Using the Books Aloud service

The Books Aloud, Inc. "Reading by Listening" program provides a wide variety of recorded reading material to eligible individuals.

Eligibility:

Blind, visually impaired, learning or physically disabled individuals who are unable to read conventional print, hold a book, or turn the pages are eligible. Books Aloud tapes can be mailed anywhere within the United States. There is no charge for our services.

Sign Up Procedure:

Contact the Books Aloud office for an application and verification of disability or click on the hypertext to print your own. Complete the application and return it to the office. The verification of disability must be signed by an authorized professional (doctor, nurse, therapist, teacher, social worker, etc.).

Circulation Procedure:

To receive the tapes: Tapes will be mailed automatically each month in a box or padded mailer directly to the clients home. Postage is free both ways. Please save the mailer to return the tapes. A return label is provided so the same mailer can be reused. If the client prefers, the tapes can be picked up and returned at their nearest local library within Santa Clara County, California. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library also has a Special Services driver who may be available for home delivery of tapes within a small geographical area within San Jose, California. Contact Books Aloud at (408) 808-2613 for details.

To return the tapes: Place the tapes in the mailer and close with staples or heavy duty tape. Tape the return label to the front of the mailer. Give the package to your local postal carrier or post office. If the mailer is torn, contact our office for another one to ensure the safe return of the tapes. If you are returning tapes to the library, place the tapes in the bag and return them where you picked them up.

Loan Period:

Tapes are shipped automatically once per month on the clients assigned day and are loaned for one month.

Renewal:

Tapes may be renewed for an additional month by contacting the Books Aloud office.

To reserve specific titles:

Specific titles may reserved by contacting the Books Aloud office. If a client has not reserved specific titles, circulation staff will select tapes based upon the client's specified subject categories as shown on the application.

Equipment:

Books Aloud tapes play on standard cassette players (1⅞ ips). No special equipment is required. Standard cassette players are available on loan at no charge from Books Aloud if needed.

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