Frequently Asked Questions
Are your services free?
The services of the Andrew Heiskell Library are always free. If you qualify for the books by mail service, we will send you books and special playback equipment by US Postal Service. When you are finished with a book, you will return it to us postage free.
How old do I have to be to use the Andrew Heiskell Library?
We serve persons of all ages. Our children's collection contains print/braille books that are popular with parents and toddlers. For older children, we offer homework assistance, a summer reading club, and other programs including author visits.
What are the eligibility requirements?
You may be eligible if you are a resident of New York City or Long Island, and you have difficulty reading standard printed materials because of: blindness; a visual impairment; a physical disability that limits your ability to hold a book or turn pages; or a reading disability resulting from organic dysfunction. Applicants with reading or learning disabilities must be certified by a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy. For more information, you may read the National Library Service Factsheet on Talking Books and Reading Disabilities.
How do I register?
Application for the books by mail program is available at your neighborhood branch library, or download an Adult application here. The application must be certified by a competent authority such as a professional in health care, education, rehabilitation, or related fields. Librarians may also certify an applicant except for reading or learning disabilities. Applicants with reading or learning disabilities must be certified by a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy. All certification must include the certifier's name, affiliation, address, telephone number, and original signature. Family members may not certify applicants. Mail the application to Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library, The New York Public Library, 40 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011-4211. Service will begin shortly after the form is received by the library.
I still have questions; how can I reach you?
You may call the library at (212) 206-5400. You can leave a message 24 hours a day at (212) 206-5425, fax us at (212) 206-5418, or email us at ahlbph@nypl.org.
What are your hours?
Telephone Service: Monday 10-5, Tuesday 10-7, Wednesday 10-5, Thursday 10-7, Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-5, Closed Sunday.
On-Site Service: Monday 10-5, Tuesday 12-7, Wednesday 10-5, Thursday 12-7, Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-5, Closed Sunday.
I don't live in New York City; am I eligible?
The Andrew Heiskell Library serves only residents of New York City and Long Island. However, there are other libraries that offer the same service.
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 Coopertive 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.
If you do not live in New York State, you may call us and we will get you in touch with your local braille and talking book library. Or you may consult the National Library Service website's Find a Library page.
Can I sign up a family member for this service?
Yes. Call us for assistance at (212) 206-5400, or fill out an application and mail it to us. You may not, however, certify a family member.
I run a nursing home, school, etc. Can my institution register for the service?
Yes, we can arrange to loan you a "deposit collection" of braille and/or talking books for the use of your residents. Please call (212) 206-5400 for more information on our services to institutions and schools.
Can a librarian come to my institution and do a presentation? Can I bring a group to the Library for a tour?
Certainly. Please call (212) 206-5400 and ask to speak to our Outreach Librarian to make arrangements. For visits to or from schools, ask to speak to the Children's or Young Adult Librarian.
I have a learning disability; am I eligible for talking books service?
Yes. Certification must be made by a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy stating that your disability is the result of an organic dysfunction.
I'm moving out of the city. Will you still send me books?
No, but call us at (212) 206-5400 and we will put you in touch with the local braille and talking book library that will be able to serve you. We will transfer your reading records to your new library and you may take your cassette book machine with you if you wish.
I'm going overseas. Will you still send me books?
No, but many countries offer a similar service and we can usually provide you with the name and phone number of the local braille and talking book library. If you will be out of the country for a short time and will be taking your cassette book machine with you, contact the library at (212) 206-5400 for information on electrical adaptors and the possibility of getting talking books through the National Library Service.
I'm going on vacation. Can I suspend the service temporarily?
Yes. Please call (212) 206-5400 and let us know when you will be away. We can also make arrangements to continue your service if you will be residing temporarily elsewhere in the United States.
Do you have staff who speak Spanish?
Yes.
Do you have books in languages other than English?
Yes, we have books in Spanish, Russian, and Chinese. Limited collections of other books may be available. Contact the library at (212) 206-5400 for more information.
How do I donate to the library?
If you wish to donate to the Andrew Heiskell Library, please use the following name on your check: Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library — The New York Public Library. Mail your check to:
Andrew Heiskell Library
40 West 20th Street
New York, NY 10011-4211
For information about making bequests, you may call The New York Public Library's Planned Giving office at (212) 930-0613.
While the Library of Congress supplies this library with reading materials, and operating funds come from New York State and New York City, donations mean improvement and expansion of services. Contributions in any amount are welcome and are tax deductible.
Do you need volunteers?
Yes. Please call (212) 206-5400 to make arrangements.
Do you have computers for the public?
Yes, appointments are for one half hour daily, with same day, in person sign-up only. If you require assistive technology, or need to make an Access-A-Ride appointment, you may sign up in advance for an hour. Computer pages are usually available to assist you.
Will you teach me how to use the PC? Will you teach me how to use the Internet?
Yes, we offer one-on-one computer workshops in English and Spanish, Monday through Saturday. These workshops cover basic computer skills, Internet searching, ZoomText or MAGic screen enlarging software, the JAWS screen reader, use of the braille printers, and Microsoft Word. Classes also available on the Kurzweil scanning software that converts print to speech. Please call (212) 206-5400 for more information or to set up an appointment.
Do you mail music cassettes?
No. People wishing to borrow music on cassettes may borrow them in person from this or other branch libraries of The New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, or Queens Borough Public Library. Many branches now offer music on compact disk. In addition, the National Library Service's Music Services division offers braille and large print music scores and music instruction on cassette and braille.
|
