Collections

Collections are available from the library, either onsite or via mail service, or from other agencies.

For information about classes, adaptive technology, and programs, see Services and Programs.

The following collections are available from the library, either onsite or via mail service, or from other agencies. To borrow Talking Books, special format playback machines, and/or Braille Books, you must register with the library by meeting eligibility requirements, submitting an application and providing proper certification. Materials are sent to registered borrowers by US Mail, using the FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED service.

• Talking Books: These include titles offered through the National Library Service for the Blind and Phsycially Handicapped (NLS); titles recorded at regional libraries of the National Library Service, including the Andrew Heiskell Library; and titles available through interlibrary loan from cooperating libraries. They are currently available in two formats: special format cassettes and special format digital cartridges as described below.
  • Audio Book Studio collection: These titles have been recorded by volunteers at the Andrew Heiskell Library. These titles are found in the PAWS catalog.
  • Digital Books: These are new, digitally recorded audio files available on cartridges from the library or for downloading from the BARD database for registered borrowers. Digital Talking Book Machines are provided, free of charge, for playback of these books.
  • Cassette Books: These books are recorded on four-track cassettes and run at a non-commercial speed. The cassette Talking Books are being phased out by NLS.
  • Talking Book Players: The library provides, free of charge, special playback machines on indefinite loan for as long as patrons borrow talking books or magazines, at a minimum of one per year.
• Magazines in Special Media: An annotated list of magazines available from the National Library Service in special recorded format, braille, digital audio, and digital braille. You may contact the library to subscribe to the cassette and braille editions. In addition, a few magazines recorded by local Regional NLS libraries are also available on cassette. Non-NLS magazine available: Newsweek and Reader's Digest from the American Printing House and Choice Magazine Listening.
• Talking Books and Magazines in Many Languages: Although the primary languages in the collection are English and Spanish, materials in French, German, and other languages are also available. Contact the library for more information.
• Braille books: These titles are offered through NLS and include grade 3 and grade 1 braille. In addition, patrons who have refreshable braille displays or braille printers may register for Web-Braille, the National Library Service's online web braille service. Interested patrons should contact the library to set up their Web-Braille subscription.
• Large Print Books and Magazines: These may be borrowed on-site with a New York Public Library card.
• Reference Materials are available in standard print, large print, and braille for use in the library.
• Music Services: Scores and music instruction on cassette, records, and in braille and large print are available from the National Library Service's Music Services division.
• National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Newsline: Hundreds of newspapers are available in synthetic speech for eligible readers using a touch-tone telephone. People receiving braille or talking books (cassettes) from the library may register for this service through the library or directly from NFB.