Washington has an amazing resource in downtown Seattle that you may not know about, the Washington Talking Book & Brailled Library (WTBBL). WTBBL connects large print books, magazines, braille materials, and audiobooks to anyone in Washington unable to read standard print books due to blindness, visual impairment, reading disabilities, deaf-blindness, or physical disabilities that cause inability to turn pages or comfortably hold a book. You don’t even have to make the drive to Seattle to start using their collection!
WTBBL is a Regional Library of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. They provide services throughout Washington State at no cost to patrons at their location in Seattle, by mail, and digitally. Many items in the collection, including braille books and audiobooks, are made in-house by staff and volunteers! WTBBL specializes in producing audio and braille books by Pacific Northwest authors, titles about the Pacific Northwest, and other patron requests, but can borrow materials from other affiliated libraries across the country. They also offer virtual events including sensory storytimes, a book club, and a summer reading program for children and teens. If you’re interested in a field trip, their library in Seattle is open to the public (borrowing materials, though, is limited to patrons only).
Check out WTBBL’s eligibility information and download the application for services. Healthcare providers, educators, and even Sno-Isle Libraries staff can certify your eligibility! For more questions about WTBBL and their services, contact them at wtbbl@sos.wa.gov, opens a new window or call their toll-free number at 800-542-0866.
