Talking Books are complete works of fiction and non-fiction recorded on audio-tape. They may be borrowed by library users who are certified by a recognized authority as having a perceptual disability. Under the provisions of the Copyright Act, a perceptual disability is one that prevents or inhibits a person from reading works in their original format.
Questions & Answers
Download Application Form for Talking Book Service
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For more information call: 416-395-5557.
You can search our online library catalogue to find your favourite talking books. For other talking books, check out these other online catalogues from:
Questions & Answers
What are talking books?
- Books and magazines that have been read aloud and recorded on cassette tapes
- These include popular fiction, mysteries, historical fiction, romances, classics as well as history, travel and biographies for all ages.
- You can search on the Library's public on-line catalogue by author, title and subject.
- Lists of selected titles are also available in large print
What kind of equipment is needed?
- Cassette player
- We have some cassette players for a short-term loan.
Who may borrow talking books?
- Anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Toronto and who is certified by a recognized authority as having a perceptual disability.
- For more details, see the section on Eligibility Criteria.
How can I borrow talking books?
- Complete the application form.
- A professional authority, such as doctor, nurse, therapist or social worker, must certify eligibility on the application form unless you have a CNIB registration number.
- Return the application form to your local library or to the talking books service, or fax to 416-395-5594.
- We will contact you to start the service.
- You can pick up your talking books at your nearest branch.
- Home delivery is available for people who are unable to go to the library for at least three months due to age, illness or disability.
Are talking books the same as books on tape or audiobooks?
- "Talking books" are restricted to people who have a perceptual disability.
- "Books on tape" or "audiobooks" are available without restriction to everyone.
Updated on: December 18 , 2009
