Patron Handbook
Welcome to the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library. This handbook
is intended to help you get the most out of your library service. You might
want to keep it for future reference. If you still have questions after reading
this handbook, please contact the library and we’ll be happy to discuss
any questions or concerns you might have.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Talking Book and Braille Service
I just sent in my application. Now what?
The library processes applications as soon as they arrive. This involves
verifying the certification, entering the patron information into the library’s
computer database, and preparing the welcome packet for mailing. Three business
days are usually needed to complete this process. Included with this handbook,
you will find catalogs, the current newsletter, and instructions for the cassette
player if that service was requested. Patrons who requested books on cassette
are also sent a cassette player in a separate package.
As soon as registration is complete, we will start sending cassette and /
or braille books to patrons who opted to let the library choose books by subject
when their requests are not available.
You must borrow at least one cassette book or magazine annually in order
to keep the cassette player.
How do I order books?
You will be receiving catalogs in the mail, either Talking Book Topics
or Braille Book Review or the combined version. Each has an order form. The
large print version of Talking Book Topics has order pages in the back of
the books, while the other catalogs have separate forms. When sending these
in, make sure your name and address is on the forms. Some will have this information
imprinted on them, but some will require you to write the information in.
The catalogs are sent every two months. You do not need to return them to
the library.
You may also order by calling, faxing, e-mailing, or writing a separate letter
to the library. Be sure to include your name, address, and telephone number
with the order. Because the beginning of the week is usually the busiest time
for telephone calls, you might want to try later in the week or Thursday evenings.
How do I know what books you have?
Along with the catalogs that will be sent every two months, we will
send you a starter set of older catalogs. People with access to the internet
can check PAWS, our online catalog. And you can always contact the library
for more information.
How do I find out if you have a particular book?
The best ways are to check PAWS, the library’s online catalog,
check the NLS website catalog, or call the library. You may also write, fax,
or e-mail your request. Contact the library to get your user login and password
to order books through PAWS.
How many books can I ask for at one time?
You may request as many books as you would like to read. The more
titles you ask for, the easier it will be for us to find something available
to send you when you need something to read.
How often will I get books?
Service depends on how your application was filled out. At the start
of service, patrons will either receive only the books requested or, if requested
titles are not currently available, books from indicated subjects will be
sent. Unless other arrangements are made, the library will automatically send
out two titles each day until an arbitrary maximum of ten is reached. After
that point, books won’t be sent until those already loaned to the patron
are received after being returned.
What if I want books sent on a different schedule?
We can change your service to weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. We can
also set your service from automatic to manual. Manual service, also called
On Request Only, means you will have to contact the library whenever you want
a book.
How do I listen to the cassette books?
The NLS cassettes are recorded on four tracks (two per side) and
at a non-commercial speed. Special playback machines are required and are
provided free of charge. These machines may be kept for as long as patrons
are borrowing NLS cassettes, also called Talking Books, from the library.
Patrons must borrow at least one talking book per year in order to keep their
service status active and keep the machine. If not being used, the machine
must be returned to the library.
In addition, many companies make NLS-compatible cassette players for sale.
These are often smaller than the desk model provided by the library. The library
can provide catalogs and/or contact information for some of these companies
upon request.
How does the cassette player work?
The cassette machine comes with a cassette tape that gives detailed
instructions. To get started, remove the machine from the box, then pull the
power cord free from the compartment at the rear of the machine and plug it
into a wall outlet. Typically, the machine should be played using its
battery pack which can be charged by plugging it in and not using it for 24
hours. If the battery runs out before you’ve finished listening to a
book, you can plug the machine in to finish listening, but the battery won’t
recharge at that time. Newly received players should be charged for 24 hours
as the battery may have lost its charge during transit. To extend the
life of the battery, it’s a good idea to unplug the machine to listen
to books, then plug it in to recharge when not in use. However, if you will
not be using the machine for a day or longer, do not leave it plugged in.
For now, to learn how to use the machine, you can leave it plugged in. Also,
it is a good idea to save the instruction cassette once you know it works.
This cassette can be used to test the machine if you suspect it isn’t
working properly. Sometimes, it might not be the machine, but a cassette tape
that is damaged.
See Operating Instructions
for the Standard Cassette Book Machine for more detailed
instructions.
If the machine stops operating properly, contact the library to get a replacement
machine.
How long can I keep the books?
You may keep the books for as long as you need to read them. The
suggested time is four to six weeks. The library does not charge for overdue
or lost books.
What do the letters on the books mean?
RC = Recorded Cassette
BR = Braille
BRA = Specially produced braille books
RCF = Recorded Foreign Cassette (for languages other than English)
VC = Descriptive Videocassette
I haven’t gotten books for a while. Why not?
This can be due to a number of things. Books might have been sent
to you but you might not have received them yet. You might not allow the library
to choose from subjects for you and none of the titles you asked for are available.
You might let us choose, but you’ve read all of the available books
for your favorite subjects. We might not yet have gotten your books back.
There might have been problems with delivering books to you and they were
returned by the post office. The best thing to do is contact the library so
we can figure out the best solution.
How do I return the books when I’m finished with them?
Please be considerate of other patrons and rewind the cassettes before
returning them. The easiest way is to put them in the cassette player odd
side up and press the rewind button. If already rewound, nothing will happen.
Next, place the cassettes back in their container and seal it with the plastic
straps. Braille books should be secured in their boxes.
Remove the mailing card from the slot. This card has your address on one
side and the library’s address on the other. It also has a punched hole
on the side near one corner. On the patron address side, the hole in on the
left and on the library’s address side, the hole is on the right. Turn
the card over so the hole is on the right, meaning the library’s address
is facing up, and slip it back into the slot.
The cassette containers may be dropped into any mailbox. Braille book boxes
are too large and need to be brought to the Post Office. The cards are stamped
FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND OR HANDICAPPED. No postage is needed.
It is advisable to listen to only one cassette book at a time to make sure
the right cassettes get back into the right containers.
Should I return the books all at once or one at a time?
To ensure a steady flow of books to you, please return each title
as you finish it. If you wait, we won’t know you need new books
since it can take up to a week to ten days for books to travel through the
mail.
The cassette book is damaged. How should I let the library know?
Place a string or rubber band around the damaged cassette. Do not
include notes. Do not put anything on the outside of the container. All books
will be inspected upon receipt at the library and we will see the string or
rubber band. Notes are often misplaced or not noticed. They are also against
postal regulations.
The book seems to be missing cassettes. How can I tell?
Cassette books are numbered for the first side of the cassette. Since
there are four side to each cassette, the numbers will be: 1, 5, 9, 13, and
so on. When you listen to the first cassette, the narrator says how many cassettes
the book was recorded on. In addition, on the label on the side of the container,
there is a number with a C. That tells how many cassettes should be in the
container. If in doubt, you can also contact the library to ask.
If the book is indeed missing a cassette or two, drop a string or rubber
band loose inside the container and return the book. If you would like another
copy of the book, contact the library. Do not put a note inside the container.
My cassette machine won’t work. What do I do?
You may either bring the machine in for an exchange or contact the
library for mailing instructions. We will send an adhesive-backed label to
place on the box to return the old one. You may wait until the new player
arrives so you can use that box, or use any box it will fit if you no longer
have the one it came in.
I don’t like the books I’ve been getting. What should
I do?
Contact the library and we’ll adjust the subjects or make other
changes to your file as needed until you are happy with your service.
I’m getting too many (or too few) books. What should I do?
Contact the library and we’ll make adjustments to the number
of books sent each time and the maximum you receive. These adjustments can
be made at any time. On occasion, it takes a few tries to get a satisfactory
schedule arranged.
Can I get magazines in braille or on cassette?
Yes. Most of the magazines are available from NLS. A small number
of cassette magazines are available directly from the library. Magazines do
not need to be returned to the library. A catalog of the NLS magazines is
available upon request and should have been in your welcome packet. We also
currently offer:
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Able: The Newspaper for, by, and about the Disabled: published
monthly.
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Buena Vida: a monthly Spanish language publication focusing
on personal hygiene, physical fitness, and well being.
-
Current Biography: articles about newsworthy people in the
arts, sciences, politics, and business; published monthly.
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Humpty Dumpty: bimonthly magazine for children ages 4-7.
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National Geographic Traveler: global travel and cultures,
published 8 times a year.
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Smithsonian: science, natural history, art, archeology, history,
and ecology; monthly.
-
Us Weekly: celebrity news, movie and TV reviews.
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Vital Speeches of the Day: features eight to ten speeches
by individuals prominent in the fields of politics and government,
business and economics, education, sociology, criminology, health,
law, labor, and others; bimonthly.
Also, the library can submit subscriptions for Reader’s Digest and Newsweek,
which are not available through NLS, and for the National Federation of the
Blind’s Newsline, a newspaper reading service available by telephone.
I want to stop getting a magazine. What do I do?
Contact the library and we’ll cancel the subscription. This
might take a week or longer to take effect and you might receive another magazine
before the cancellation is completed.
Can I get only magazines?
Yes. Just let us know and we’ll change your status to Magazine
Only.
Does the library have books in languages other than English?
Yes. The library has a large collection of Spanish language cassette
books and a small number of Russian language cassette books. There is also
a limited collection of books in other languages are available. We can
send lists of these titles upon request. As there are limited quantities of
these titles available for all of the United States, there is usually a wait
for these titles.
I want to learn how to play a musical instrument. Can I get music
instructions in cassette or braille?
Yes. NLS runs a music division. Music services are provided directly to readers
from NLS in Washington, D.C. The program of music services includes a circulating
collection of braille, large print, and recorded instructional materials and
a subscription program of magazines produced in braille, on cassette, and
in large print. Contact the Andrew Heiskell Library if you would like to apply
for this service.
Can I get music on cassettes from the library?
Musical recordings intended solely for listening are not part of
the music collection, as these materials are readily available from stores
and local public libraries. Patrons with library cards from either The New
York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, or Queens Borough Public Library
may borrow music cassettes in person from the library. These cassettes, along
with other New York Public Library materials (including large print books
and descriptive videocassettes) have a specified due date and fines for lateness
will be charged.
Does the library send videos?
The library has a collection of descriptive videos to mail to patrons
registered for braille or talking book service. These videos include a track
of audio narration describing the onscreen action and will play on a regular
VHS player. You need to ask for these by title. A list is available upon request.
Can I get large print books mailed to me?
Large print books are available in local branches of The New York
Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Borough Public Library.
Homebound patrons in Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island may contact The New
York Public Library’s Books-by-Mail program about receiving large print
books by mail.
The New York Public Library Books by Mail
(212) 621-0564
Brooklyn Books by Mail
(718) 376-6185
Queens Borough Public Library Mail-A-Book Service
(718) 776-6800
I want to stop getting books for a while. What should I do?
Contact the library and we’ll put a temporary hold on your
service. Then, when you’re ready for more books, just let us know. We
can do a temporary stop and you’ll continue to receive magazines, catalogs,
and our newsletter, or a longer suspension of service that will cancel your
magazines and catalogs, as well as our newsletter. Then, when you resume service,
you will have to contact the library start the subscriptions again.
Remember, you’ll need to borrow at least one talking book a year in
order to keep the cassette playback machine.
I had stopped getting books, but want to start receiving them again.
What should I do?
Contact the library and we’ll reinstate your service.
I want to cancel my talking book or braille service.
Contact the library for instructions. You may either bring in your
machine or we’ll send you a label for its return. All equipment borrowed
from the library is federal property and must be returned.
I’ll be out of town for a few months. Do I need to stop my
library service?
No. If you’ll be staying elsewhere in the United States, you
may continue to receive service from the library at an alternate address.
You may also opt to register as a temporary patron with the regional library
nearest to where you’ll be staying.
I’ve moved. Do I need to tell the library?
Yes. In order for you to keep getting library materials in a timely
fashion, without interruption, it is important to keep us up-to-date regarding
your address and telephone number.
Can I have my library material sent to a different address than my
home?
Yes. We need your legal address for our records, but we can put in
alternate shipping addresses if you want.
I’m moving out of New York City. Can I keep my library service?
Yes, if you’ll be moving elsewhere in the United States or
one of its territories, we’ll be able to transfer your records. Contact
the library with your new address and we’ll give you information about
the library that will be serving you.
I’m leaving the country. Can I still get talking books and
braille?
People who will be out of the country receive service directly from
NLS in Washington, DC. Power adaptors are available from NLS.
Contact the Andrew Heiskell Library for more information.
My friend (or relative) wants to get service, but doesn’t live
in New York City. Who should they contact?
They can contact us and we’ll locate the right library for
them, provided they live in the United States or one of its territories.
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