The Washington Talking Book & Braille Library provides a complete and professional public library service which includes easy access to the informational and reading materials needed by individuals in the state of Washington who are unable to read print material.

Description:
More than 10,000 individuals get library services from the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library. WTBBL provides free library services to persons who are print diabled. Eligible patrons include children and adults who are legally blind, visually impaired (unable to read conventional size print), physically disabled (unable to turn pages easily), learning disabled, or deaf and blind. Approximately 500,000 books are mailed out each year.

History:
Library service to individuals in Washington State who read braille began in 1906. In 1931 the Washington library became part of the national braille and talking book network that was started that year by the Library of Congress. The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped currently provides 2,100 titles in brailled and taped formats each year.
WTBBL supplements the national program by brailling and narrating books for children and books about the Northwest and by Northwest authors, as well as other requested titles. The Evergreen Radio Reading Service, which broadcasts statewide on a special radio frequency, provides access to such print materials as newspapers and magazines.
Over 400 volunteers make the Library's services possible, with almost 100 users of the service volunteering. In 2001, volunteers contributed approximately 29,000 hours.
While cassette players, braille and cassette books, and free mailing are provided by the Federal government, operating costs of the service come from the Washington State Legislature through a line item in the Washington State Library budget. The State Library then contracts with the Seattle Public Library to administer the service.

Contact people:

Volunteer Services Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) Rosemary Adamski, Asst. Manager, (phone), (email) Ann Hay, IT Systems Specialist, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (206) 615-0437

Address:

2021 9th Ave Seattle, WA 98121-2783 This location is handicap accessible (See a map)

Web Site: None specified

Directions:

We are located in downtown Seattle on the corner of 9th and Lenora.   Nearest Bus Stop: one block, 2 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Liability
	Yes
Does your organization welcome court-ordered community service volunteers?
	Yes
Does your organization have volunteer positions for youth 12-18?
	Yes