The Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL) provides Braille and recorded books and playback equipment for those Wisconsin residents who for any physical reason cannot read normal print.
As part of the Talking Book Program of the Library of Congress, the Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL) circulates digital books, recorded cassettes, Brailled materials, and playback equipment provided by the federal government. In addition, the WTBBL circulates digital books, recorded cassettes and Brailled materials about Wisconsin or by Wisconsin authors, as well as audio-described videotapes and DVDs.
The WTBBL provides service to nearly 5,500 individuals, schools, libraries and hospitals from its location in Milwaukee Public Library's Central headquarters. 2011 circulation was over 330,000 items. To handle this workflow, process new applicants and publicize the program, the Library employs a staff of 15.
Contact the WTBBL at:
Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library
813 West Wells Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233-1436
Phone: (414) 286-3045
Toll-free within Wisconsin: (800) 242-8822
Fax: (414) 286-3102
Email: wtbbl@milwaukee.gov
Search the Online Catalog
Use the WTBBL Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) to search for books in the collection and order them online. To order books you will need a special user name and password, which you can obtain by calling the Library at 414-286-3045 (Milwaukee area) or 1-800-242-8822 (toll-free within Wisconsin) or by sending an email to wtbbl@milwaukee.gov. A user name or password is not required just to search the OPAC.
Who is Eligible for Services?
Wisconsin residents, who have one or more of the following reading disabilities, as certified by a competent authority, are eligible for free library services from the Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library:
- Visual Handicap: Inability to read standard print materials without special aids or devices other than regular glasses.
- Legal Blindness: Legal blindness is defined as having no more than 10% of normal vision in the better eye with maximum correction.
- Physical Handicap: Inability to read standard print materials as a result of physical limitations, e.g., paralysis, missing arms or hands, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spinal bifida, etc.
- Reading Disability: Organic dysfunction of sufficient severity as to prevent reading in a normal manner, as certified by a physician.
Services are also available to schools, hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions which serve people with qualifying handicaps.
What Services are Provided?
Reading Material: The Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library provides books and magazines in three formats: Braille, recorded cassette and digital book. The collection numbers about 200,000 items and over 40,000 different titles. Best sellers, romances, mysteries, classics, sports and travel are just a few of the many subject areas to choose from. Materials are available for adults, young adults and children. The Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library also lends audio-described DVDs and videos.
Equipment and Accessories: The library provides digital talking book machines and recorded cassette machines as well as accessories for these machines to include headphones, extension lever, amplifier, breath switch.
Selection: Catalogs and announcements of new books are mailed to readers in a variety of formats (large print, cassette and Braille). "Talking Book Topics" and "Braille Book Review" are bimonthly publications that inform patrons of new acquisitions and related library services. Patrons who do not wish to select books can have the library select for them based on subject interests.
Reaching Out: Patrons of the Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library receive a newsletter, "The Bulletin Board," which provides features, announcements, resources and updates. Contact WTBBL if your organization would like to have a representative speak about the Talking Book program.
What is the Cost of the Service?
All books, equipment and services, including the mailing of materials, are free to the print-handicapped. Telephone service in the state of Wisconsin is also free, using the Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library's toll-free number (1-800-242-8822).
How can a person sign up for this Service?
Download and send the completed application to the Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library by mail or delivered to the WTBBL. Faxed or emailed applications need to be followed up with a signed paper application.
For additional information, contact:
Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library
813 West Wells Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
In Milwaukee call: 414-286-3045
Elsewhere in Wisconsin call: 1-800-242-8822
E-mail to: wtbbl@milwaukee.gov
Download an Application (English version) or Download an Application (Spanish version) for the Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library.
Download an Institution Application for free library service from the Library of Congress, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.
Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library closures in 2012:
| January 2, 2012 | Monday | Library Closed |
| January 16, 2012 | Monday | Martin Luther King Day |
| April 6, 2012 | Friday | Good Friday |
| April 9, 2012 | Monday | Furlough Day |
| May 25, 2012 | Friday | Furlough Day |
| May 28, 2012 | Monday | Memorial Day |
| July 4, 2012 | Wednesday | Independence Day |
| August 31, 2012 | Friday | Furlough Day |
| September 3, 2012 | Monday | Labor Day |
| November 22, 2012 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day |
| November 23, 2012 | Friday | Day after Thanksgiving |
| December 24, 2012 | Monday | Library Closed |
| December 25, 2012 | Tuesday | Christmas Day |
| December 31, 2012 | Monday | Library Closed |
| January 1, 2013 | Tuesday | New Year's Day |