Worcester Talking Book Library expands nationally with braille and audio certification
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The Worcester Talking Book Library is located at the Worcester Public Library.
The Worcester Talking Book Library will now provide audio materials to a national audience, as the Worcester Public Library subset has achieved certification to contribute to the Braille and Audio Reading Download, a free digital service providing hundreds of thousands of audio and electronic braille versions of reading and music material.
The WTBL offers services to Massachusetts residents unable to read standard print materials due to visual or physical disabilities and has been pursuing the BARD certification since February, according to a Tuesday press release from WTBL. BARD is a service offered through the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled at the Library of Congress, headquartered in Washington, D.C.
“By contributing to the BARD service, we are not only enhancing the Worcester Talking Book Library’s offerings, but also supporting a nationwide network of readers with visual and print disabilities,” Jason Homer, executive director of the Worcester Public Library, said in the release.
The first WTBL-submitted audiobook is already available on BARD: “The Combat Zone: Murder, Race, and Boston’s Struggle for Justice'' by Jan Brogan, recorded by WTBL staff member Joel Keisling.
BARD is available to U.S. residents and American citizens abroad. Materials can be downloaded and used on smart devices, according to the release.
“We are thrilled to have our first audiobook submission available on BARD. This achievement reflects our commitment to expanding access to diverse and engaging materials for our patrons,” Lee Anne Hooley, head of the WTBL, said in the release. “We are currently working to curate a collection of local books, and will be looking for volunteers to record these works.”
Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare and diversity, equity, and inclusion industries.
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