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].

Equipment

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We offer a variety of accessible devices designed to ensure all patrons can enjoy access to books, information, and media. Below, you’ll find a list of the equipment available.

Talking Book Players

The Talking Book Players are versatile and user-friendly devices that allows you to listen to audiobooks, audio magazines, and other audio materials provided by WTBBL.

Digital Advanced Player (DA2)

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DA2 Talking Book Player

Features: Embedded Text-to-Speech (TTS) Engine, TTS Voice Options, Wi-Fi 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz, Bluetooth v4.2, 28GB internal storage, buttons with high-contrast color, braille and print labels for keypad controls, sleep timer, built-in audio instructions and the bookshelf feature to manage titles from the internal memory, connected cartridge, and connected USB drive. Keys for enhanced navigation and bookmarking.
Operation: Rechargeable battery
Supports: Digital Talking Books
Supported file formats: AMR-WB+, DAISY 2, PDTB1, PDTB2, MP3, WAV, OPUS, AAC, ANSI/NISO Z39.86-2002 and ANSI/NISO Z39.86-2005
Media: Internal storage, USB-A thumb drive, NLS flash cartridge
Size: 8.3" × 7.8" × 1.6"
Weight: 2.5 lbs

A DA2 Getting Started page and a DA2 User Guide are available to help patrons use the new machine. The DA2 User Guide in braille [BRF] is also available.

Digital Advanced Player (DA1)

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DA1 Digital Talking Book Player

Features: Large buttons, braille letters alongside the controls, sleep timer, built-in audio instructions and the bookshelf feature for navigating a digital cartridge that contains more than one book or magazine. Additional buttons for enhanced navigation and bookmarking.
Operation: Rechargeable battery
Supports: Digital Talking Books, Learning Ally
Supported file formats: AMR-WB+, DAISY 2.02, MP3, MPEG, RIFF, WAV
Media: Flash memory
Size: 6.2" × 8.8" × 1.7"
Weight: 2.52 lbs

A Library Manual [PDF] and a Service Manual [PDF], as well as a Library Manual in braille [BRF], are available to the public for operational and technical information on the standard (DS1) and advanced (DA1) digital talking-book players. Patrons can also learn more about how to use equipment through patron services and online events. 

Digital Standard Player (DS1)

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DS1 Digital Talking Book Player

Features: Large buttons, braille letters alongside the controls, sleep timer, built-in audio instructions and the bookshelf feature for navigating a digital cartridge that contains more than one book or magazine
Operation: Rechargeable battery
Supports: Digital Talking Books, Learning Ally
Supported file formats: AMR-WB+, DAISY 2.02, MP3, MPEG, RIFF, WAV
Media: Flash memory
Size: 6.2" × 8.8" × 1.7"
Weight: 2.52 lbs

A Library Manual [PDF] and a Service Manual [PDF], as well as a Library Manual in braille [BRF], are available to the public for operational and technical information on the standard (DS1) and advanced (DA1) digital talking-book players. Patrons can also learn more about how to use equipment through patron services and online events. 

Special Accessories

Please contact WTBBL to request one of the following accessories for your Digital Talking Book Player.

High Volume Player: For individuals with a significant hearing loss; requires a separate application with medical certification; the sound is boosted to a level that can cause permanent hearing loss to people with normal hearing;  contact WTBBL at [email protected] or 800-542-0866 to request the application for the high volume player

Remote Control: Handheld remote control with 15 buttons identical to those on the advanced digital players with the exception of a Power On/Off button; connects via the USB port

Breath Switch: Controls the Play/Stop function of the digital player; these are the only functions that this accessory controls; for eligible patrons who are confined to a bed or have little or no dexterity; requires a separate application; contact WTBBL at [email protected] or 800-542-0866 if you are interested in using this accessory

Headphones: Over the ear headphones for private listening

USB Adapter: Used in conjunction with a USB flash drive to listen to downloaded books; will allow USB flash drive to lay flush with side of player

Braille eReaders

The eReaders provide access to digital braille books and magazines. These compact and lightweight devices allow patrons to read braille electronically, offering adjustable settings for comfort and an extensive digital library of resources.

Zoomax Braille eReader

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Zoomax Braille eReader

Features: 20-cell refreshable braille display, Perkins-style keyboard, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 8GB internal storage, bookshelf feature for navigating content that contains more than one book or magazine. Keys for enhanced navigation and bookmarking.
Operation: 8.5 hours on rechargeable battery (when power save mode is activated)
Supports: Digital Talking Books, Bookshare, NFB-NEWSLINE
Supported file formats: BRF, TXT, PEF, Word, PDF, EPUB2
Media: Internal storage, USB-A thumb drive, SD card
Size: 8" × 5" × 1.4"
Weight: 1.12lbs

For help with or more information about the Zoomax eReader, access the NLS Braille eReader Zoomax Getting Started or NLS Braille eReader Zoomax User Guide and NLS Braille eReader Zoomax Frequently Asked Questions.

HumanWare Braille eReader

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HumanWare Braille eReader

Features: 20-cell refreshable braille display, Perkins-style keyboard, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 8GB internal storage, bookshelf feature for navigating content that contains more than one book or magazine. Keys for enhanced navigation and bookmarking.
Operation: 13 hours on rechargeable battery (with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned off)
Supports: Braille materials from NLS BARD, Bookshare, NFB-NEWSLINE
Media: Internal storage, USB-A thumb drive, SD card (SD, SDHC, SDXC up to 2TB)
Size: 7.2" × 3.7" × 1.0"
Weight: Less than 0.9lbs

For help with or more information about the HumanWare eReader, access the NLS Braille eReader HumanWare Getting Started or NLS Braille eReader HumanWare User Guide and NLS Braille eReader HumanWare Frequently Asked Questions.

iBill Currency Reader

The iBill Currency Reader is a handy tool for individuals who are blind or have low vision. It identifies U.S. paper currency denominations quickly and audibly, ensuring confidence in handling money independently.

WTBBL partners with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to provide currency reader devices, free of charge, to eligible individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The currency reader, called the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier, is a compact device that announces a note’s value in one of three ways: voice, pattern of tones, or pattern of vibrations. Just insert a note into the device and press the button on the side to have the denomination identified. WTBBL patrons who are interested can receive the free iBill directly from WTBBL by contacting 800-542-0866 or email [email protected].

For more information about the iBill visit the U.S. Currency Reader Program webpage on the Bureau of Engraving and Printing website. 

CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television Magnifier) Lending Program

Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) Independent Living Program has partnered with WTBBL for a CCTV lending program. A desktop CCTV is a low-vision aid that consists of a camera with a strong zoom lens, a large flat monitor, and lighting. In addition to magnification (sometimes up to 70 times), video magnifiers include enhanced text contrast and text-to-speech functions.

Who is eligible?

  • Current WTBBL patrons can receive a CCTV by becoming a client of the DSB Independent Living (IL) Program. To request services from the IL Program fill out the Request More Information form or call 800-552-7103 or email [email protected].
  • The IL Program is for people 24 and older who are experiencing difficulty performing customary life activities due to vision loss. IL services are provided to people who are unemployed, seeking employment, or attending school. The IL Program offers far more than just CCTVs. It teaches people with vision loss new skills, and provides other aids and devices needed to live independently.
  • As a client of the IL Program, you will be contacted by a local, DSB-approved community service provider who will help you choose the device that best suits your needs and train you on how to use the CCTV.
  • The loan of the CCTV is free and can be kept as long as it is being used.

How to Access Equipment

WTBBL provides this equipment free of charge to eligible patrons for long-term loan. To learn more or request a device, please call 800-542-0886 or email [email protected].