Talking Book Players

The Andrew Heiskell Library's talking books may only be played on National Library Service issued talking book players, or NLS-compatible players that are available for purchase (see below). The library provides digital  players on indefinite loan, free of charge, as long as patrons borrow talking books or magazines at least once a year. They have a charging cord and a rechargeable battery. Players allow you to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice as well as its speed. The players may be picked up at the library or sent through the mail. 

Digital Talking Book players come in two designs: Standard and Advanced. The Advanced model has a few more features than the Standard model and is helpful to those who listen to non-fiction with many chapters and sections, such as a cookbook. 

• Watch and listen to a video on how to use the talking book machine 
• Operating Instructions for the Standard Digital Machine. (Listen to an MP3 file of the instructions)
• Operating Instructions for the Advanced Digital Machine. (Listen to an MP3 file of the instructions)

The National Library Service updates the software used on the digital talking book player on a regular basis. If a recent talking book is played on your player, it will automatically update the software on your digital talking book player. 

To learn which version of the software your player is using and to obtain your player’s serial number, press the SLEEP button (crescent-shaped button) ten times. The player will keep repeating the numbers until the PLAY button (green rectangular button) is pressed.

Breath switches, pillow speakers, and special amplified audio for peopel with extensive hearing loss are available to those who need them. 

You can check for the latest version of the software and download it if needed by following the instructions at:

• Upgrade Digital Machine Software (National Library Service) 

Some Third-party players compatible with talking books include:

• APH Book Port Plus
• Apple iOS mobile devices (for use with BARD Mobile app)
• HIMS BookSense
• HIMS BookSense DS
• HIMS BookSense XT
• HIMS Sense Notetaker
• Victor Reader Stream by Humanware
• Victor Reader Stratus by Humanware
• Milestone 212
• Milestone 312
• PLEXTALK PTN2
• PLEXTALK Pocket PTP1

The Andrew Heiskell Library does not supply third-party players or cartridges. These may be available from: Perkins Products, the American Printing House for the Blind, and other vendors.