The Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library (MBTBL) provides audio, braille and large print magazines to patrons. All braille and most audio magazines are produced by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS).
NLS-produced magazines are listed in each bimonthly issue of Talking Book Topics and Braille Book Review. To find the list of magazines, check the Contents page.
NLS-produced magazines are sent free of charge directly to each subscriber’s address. Allow six to eight weeks for each subscription to begin. Please contact the library to add or cancel a subscription or to report a change of address.
All NLS-produced audio and braille magazines including back issues are available to download through Minnesota Braille and Audio Reading Download (MN BARD). A braille aware device is needed for downloaded braille magazines. For more information visit the MN BARD webpage.
Audio Magazines
Currently, NLS-produced audio magazines are sent on cassette tapes which patrons are allowed to keep permanently. Starting in 2013, NLS-produced audio magazines will be distributed on cartridges and must be returned to keep a subscription active. Each magazine mailing container will be red and will include a reversible mailing label.
People who subscribe to multiple magazines titles may receive one cartridge containing multiple magazine issues on it. An audio announcement will play when the cartridge is inserted into a player identifying the number of magazine titles on the cartridge. It is important to return cartridges in a timely manner so not to disrupt the subscription(s).
MBTBL also loans several magazines produced by volunteers at other network libraries for the blind and physically handicapped. Each issue is sent through the U.S. mail and must be returned before another issue is sent. The loan period is six weeks. Most magazines are now available on digital cartridge (or to download) and require the digital talking book player. Some are still only available on cassette and require the NLS cassette player. For more information on available players, visit the Equipment page.
-
Audio Magazines (PDF)
Provides current and comprehensive list of audio magazines produced by both the NLS and other network libraries that are available to patrons.
Braille Magazines
The NLS produces several braille magazines. As with audio, braille magazines are mailed directly to subscribers from the producer. Subscribers may permanently keep each issue. Patrons interested in receiving braille magazines are encouraged to contact the library. Allow six to eight weeks for delivery of the first issue.
Schedules for the following professional sports leagues are also available in braille:
- Major League Baseball (MLB) - American and National Baseball League schedules are now combined and listed by date.
- National Basketball Association (NBA)
- National Football League (NFL)
- National Hockey League (NHL)
- Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA)
-
Braille Magazines (PDF)
Provides current and comprehensive list of braille magazines available to patrons.
