Special Valley library caters to visually impaired readers

PHOENIX - With more than 60,000 titles available, it's a library that most people will never use. It's the Arizona State Braille and Talking Book Library and it's a free service available to anyone in the United States.

"We become the public library for any person who finds it difficult to read standard print that appears in most books, magazines, newspapers," said Director Linda Montgomery.

Although the National Library Service was started in 1931, many people don't even realize the service is available.

Books and magazines are available in both audio and Braille formats.

The cassettes, and talking book player machines are provided free of charge along with the postage to send and receive new request.

Recently, the National Library Service began transitioning recordings from cassette format to a new flash format. Eventually all audio will be done on the new digital format.

"The machine is smaller, the technology is easier to use, and it much more durable," Montgomery said. "The sound quality is better ... it's just better all around."

The cassette machines are not going away completely, patrons can continue to use them as long as they'd like.

Fifteen hundred to 2,000 requests come in on a daily basis for books that volunteers help to process. They also keep all the equipment repaired and working.

To see if you qualify for this service, or find out more information on volunteering, contact the Arizona State Braille and Talking Book Library through their website .