Arizona Talking Book Library
Free books by mail for Arizonans who cannot read standard print.
The Arizona Talking Book Library is a regional library of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, a Library of Congress program since 1933. Books, magazines, and players arrive by postage-free mail. Everything is free.
Who is eligible
Any Arizona resident, of any age, who cannot read standard print because of a visual, physical, or reading disability. Schools, libraries, nursing homes, hospitals, and other institutions serving eligible people may also enroll. A doctor, nurse, optometrist, therapist, social worker, teacher, or librarian can certify eligibility.
Vision blind or low vision
- Blindness & legal blindness
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Glaucoma (GLC)
- Retinitis pigmentosa (RP)
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
- Diabetic retinopathy (NPDR / PDR)
- Cataracts & other low vision
Physical & neurological hard to hold a book or turn pages
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Stroke
- Myasthenia gravis (MG)
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Motor vehicle & spinal injuries
- ALS, arthritis, paralysis & other conditions that make holding a book difficult
Reading & learning perceptual or reading disability
- Dyslexia
- Reading disabilities
- Sensory processing disorder
- Other perceptual or learning disabilities
This is not a complete list. If your condition is not shown, call the library and ask.
What the library provides
Audio & braille books
Tens of thousands of titles, plus magazines and audio-described DVDs, mailed postage-free both ways.
Free digital player
An easy-to-use talking-book player on loan for as long as you need it.
BARD downloads
Braille and Audio Reading Download: instant access on a phone, tablet, or computer.
NFB-NEWSLINE®
Over 300 newspapers and magazines read aloud by phone or online.
How to sign up
Call or go online
Ask the library for an application.
- Phoenix602-255-5578
- Toll-free in AZ800-255-5578
- Onlineazlibrary.gov/tbl
Get certified
A doctor, nurse, optometrist, therapist, social worker, teacher, or librarian signs the application to confirm eligibility.
Start reading
A player and your first books arrive by mail. Tell the library what you like and they’ll keep them coming.
Hours & location
- HoursMonday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Phone hoursMonday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Address1030 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008
- Fax602-286-0444
Group tours and presentations are available.
Library contact
Client to provide: Erin’s direct phone and email.
- Erin Pawlus, Library Liaison
Arizona Talking Book Library - 602-255-5578
800-255-5578
Toll-free in Arizona - [Erin’s email]
- 1030 N. 32nd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85008
The Friends make it better
Local recordings, described movies, and outreach exist because of donors.
DonateShare this page with someone who has stopped reading.
Then help us reach the 60,000 eligible Arizonans who have not signed up.