Collections | Services and Programs

The Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library opened in its current location at 40 West 20 Street, NY, NY, in 1991. Formerly, the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, the facility was renamed in honor of the former chairman of The New York Public Library's Board of Trustees who served from 1981 to 1990. You may read a brief history of the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library, adapted from the exhibit brochure celebrating the library's centennial in 1995.

The library has two public floors, with a children's room and a young adult section, large circulating collections of talking book and braille materials that mirror collections in traditional neighborhood public libraries, specialized audio playback equipment for listening to recorded books and magazines, and adaptive technology. Fiction and nonfiction selections range from classics to bestsellers in many subject areas. There is also a meeting room for concerts, lectures, and other special events. Public programs are barrier-free and are open to the general public, free of charge.

Talking Book and Braille Service

In order to receive braille and/or talking book service, patrons must meet eligibility requirements and be certified by an appropriate authority. Applications for the braille and talking books by mail program are available free at your neighborhood branch library, or you may download one of the online applications. However, photocopies or faxed applications will not be accepted. Only original applications with the certifier's original signature, or with an original letter attached from the certifier explaining the disability will be accepted. Family members may not certify applicants.

Residents of New York City may get braille or talking books from the Andrew Heiskell Library, either though the mail or at the library.

Residents of Nassau or Suffolk counties may get braille materials through the Andrew Heiskell Library. For talking books and magazines, Long Island residents should contact the Long Island Talking Book Library at the Suffolk Cooperative System. 627 North Sunrise Service Road, PO Box 9000, Bellport, NY 11713-9000; telephone: (631) 286-1600, toll-free: (866) 833-1122 (Nassau/Suffolk).

Residents of New York State who do not live in New York City or Long Island, may get braille or talking book service through the New York State Library: Talking Book and Braille Library, Cultural Education Center, Albany, NY 12230-0001; telephone: (518) 474-5935, toll-free: (800) 342-3688.

Residents outside New York State may receive service through the Regional Library serving their area. Consult the National Library Service's Find a Library webpage.

Any visitor with a New York Public Library card, however, may borrow materials from the large-print, commerical audiobooks, and descriptive video collections.