As a veteran, this information came through a US Department of Veterans Affairs email I’m subscribed. I’m not going to pretend to be a journalist here, I’m just doing my best to pass the information I found while digging around and link to those online resources.
So as not to mislead anyone, even though the email subject from the VA News was, “Free Audiobooks for Veterans“, the audiobooks, or talking books as they call them, are not for every veteran. They are for blind and disabled vets (They use “handicapped” but I’m trying to avoid that term) that cannot see or hold a book in their hands. Continue on for better details and how to apply.
What Is This Program
Braille and Talking Book Program, from the National Library Service (NLS) and the Library of Congress, provides talking books, audio magazines, and digital talking-book players free of charge.
National Library Service (NLS) is a library with free braille and talking book content for eligible people that suffer from bad vision, blindness or a physical disability that prevents them from reading or holding the printed page.
Any honorably discharged Veteran who is blind has low vision, or disability preventing the reading of traditional materials is eligible.
How To Apply
Applying for this service is easy. Call the National Library Service at 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323) or visit them on the web at www.loc.gov/ThatAllMayRead
Resources For Free Audiobooks For Veterans
- NLS at the Library of Congress
- Braille and Talking Book Program (.PDF)
- National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
- Free Braille and Talking Book Program for Veterans
- Resources for Disabled Veterans
If you know of a blind or physically disabled veteran that could benefit from this free program, please share it with them.
