WTBBL closed to public
As of July 1, 2025, the library building is open by appointment only and phones go to voicemail due to loss of funding. Services continue as usual. To request an appointment, call 800-542-0866 or email [email protected].
About Us
The Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) is a program of the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State. Located in Seattle, we provide library services state-wide, at the library and by mail or download, to any Washington resident unable to read standard print material due to blindness, visual impairment, DeafBlindness, physical disability (cannot hold a book or turn pages), or reading disability.
We have been a Network Library of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) of the Library of Congress since 1931. We were one of the first “Network Libraries” and from 1934 to the late sixties and early seventies, and provided library service to the residents of Montana and Alaska. In 2009, 2016 and 2022 we were honored as the Network Library of the Year and in 2012 was recognized with a mayoral proclamation for our work empowering individuals with disabilities. Visit the WTBBL History page for a more detailed history.
Library patrons can borrow audiobooks and magazines by mail from our large audio collection and use our digital talking book player provided free on long-term loan, borrow braille books and magazines in hard copy or use one of our braille eReaders on loan for electronic braille. Audio and braille books and magazines are also available for download from our Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) website or mobile app, with no holds and no due dates. In addition to our large circulating collections, we offer readers’ advisory, training and assistive technology support, a youth services program, and production of books in audio and braille with a Northwest focus in our local studios.
All WTBBL library services are free to patrons, including postage on materials through the Free Matter for the Blind postal designation. For more information about becoming a WTBBL patron and an application for service, visit our Apply page.
To learn more about donating to WTBBL, visit our Donation Page. Thank you for your interest in the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library.