Box 501, Trenton, NJ 08618. Mark the outside of the envelope "Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped" and it will ship to TBBC postage-free.
For more information, ask a librarian or check out the TBBC's FAQ page.
Summit residents who are unable to get to the library due to a disability are eligible to have library materials delivered for free. The library has joined together with SAGE’s Meals-on-Wheels program to offer the delivery of library materials along with the meals. If you or your loved one does not currently receive Meals-on-Wheels, arrangements can be made for deliveries to be made directly by library volunteers or staff.