Library for Accessible Books and Media

LABM:  THAT ALL MAY READ

A free library program of over 150,000 recorded, large print, and braille materials available to residents of Tennessee who are not able to use standard print materials due to a visual or physical disability. The Tennessee Library for Accessible Books and Media (TLABM) partners with the National Library Service at the Library of Congress (NLS) to administer this free library service.

BARD Book and Magazine Download Service

E-mail a Reference Question to a Librarian

InfoEyes is a question and answer service for people with a visual impairment or other print limitation. Ask a question about anything!

LABM:  ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION

You may download applications for this free library service below:

Please note there are multiple pages for each application. All pages should be completed before sending applications to the library.

You may mail completed applications to:

Tennessee Library for Accessible Books and Media
403 Seventh Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37243

Or, you may fax them to (615) 532-8856.

Or, you may scan and e-mail them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Each application must have the signature of a certifying authority. Please see the information on the application form for information on who may certify applications for service.

Spanish applications may be obtained by contacting the library at (800) 342-3308.

LABM: Available Materials

Books and Magazines

BARD Downloadable Audio Books and Magazines

Download audio and digital braille book and magazine titles for use with Digital Talking Book machines, iOS devices, Android devices, braille embossers, and refreshable braille devices. This service is available to registered patrons of the Tennessee Library for Accessible Books and Media only.

Find books and magazines in braille or audio from the National Library Service for Blind and Physically Handicapped:

• National Library Service online catalog
• Magazines in accessible formats
• Braille Book Review
• Talking Book Topics
• Bibliographies of braille and audio books

Large print catalogs are available by contacting the Library for Accessible Books and Media.

LABM:  Help Finding Materials

For Patrons With Last Names Starting A-D
Erin Lankford
Tel: (615) 741-3916 or (800) 342-3308
Fax: (615) 532-8856
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For Patrons With Last Names Starting E-K
Cathy Bale
Tel: (615) 741-5836 or (800) 342-3308
Fax: (615) 532-8856
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For Patrons With Last Names Starting L-R
Annette Hadley
Tel: (615) 741-5838 or (800) 342-3308
Fax: (615) 532-8856
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For Patrons With Last Names Starting S-Z
Rebecca Melvin
Tel: (615) 741-5839 or (800) 342-3308
Fax: 615.532.8856
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LABM: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What is provided?

The library service loans recorded, large print and braille books and magazines, music scores in large print and braille and special playback equipment. The TLABM book collection of over 50,000 titles includes popular fiction and nonfiction, best sellers, classics, history, biographies, religious literature, children's books and books in foreign language. There are over 70 popular magazines available. Go to Available Materials to find out more.

How do I play the talking books?

Special playback equipment is loaned to patrons who use the library service. Books and magazines in the TLABM collection are recorded at a slower speed than conventional recordings and the books require special players. Players are mailed to patrons postage free. The library repairs and replaces equipment as necessary. For patrons who wish to purchase their own equipment, a vendor list is available.

How do I start the service?

You must first complete an application for service and send it to the Tennessee library. All states provide the service for their residents.

How do I get the books?

All special library materials--books, magazines and playback equipment--are circulated through the mail postage free. Patrons must borrow books each year to remain eligible for the service.

How do I know what titles are available?

Bimonthly magazines will tell you about newly released books and related library services: Talking Book Topics and Braille Book Review. You may also order general catalogs. You can always call the library to ask about authors and titles. The National Library Service catalog is searchable online.