Washington Talking Book & Braille Library

Mission

The Washington Talking Book & Braille Library builds community and provides equitable access to information and reading materials for Washington residents unable to read standard print.

Description

The Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) is in the midst of a budget crisis with unstable state and federal funding. WTBBL is the only library in Washington providing accessible library services, including audio and braille books and magazines, free by mail and download to people of all ages who are blind, visually impaired, DeafBlind, have difficulty holding a book, or who have a reading disability. This library service is a source for literacy, information, community, and a true lifeline for patrons unable to read standard print. We are asking for your support during GiveBig 2025 to raise $50,000 for readers’ services and library operations. Your gift to WTBBL during these times of insecure funding and looming cuts can help maintain critical core services with ongoing support and ensure That All May Read. Thank you for your gift allowing WTBBL patrons to read for life and your participation in GiveBig.

The Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) is a program of the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, and a regional library of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress. Located in Seattle, WTBBL provides library services statewide to any Washington resident unable to read standard print material due to blindness, visual impairment, DeafBlind, physical disability (cannot hold a book or turn pages), or reading disability.

WTBBL's collection includes audiobooks and magazines on digital cartridge with playback equipment and accessories for reading, braille books and magazines, and a youth large print collection. Audio and electronic braille titles are also available for download via the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) site or by mobile app for iOS, Android or Kindle platforms. WTBBL produces audio and braille books onsite to add to the national collection and offers readers' advisory services, training and technology support, outreach, a youth services program including summer reading, a pen-pal program, weekly multisensory storytimes, and more.

Washington Talking Book & Braille Library receives support from the ALL Foundation of Washington. For more information visit www.sos.wa.gov/charities.