Using the Andrew Heiskell Library

Welcome to the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library. This handbook is intended to help you get the most out of your library service. You might want to save this for future reference. If you still have questions after reading this handbook, please contact the library and we’ll be happy to discuss any questions or concerns you might have. Listen to an MP3 of this Handbook.

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

Along with the collections and technology In the Library, the Andrew Heiskell Library offers tours, classes, and programs.

Use the PAWS or NLS catalogs. To help you find books when you visit the library, you can use this Guide to the Dewey Decimal Classification System.

• Please do not lend our books to other people. That is against National Library Service policy and it slows down the service for everyone.
• Please rewind cassette books when finished with them.
• Please return all books promptly. As soon as you finish reading each is best. Use the same mailing card as was used to send the book to you. Be sure to turn it over with the library’s address facing out when returning books. Do not use tape to hold the mailing cards in place. This will slow down the process of checking in the books. Do not place notes inside the containers and do not write on the mailing cards. If you need to tell us something, contact us separately.
• Include your name, address, and telephone number on all letters to the library and telephone messages.

FAQ's about services at the Andrew Heiskell Library.

Do you enjoy reading good books? Do you wish you had someone to discuss them with? If so, why not join the Andrew Heiskell Library's Adult Book Discussion Group? The group meets to discuss thought-provoking books every other month on Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in the library's first floor meeting room. 

To participate, please call the library at (212) 206-5400, or email us at ahlbph@nypl.org to register. Registration is required. Attendance is limited to 20 people, so call well in advance to sign up and tell us which format of the book you'd like.

Booklists for Adults that contain titles available in braille or talking book format from the Andrew Heiskell Library.

Books, magazines, websites, homework help for kids.

Reading lists, teen forum, websites for teens.

Special Playback Equipment

The library's special format audio books, known as talking books, must be played on NLS or NLS-compatible machines. The library provides, free of charge, special playback machines on indefinite loan for as long as patrons borrow talking books or magazines on cassette, at a minimum of one per year. The machines may be picked up at the library or sent through the mail via FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND & PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED. Currently, there are two types of Talking Books: Digital and Cassette.