Residents of North Dakota who are blind and visually impaired or who cannot read print because of a physical disability can receive braille or audio books and magazines through the mail, free of charge.

People who cannot see to read a regular print book or who cannot manipulate a book because of arthritis, paralysis, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome or other physical disabilities, or who have a reading disability such as dyslexia, qualify for services. They may borrow audio Talking Books or braille books through special libraries that are part of a Library of Congress program called the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS).

All kinds of books are available through the national collection, from mysteries to fantasies to biographies to cookbooks to children's books. Thousands of titles are in the collection for every reading taste. Magazines are also available in braille and on tape.

The patron calls the Talking Book Library and requests books, or a reader advisor selects books for him. Books are sent through the mail free of charge, and when the patron is finished with them, they are returned, again postage-free. Magazines are also sent through the mail, but do not need to be returned.

In addition to the national collection, the North Dakota library has a collection of volunteer-produced books about the state. The library may also use interlibrary loan to make audiobooks and other commercially-produced materials available to their patrons.

The Dakota Radio Reading Service (DRIS) allows the blind and visually impaired to listen to special programming over special receivers free of charge. Newspapers, magazines and other programs are available. Obtain applications for DRIS from the North Daketa library. Broadcast schedules are available from the library and on the library's website.

The North Dakota library serves the entire state. Recorded books are housed on-site, and braille books are borrowed on behalf of patrons from the Utah library.

To find out more and request an application, call the library (see contact information below). Request and complete the application and start reading today!


North Dakota State Library
Talking Book Services
604 East Boulevard Avenue
Department 250
Bismarck, ND 58505-0800
Telephone: (701)328-2185 and (701)328-1408
Toll-free (In-state): (800)843-9948
TDD: (800)892-8622
FAX: (701)328-2040
Email the North Dakota library or visit their website