Welcome to the Oakland Talking Book Service @ RHPL!
This free service, administered by the Rochester Hills Public Library, loans talking books and magazines, large print books, Braille and talking book players to eligible Oakland County residents of all ages. If you are unable to read or use standard printed materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or physical limitations, you qualify for service. A talking book player and materials will be mailed at no cost as Free Matter for the Blind. Click here for more information on how to apply.
In addition to materials sent through the USPS, all eligible individuals also have access to tens-of-thousands of books and dozens of magazines available for download through the National Library Service’s Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) site. BARD is a service offered by the Oakland Talking Book Service and the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled at the Library of Congress. These audiobooks and magazines can be downloaded immediately and played on a variety of devices, including smartphones and tablets. A separate application for access to BARD is required and must be approved before access to the database is granted. Click here for access to the BARD website.
OTBS@RHPL is conveniently located in the Outreach & Bookmobile Services area of the Rochester Hills Public Library. The staff of this award-winning department is committed to personal and accessible services beyond walls, beyond books, and beyond traditional library services. When you pay us a visit, come find us directly across from the checkout desk on the first floor. For information on location and hours, visit the RHPL Hours & Location page.
All Oakland County residents who are eligible for OTBS service are also eligible for Rochester Hills Public Library borrowing privileges. OTBS@RHPL is part of the National Library Service (NLS) for the Blind and Print Impaired network. Click here to locate other NLS network libraries.