POST-POLIO-MED@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU

A few days ago JillDoctorjill from Canada wrote: "I can no longer
read books but I have found incredible enjoyment and relaxation from talking books (most cities will have some sort of special needs section with talking books, big print, etc. Now, I can read AND do something else at the same time - that's bonus."

I agree!

In the U.S. the Library of Congress/National Library Service provides(loans) Talking Books free to the blind and disabled through your local cooperating library, usually your state library. Every state has one. Contact the state library for an application form. It must be signed by a doctor, O.T., P.T., social worker, etc.. to verify your disability. The web site http://www.loc.gov/nls has all
necessary requirements and information.

After completing the application process, you will then receive some book catalogues and the special tape player needed to play the Talking Book cassette tapes. (It also plays regular audio cassettes.) The cassettes, which look like standard audio cassettes, are recorded at half speed (15/16 inch per second) on 4 single tracks, unlike standard cassettes which are recorded in stereo on 2 pairs of tracks at full speed. This allows 6 hours on each cassette. These are different from the Books-On-Tape from your regular library or the
bookstore, which are on standard audio cassettes.

When my family and I moved back to the U.S. in 2002 I contacted the state library in Vermont, the state we were living in. After the paperwork, etc. was accomplished I received my official U.S.Government cassette player complete with embossed eagles & banners. I was then asked how many books I read per week/month and also for a long list of books for them to choose from as 50+ percent of their books (in Vermont) are out on loan at one time. Each state is, most likely, slightly different. The library sent 3 books the first time, as I finished each one I would turn the label over with the pre-printed return address and send it back postage free. A new book from my long list of choices (a surprise each time!) would arrive 2or 3 days after returning the completed one. There are, in addition, over 40 periodicals that are available via free subscriptions through this same program. The tapes arrive in bright green, instantly recognizable, returnable plastic containers. It's an excellent
program, it keeps me sane!

Two years later we moved back to the Netherlands. I was hooked on Talking Books, didn't know how I would deal with withdrawal - went to the NLS web site and found that they have the same program for U.S. citizens living abroad. While still in Vermont I contacted the "Overseas Librarian", a very helpful person who then contacted the Vermont State Library to obtain my particulars, set up my "overseas"account, sent a cassette player with Euro adapter plug, andtransferred the addresses of all my periodicals to my Dutch address.

The whole process was very smooth and painless. I now receive 5 books at the beginning of every month regardless of how quickly I return them. Returning the books is still postage free but I must bring them to the nearby post office, a minor inconvenience, all considered.

I highly recommend this service!