For information about classes, adaptive technology, and programs, see Services and Programs .

Collections

The following collections are available from the library, either onsite or via mail service, or from other agencies. To borrow Talking Books, Cassette Playback Machines, and/or Braille Books, you must meet eligibility requirements, submit an application and provide proper certification, and be registered with the Andrew Heiskell Library.

• Talking books on cassette: These include titles offered through the National Library Service for the Blind and Phsycially Handicapped (NLS); titles recorded at regional libraries of the National Library Service, including the Andrew Heiskell Library; and titles available through interlibrary loan from cooperating libraries.
  • Audio Book Studio collection: These titles have been recorded by volunteers at the Andrew Heiskell Library. 
  • Cassette playback machines: NLS talking books are recorded on four-track cassettes and run at a non-commercial speed. The library provides, free of charge, special playback machines on indefinite loan for as long as patrons borrow talking books or magazines on cassette, at a minimum of one per year. The machines may be picked up at the library or sent through the mail via FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND & PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED. In addition, NLS-compatible cassette players are available for purchase. For more information, read the NLS Factsheet: Sources for Purchase of Cassette Players and Player-Recorders Compatible with Recorded Materials Produced by the National Library Service (NLS).
• Magazines on cassette: These magazines include titles offered through the National Library Service's magazine program and titles recorded by NLS regional libraries.
• Magazines in braille: Titles available through the National Library Service's magazine program.
• Talking books and magazines in many languages: Although the primary languages in the collection are English and Spanish, materials in French, German, and other languages are also available.
• Braille books: These titles are offered through NLS and include grade 3 and grade 1 braille. In addition, patrons who have refreshable braille displays or braille printers may register for Web-Braille, the National Library Service's online web braille service. Interested patrons should contact the library to set up their Web-Braille subscription.
• Playaway. These are self-contained audiobooks and players available to New York City residents registered with the Andrew Heiskell Library's Talking Book and/or Braille Library. Please check with your local library if you are interested in these titles and do not meet this criteria. Instructions for use.
• Descriptive Videos: These are commercial videocassettes that have added audio narration of the onscreen action. They may be played on standard VHS machines. Patrons registered with the library for talking book and/or braille service may receive these videos via postage-free mail.
• Large Print books and magazines: These may be borrowed on-site with a New York Public Library card. 
• Reference books in standard print, large print, and braille.
• Music Services: Scores and music instruction on cassette, records, and in braille and large print are available from the National Library Service's Music Services division.
• National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Newsline: Hundreds of newspapers are available in synthetic speech for eligbile readers using a touch-tone telephone. People receiving braille or talking books (cassettes) from the library may register for this service through the library or directly from NFB.